"Best In This Land"

Thomas Anderson arrives in India to become a Red Cross medic.  He is inspired that India holds a great destiny for him.   Can his dream survive the reality of the jungle war in Burma?  Vocal by Lucas Poost

In a village outside Calcutta, Tom meets Doctor Thakur, who introduces him to the humanitarian work that he and his helpers are doing.  Vocals by Nehal Joshi and ensemble

Julia receives a letter from India letting her know that Tom has quit the Red Cross and has disappeared.  Vocal by Micaela Diamond

Sung by Thakur (the Indian doctor and spiritual guide) to end Act One.  He hopes to inspire Tom to find a path back to purpose and self worth thru loving service to the poor and helpless of 1943 Calcutta.   Vocal by Nehal Joshi

There is joyous baby naming  ceremony (namakaran) in the jungle town.  Despite the endless needs surrounding them because of the Great Famine of Bengal in 1943, there is still time for a celebration of life as an abandoned child gets recognized for the miracle that she is.  Vocals by Nehal Joshi, Salma Shaw and ensemble

Thakur narrates, and the villagers recreate, the story of his life as a homeless medical student living in a train station in Calcutta.  It was there that Thakur found his life's work and purpose.  Vocals by Nehal Joshi and ensemble

Julia leaves Tom behind in India.  Her victory is to do it with love and not bitterness.  Vocals by Micaela Diamond and Lukas Poost