THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Ramesh Chander
The writer is A Retired Career Diplomat.
Virsa Vihar, a hub of cultural activities in Jalandhar, hosed ‘Sumai Sham – Musical Evening’ of filmy songs on March 21. It was a lively and lovely evening of to enjoy the songs mostly of yesteryears from the local talent available in plenty. Courtesy Vice President of the Virsa Vihar, Sangat Ram and his colleagues at the Sur-Sangam, an affiliate of Virsa Vihar, I also participated in the event as a guest of Honour. I can say with a great sense of satisfaction that it provided me a perfect platform to relax and unwind in these days of hassle and running around.
The function was presided over by a renowned Music Guru, Dr. Arun Misra and a great personality of Jalandhar in the field of business, socio-cultural life and journalism, Shital Vij of the Dainik Savera as the Chief Guest and IPS officer – DIG, Inderbir Singh, himself an accomplished singer as the Special Guest. From this only, one can easily make out the scale and status of the function which was aptly and skillfully, as usual, was anchored and steered by Sangat Ram, a son of the soil and and highly recognized and acclaimed personality in the socio-cultural landscape of Jalandhar and beyond. His poetic (Shayrana) interjections in the programme were appropriate, appreciative and commendable. He was ably assisted by an accomplished musical performer herself, Seema Bhagat.
The more was yet to come which made the evening a great event. The corps of singers comprising both of accomplished and trained performers was led by Major General (Retired) Lakhwinder Singh Vohra, DIG Inderbir Singh, Dr. Lata of LPU, Naresh Dhiman, Ramesh Mudgil of Sur- Sangam, Bindu Kohli, Rakesh Shantodoot, Raman Bhardwaj with new enthusiasts like Dr. Mohan Mehmi, Raj Kumar Ahir among others. The hit songs of good old days – Tum Agar Sath Dene Ka Bada Karo – Milti Hai Zindgi Mein Muhabat Kabhi Kabhi – Tumhi Mere Mandir Tumhi Meri Pooja Tumhi Devta Ho and many more ever-green numbers really made the evening Surmai Sham. The only duet sung by Inderbir and Lata stole the show.
Knowing well that I am not a singer yet Sangat Ram ji was kind enough to invite me to the rostrum not only to honour me but also address the discerning audience of music lovers. It was indeed a pleasure for me. Expressing my naivety to sing, I took shelter under the Urdu poetic expression and appreciating the available singing talent present said – Na Alfaze Hamdo Sana Janta Hoon;Na Dilchasap Tarze Adda Janta Hoon. Some of renditions were so touching that, while listening many a times, I had tears in my eyes which I covered with a famous couplet of Mirza Galib – Ragon Mein Dodne Phirne Ke Hum Nahin Qayal; Jo Ankh Hi Se Na Tapka Lahu Kya Hai. I concluded my brief remarks with greetings on the Eid, Navrattri and Navroz and recited a thought provoking Nazam of Allama Iqbal – Naya Shivala which is as relevant today as it were before – the last couplet of the Nazam spells the need of the hour –
Shakti Bhi Shanti Bhi Bhakton Ke Geet Main Hai
Dharti Ke Bashion Ki Mukti Preet Mein Hai
