"Hojamalo" in Sindhi, stands for a fun-filled program!  That is exactly what the 1500+ strong crowd got when they came to Sh. Rashid auditorium on evening of Monday, 1st December, 2008.
 
For 10th year in a row, without a single exception, Ms. Asha Chand presented her annual program that was full with gusto and gaiety.  Kudos to her for this unique achievement.
 
Chief Guest of the program was India’s famous barrister and constitutional authority Mr. Ram Jethmalani who flew into Dubai after a 10 years’ gap especially for this program.
 
The program started with paying homage to the victims of Mumbai terrorist attack, which was followed by a beautiful dance performance by world renowned Sindhi Ballet artist Anila Sunder.  Her mesmerizing charm, grace and dance expertise captivated hearts of everyone in the audience. Later in the program, she gave two more sterling performances.
 
Zamin Ali, the 22-year old singing sensation from Sind, Pakistan, lived to his tall reputation and enthralled the audience with his strong, yet silky smooth voice.  He entertained one and all with a rich collection raging from classical songs of legendary Sindhi singer Master Chander to the latest youth tunes.
 
Renu Gidoomal, London based charismatic singer who charmingly plays her electrical guitar while singing popular Sindhi Kalams was an instant hit with crowd.
 
The fourth pillar of this evening’s program was the famous Sindhi comedy-poet Ashok Sundrani who has gained fame through his successful performances on the Great Indian Laughter Show.  He had everyone in ripples by his anecdotes and stories that were full of wit and wisdom.
 
An integral –and very appropriate in my opinion- part of Asha Chand's programs is involvement of local talent, local youth in particular.  Young local artists gave some amazingly refreshing dance performances accompanying the artists who had come from India and Pakistan, adding zest to it all.
 
Asha Chand thanked the various Sindhi Business houses of Dubai who have been sponsoring her various programs and Sindhi tele-films. She renewed her long standing commitment that tele-media is one of the strongest medium of keeping our language and culture alive.  Mr. Jethmalani strongly endorsed this and while congratulating Asha for excellent work done by her in this direction, promised her of his full support.
 
By Kamlesh Moorjani
Kamlesh@moorjanis.com