Report
Sindhyat Ja Sartaaj created crowning glory moments in Dubai
Living legends performed, entertained and were felicitated
New Sindhi Talking Cards
Dubai, UAE: Asha Chand put on her 26th annual entertainment programme at Sheikh Rashid Auditorium in Dubai on 16th November. Witnessed by a packed hall, the programme titled “Sindhyat Jo Sartaaj” featured accomplished singers and music composers including Mahesh Chander, Ghanshyam Vaswani and Kaajal Chandiramani.
At the outset a brief tribute was paid to late Ram Buxani, who built a successful career in Dubai and simultaneously served the cause of Sindhyat. Over the decades, Buxani arranged several Sindhi programs inviting community artistes so that they perform, entertain and continue the Sindhi culture. His life was beautifully chronicled through a series of projected images with voiceover by Asha Chand. She added that his daughter Haneesha Alwani was now following the footprints left behind by Buxani.
Following the tribute, the program kickstarted with the heart-stirring cultural anthem of the Sindhis, "Aandhi Mein Jyot Jagayarn Vara Sindhi", rendered by Ghanshyam Vaswani and Kaajal Chandiramani. Asha recounted the history behind the song which was conceived in 1961 by the erstwhile Principal of Indian High School Dr. Moti Prakash. Encapsulating the spirit of the Sindhi community, the song describes how Sindhis can light a candle in the storm, and turn ashes into gold with their hard work. The song goes on to showcase how the community lives in harmony and brotherhood spreading love wherever they go.
The evening was dedicated to songs from Sindhi films spanning a wide timeline from 1950s to this date. The Sindhi Silver Screen came alive with throbbing era songs from films such as "Pyaar Kare Dis", "Jhulelal", "Shal dhiar na jaman", "Hal Ta Bhajee Haloon". The repertoire ranged from love to devotional songs delivered soulfully by the three living legends.
The three artistes were felicitated in a grand manner with citations, shawls, trophies and cheques for their priceless contribution to the promotion of Sindhi language and culture through their singing. Asha read the citations written in Sindhi Persio-Arabic script praising each of the stalwarts for their devotion to the cause of Sindhyat.
Chief Guest, honorable Dr. Payal Kukrani, MLA from Gujarat Government explained how she was greeted in Sindhi by India’s Prime Minister even before she was elected. The respect given to her mother tongue by the head of state strengthened her resolve to do something worthwhile for the cause of Sindhyat. Her proposals to the Government bore fruit and she announced the Government had earmarked 5,000 sqm of land along with funding of Rs 18 crore to construct a museum dedicated to the Sindhi language, history, culture, its challenges, its achievements and much more. Payal Ji urged everyone to speak the language at home and further the cause of Sindhyat.
Managing Editor of News18, Kishore Ajwani gave an eloquent lowdown in Sindhi on various reasons why the Sindhi community has always been successful and progressive. He attributed the cause mainly to our mindset to work, create and build. Ajwani added, "Sindhis don't get bogged down by their circumstances, but instead they carve their own circumstances". By providing various examples, Ajwani was able to validate his premise that far from having a victim attitude, the Sindhis always forge ahead relentlessly with a victor attitude toward achievements. Appreciating the Sindhis who started from scratch post partition, he showcased how our per capita income has risen phenomenally vis a vis other communities in the world.
Aside from the three living legends belting out Sindhi film songs, Amitabh Bachchan look-alike Mr Rajkumar Bakhtani entertained the audience with the song, “Hoondey Bagh Bhalo ta milanday Moomal Kunwaar Rana". Asha was quick to point out that
several Sindhi song tunes were plagiarized by Bollywood films reinforcing the creativity and originality of Sindhi songs. The audience enjoyed Bakhtiani’s physical resemblance to Bollywood icon and as well his behavioral imitation.
Punctuating the live singing and round of felicitations were several well choreographed dances. Young dancers swayed to Koshi Lalwani's famous song, "Jaag Sindhi Jaag", a melodious warning and clarion call to preserve our fast fading language and culture. The troupe of dancers also performed to a medley of marriage numbers sung by Pinky Maidasani
Finally, Deepak Keswani introduced Asha Chand's new Sindhi talking cards complete with QR codes to provide the accurate pronunciation of Sindhi worlds. Co-anchor Simran Ahuja appreciated Asha’s unstoppable efforts toward creative innovation to help the community learn its language.
The entire program was seamlessly anchored by Asha Chand herself and cultural icon Simran Ahuja. Asha's soft, knowledge packed quiet style was well balanced by Simran’s bright and jovial style. The two ladies bound the entire program into one symphony for Sindhyat.
Report of Sindhyat Ja Sartaaj By Reshma Tahliani
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