A fund raising event entitled -An Ode to Heritage was staged on the chilled evening of 12th December, 2003 at Sir Shankar Lal Hall at Modern School, Barakhamba Road. The objective was to raise funds for the cultural complex "Srimanta Sankaradeva Bhawan"- built by Assam Association, Delhi at Qutub Institutional Area in South Delhi. Sponsored by ONGC, the event was co-sponsored by OIL, GAIL and BRPL. A few other organizations like Coca-Cola, Divinity, Café Coffee Day, Red FM, Net Carrots, Hindustan Times and NEEPCO pitched in to be the event partners.
It was an evening filled with divine energy which only the congregation of music lovers ensembled that evening could feel. The huge oval hall bedecked with choicest flowers and decor was looking like a bride waiting to be garlanded. The jadugars were the Sarod prodigies, sons of the legendary Maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan- Amaan Ali Bangsh and Ayaan Ali Bangash accompanied in tabla by the wizard of the Percussion Ustad Zakir Hussain. The hall was packed to the brim, the ragas played in the sarod and tabla lifted the souls to ethereal level. In one session of two hours time stood still. One can see magnetized people swaying to the tunes of the ragas, mesmerized by the genius of the trio. Wah! What an evening that was.
The function began on dot at 7:30 PM with the melodious announcement of Rini Khanna. Renowned journalist, Ex-MP and trusted friend of Assam, Mr. Kuldip Nayyar lit the ceremonial lamp. He spoke briefly saluting the rich cultural heritage of Assam, its natural endowment, and rich human resources and prayed for speedy recovery of the state to normalcy. The presence of Sri Tarun Chandra Gogoi, Chief Minister of Assam and other dignitaries added color to the show.
The event showcased as a continuum of heritage from generation-to-generation in complete harmony. Ustad All Rakha Khan used to perform with Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.
In turn his son, Ustad Zakir Hussain performs with Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and now his sons who are about three decades younger than him. This carry forward of the classical tradition - which otherwise is witnessing a decline and dwindle was the central theme of the event. As usual there was stampede of sorts after the show to meet the wizards by the press and the public. Ustadji and the young maestros were accommodating enough, relishing a well-concerted show.
This is the second such major event organized by the Assam Association, Delhi in last two decades. Earlier, in 1992, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan did a Sarod recital with Actor - Danseuse Hema Malini doing a Bhrat Natyam Recital in second half. During that show substantial amount was raised to kick start construction of the building a decade later. This time around an Organizing Committee headed by President Mr. Bikash Chandra Bora, Ex-CMD of ONGC and Manoj Kumar Das, Organizing Secretary with the help of a close group of dedicated members of the Association managed the event quite professionally with the assistance of an event Manager Mr. Bikram Singh Thockchom, who hails from Manipur.
The show was also a landmark in another sense. It was the first ticketed show of classical music in the last many - many years. The paid classical shows in Delhi have long died due to various reasons. Sponsored shows with free passes in this city of VIPs have rang a death bell to respect for classical music. According to Mrs. Subhalakshmi Khan, adviser of the show to the Association, the show has brought back respect for classical music in the capital and now many more organizers will have the courage to come forward with ticketed concerts, where only the audience with genuine love for music will become part of the concerts, not everyone who could grab free passes through connections.
For the Association, it was a financial coup. They managed to save a net of about Rs. 20 lakhs, which is critical at this juncture to complete the construction.
- Manoj Das, New Delhi.
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