An eclectic mix of audiences from the subcontinent, including a few Saudi nationals, came together Thursday night to celebrate India's 61st Republic Day through a musical show organized by the Indian Cultural Society Jeddah (ICSJ) and Bazm-e-Osmania. The event ‘Melodious Golden Night' kept Jeddah's music lovers enthralled for three hours as Indian film playback singer Mohd. Salamat, popular for his renditions in “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” and “Devdas”, crooned some of his melodies as well as those of yesteryear's legendary singer Mohammed Rafi. The show, which began with the rendition of a patriotic song ‘Aye mere watan ke logo' (Oh people of my country) and ended with India's national anthem, gave a platform to the Indian community here to express their national fervor in an engaging way. Chief guest Shams Ahsan, Saudi Gazette managing editor, and guest of honor B. K. Aseeja, HOC at the Indian consulate, in their speeches highlighted the significance and purpose of the national day function. Describing Saudi-Indian ties as “exemplary”, Aseeja congratulated all Indians living away from their motherland on their republic day celebrations. Ahsan lauded the groups' efforts, saying: Like previous years this year too ICSJ is celebrating our Republic Day tonight.” He said: “Occasions like this rekindle our love for our homeland. It gives us an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the ideals and values enshrined in the Constitution of India. This gains even more importance in times like this when divisive forces are trying to play with the mosaic that is India. It is easier to sit at home wearing your nationalism on your sleeve, but the real challenge lies in leaving your home and hearth and keep your flag flying high,” he said. Arif Quraishi, ICSJ and Bazm-e-Osmania president, said the cultural program is part of the groups' 30-year-old tradition to remember and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by India's freedom fighters, and thanked the Saudi government for providing all the necessary permits to celebrate India's national day in the Kingdom. He gave credit to the Indian Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad for being the force behind all cultural programs in the Indian community. He thanked Indian Consul General Sayeed Ahmad Baba and other consulate officials, “because of whom we are able to organize this function”. Salamat's melodious voice touched an instant chord with the audience, who burst into an applause as he came on stage singing ‘Meri awaz suno' (Listen to my voice). This was the singer's first live performance in Saudi Arabia. Equally entertaining were local singers Rehana Saleem, Saifi Uddin, Jimmi Fareed Al-Waheedi, Master Ahmed, Mohammed Amjad and Syed Abdul Rafay. Arif Bhaldar compeered the event in an energetic fashion while Arif Siddiqui proposed the vote of thanks. The live orchestra was comprised of local musicians: Mohsin (keyboard), A. R. Durrani (keyboard), Habib (guitar), Hira (guitar), Osman Sheikh (drum), Ashraf (sound), Hussain and Ansar (tabla).
