Exquisite ghazals that convey a social message

Language is one of the most powerful emblems of social behaviour. In the normal transfer of information through language, we use language to send vital social messages about who we are, where we come from, and who we associate with.

Noted social worker and cultural activist Dr Mridula Tandon was the recipient of honours and felicitated at a graceful assembly of writers and social figures, organised by the foundation SIET, on Tuesday evening at India International Centre.

The evening commenced with a heart wrenching performance by adolescent girls from 'Sakshi NGO', their performance to the song 'Aye Khuda' depicted the evils against women prevalent in society. It spread a strong message encompassing issues like female foeticide, dowry practice, rape, domestic violence, girl child education, women empowerment, gender equality, stalking, eve-teasing etc. The messages and presentations by these children touched an emotional chord in the audience; and many were seen teary eyed.

A lyrical follow up to the message of gender disparity was next – ghazals by Shakeel Ahmed, who, with his accompanying artists enthralled the audience with original compositions of choice lyrics by highly esteemed Shayars like Nida Fazli's, 'Vrindavan Ke Krishan Kanhaiyya Alla Hu' Nazim's 'Aisa Hua Deewana Main,' Aleena Itrat's – 'Abhi to chaak pe jaar hai raks mitti ka', Zeeshan's 'Vasal Ki Shab Guzar Na Jaye Kahin,' among others. The overflowing hall and appreciative applause evidenced the audience response. His singing, range and depth fascinated everyone present.

Dr Tandon is also known for her work in promoting writers of Hindi and Urdu literature and the classical and semi classical forms of Hindustani music and dance. She opined that these arts, which are a living heritage of our society, need to be brought to a wider and mainstream audience to ensure that they flourish and enrich society, rather than just surviving in the ivory towers that they seem to have retreated to.