Ghulam Ali casts a spell, Mamata asks ghazal maestro to come back soon

Quoting a message of Swami Vivekananda she said: “Swamiji taught us to be tolerant and we all will be happy if the entire country is content.” 

The maestro performed at Netaji Indoor Stadium. Before starting the programme he thanked Banerjee for organising the event in the city and said, “Today I am feeling as if the days of unhappiness are over.”

He said, “Today I am really very happy. I had visited the city several times earlier almost once every year. But today, hospitality of the people here made me feel as if I visited the city to perform after around 50 years.” 

His earlier programme scheduled in Mumbai last year was cancelled due to protests by Shiv Sena. Ali reached the venue at around 5 pm and was received by Banerjee at the entrance of the stadium. 

Banerjee said, “Today he (Ali) will give a message paying respect to the music. It is not possible to bind music, writings and language within a boundary. It is for the entire world. We are really grateful to all of you for performing here in the city. We have great respect and love for you.”

Remembering Swami Vivekananda on his 152nd birth anniversary, she said, “I pay my respect to Swami Vivekananda. He taught us humanity and to be tolerant. Nothing counts more than that. We can smile only when the people from across the world are happy. We believe in unity.” 

She told the maestro: “West Bengal loves you. It was not possible to accommodate everybody in the stadium. Thus I request you to perform again in the city.”

Hundreds of people had to wait outside as the stadium was packed much before the programme started in the evening. Many had to watch the singer performing on giant screens installed outside the stadium. 

Musicians from different parts of the state and artists from the Hindi and Bengali cinema industry were present in the stadium. The ghazal maestro received a standing ovation when he entered the venue.

Security in and around the stadium was tightened up to avoid any untoward incident. Additional policemen were deployed at all the entry and exit points of the stadium.