seemed determined not to be let down by the complaints sprouting out of deprivation from the lips of those artists.
The organisers were anxiously expecting the appearance of charismatic ‘kathak’ dancer and teacher, Ms Indo Mitha. However, they were disappointed as Indo Mitha was busy entertaining some guests at her home. However, she did took out some time to send a short message (SMS) to Dr Seema Khan, the Chairperson of ‘Mausikaar’, explaining her pre-arranged engagement at home but expressed her support and solidarity towards the cause of the organisers.
Meanwhile, Dr Seema Khan and Hassan Raza and Faiza Iqbal of ‘Mausikaar’ having patiently listened to what the artists have to say, set the ball rolling as to what could be the most practical measures to arrest the deterioration and then improve upon whatever little we are left with in the name of classical singing and music.
While the artists were vehemently pressing with their claim that they have rendered life time services not only to the art but have contributed immensely towards promoting the country and its culture at international level and have become an identity for Pakistan, thus they should be taken care of and be compensated by the government out of the huge funds that it allocates in the annual budget both at the federal as well as provincial level, the organisers seem to be pressing for a more pragmatic approach and seemed convinced that it would be better and far easier to approach the private electronic media and country’s thriving industry and business concerns to lend a helping hand.
“We can approach these media houses, requesting them to give at least one hour every week for airing a live or recorded programme of classical singing, dancing and music. This is a corporate world. We should not expect those people to accept our request for free. They are not in the business of philanthropy. So, we have to find the patrons and sponsors for these programmes. Somehow, I have a lot of hope that there will be business houses and industrial tycoons who would agree to help us if we may be able to present our case in a practical and suitable manner,” Mr Hassan Raza, himself an industrialist, pressed.
Seems to be a Herculean task but one, at least, can wish them success in their endeavor!