Fundraising event features Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

Islamabad
A fundraising event featuring Pakistan’s living legend Ustad Rahet Fateh Ali Khan, was orgainsed by the NGO, ‘Subh-e-Nau’ (a new dawn) at the Marriott Hotel. To no one’s surprise, the proceedings began fashionably late as Islamabad’s laid back social crowd walked in at their leisure, but the arrangements were good and seating of ticket holders was well managed by young volunteers.
A huge stage had been set up at one end of the Crystal Hall; sofa booths occupied the center and chairs had been placed at the higher end for those who purchased tickets at the door. Eventually, dinner was served with a variety of specialties to cater to different palates and when it was over, the show began. TV talk show host Ayesha Sana was the MC for the evening.
First there was a slide show and presentation by doctors and on what work the NGO is doing and where. The man behind SeN, Dr Jawad Chistie, was unable to attend as he was not well but his mother was present to oversee the affair. After the official business and vote of thanks for the sponsors, a talented young lady, who is one of the most active and cheerful people to be seen about town despite the fact that she has been confined to a wheel chair, Muniba Mazari, spoke of the good work being done by the NGO and urged the community to support its efforts. She was followed by Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of Argentina, Rodolfo Martin-Saravia, who praised the NGO for its efforts at rehabilitation of persons with disabilities (PWD’s) and also generously offered to raise funds for the cause by hosting a meal of Argentinean steak for bidders! Unfortunately, the MC did not enlighten the audience that there was a kind of auction going on -- which she should have because it’s not easy to understand someone speaking with an accent in a room with the disturbance of people chattering and moving around - so no one came forward at the time but may have done so later when they learned about the offer.
Anyway, by now, excitement was high as the audience waited for the star of the evening. A full orchestra including eight instrumentalists -- three on percussion; one on synthesisers; one on a small piano; two on guitars and one on trombone -- six ‘qawwali’ backup singers and hand clappers and one tabla maestro, came on stage and gave a rousing rendition of the musical score from one of the movies Rahat has sung for. As the notes faded, the musicians stood up and Rahat appeared, taking his place on the stage to a round of applause. Beginning with his signature ‘qawwali’, ‘Allah Hu’ he went on to sing other ‘qawwalis’ and popular numbers from the movies he has lent his voice to. Needless to say, his fans were delighted and clapped along to the beat; young men were motivated to get up and dance and a good time was had by all with most people staying on till the end of the show.
SeN is a registered charity engaged for more than two decades in conserving nature; promoting sports; working for improving public health and targeting disability. Its main areas of work include advocacy and raising awareness for environmental, health, disability and rehabilitation initiatives, including on-ground environmental projects such as plantation, organic food promotion and relief and rehabilitation projects. It is a non-profit, non-partisan, apolitical organization working for, and with people from diverse backgrounds.
The SeN Disability Reduction and Rehabilitation Programme (SNDRRP) originally focused on sportsmen suffering serious injuries and was later expanded in response to the tragic October 2005 earthquake. Their approach is community based and is the first of its kind -- they have worked with more than 800 PWD’s with collaborating partners, which include Toronto Rehab, the International Center for Disability and Rehabilitation at the University of Toronto -- one of the world’s most prestigious rehabilitation sciences programme.
Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan needs no introduction!