‘Mausikaar’ mulls over means to revive classical singing, music

Islamabad
They were few in numbers. In fact very few! But they were what we can describe the ‘cultural elite’, a breed that is perilously trembling on the verge of extinction in Pakistan. I was amazed that this is what we are left with! I felt extremely impoverished!
Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, probably the only living legend of classical singing we can claim to have, was there sitting in a straight-back chair. He was surrounded by Ustad Ajmal one of the top table maestro of Pakistan, Arif Jaffery, who once was the pride of Pakistan for his mastery in playing flute and an ardent music lover and collector and there was this ‘tiny’ (no pun intended and hope she will not mind) Saima Khushnood, who shot into prominence for her classical dancing but now seemed to have been pushed way back in the murky shadows from the limelight in which she once had basked.
The debris of a majestic structure, that once stood gloriously, seemed to be scattered in the hall of Sir Syed Memorial building. They were disgruntled, dismayed, disappointed, and dejected. They whimpered and bemoaned while talking as to what they have given to the country during a life time and what they have got in return to their services.
There were a few others too but, to be honest, I couldn’t recognise them because I had hardly had an opportunity to watch or listen them perform. And they were loud and angry in their complaints!
And there was a third set of people present, striving to play ‘Patrons’ of classical singing and music. Again not more than the tips of fingers a healthy person has (thumbs not included) in numbers!
All those cries of anguish from the singers and musicians and the lone dancer present in the ‘huddle’ reflected on the faces of those representing ‘Mausikaar’, a trust established to protect, preserve and promote classical and semi-classical singing and music. They listened attentively, appeared somber but 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!