Jamia Journal Independent Student-run News Website of Jamia Millia Islamia (a Central University)
Students of Jamia were treated to a mesmerizing Sufiana Kalaam performed by a renowned musical artist, Ustad Zila Khan on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011.
The event was organized by Jamia as part of the celebrations in memory of Dr. Zakir Hussain’s 114th birth anniversary.
Khan is an Indian Sufi singer who sings both classical and semi-classical musical forms. She performs in the tradition of the Imadkhana gharana.
The chief guest for the event was Mr. Khurshid Alam Khan, the former chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia and son-in-law of Dr. Zakir Hussain. He was accompanied by his son Salman Khursheed, the union minister for minority affairs.
Also present were: Vice Chancellor Najeeb Jung, Professor S.M. Rashid, pro-vice chancellor; faculty and students.
The evening began with a speech by Rashid on the role of Dr. Zakir Hussain in establishing Jamia Millia Islamia. “Zakir Sahab ko kisi ta’arruf ki zarurat nahin” (Zakir Sir needs no introduction), he remarked. In his speech, he also said that he hopes that Salman Khurshid will continue playing his role of helping Jamia, in whichever way possible.
The Sufi performance started with Khan singing a song titled “Mubarak Ho.” As the evening progressed, the intoxication induced by her magical voice also kept increasing. The sweetness of her voice was well complimented by Tabla, Dholak, Harmonium and Sitar musicians in the background.
She showcased her singing skills by performing a vast range of musical forms like Qaul, Qalbana, Gul and others quite well. Her captivating performance was enjoyed equally by the students and the vice chancellor, who was seen fully absorbed by the performance.
On hearing the cheers and applause, as soon as Khan had started to sing “Koi to hai jo nizam hasti,” she complimented the students by saying that it was nice to see the young retaining the old as well as adopting the new.
Even at the end of a two hour performance by Khan, the audience craved for more.
The Vice Chancellor gave a concluding speech by speaking about Dr. Zakir Hussain and also thanked the students for being a good audience.
Scenes From the Event
1. Pictures
*Click on an image to enlarge
2. Video (Link to Video)
