Sakshi organized a Ghazal and Mushaira Nite at Defence Colony Club, New Delhi to help our busy urban residents rediscover our rich musical heritage of Urdu poetry (Mushaira) and semi-classical singing (Ghazals). Sakshi's teachers and staff were also included in this celebration of our culture. 

Ustad Shakeelji of the Dilli Gharana performing Ghazals from Ghalib, Zafar and Dehlvi. Sakshi organized the Ghazal and Mushaira Nite to help our busy urban residents reconnect with their rich musical heritage. Along with the poets in the Mushaira, Shakeelji transported the audience into a magical world of love and longing, friendship and separation for the space of the evening. Click here to see photos.

Dr. Mridula Tandon and Mr. Subhash Lakhotia Light the Lamp

To inaugurate the evening, the lamp was lit by President of Sakshi, Dr. Mridula Tandon and Chief Guest, Mr. Subhash Lakhotia, the eminent tax expert and Sakshi's long-time supporter. Mr. Aijaz Ansari, a poet of reknown with many published compilations of poems, and also a school teacher was the compere

Ustaad Shakeel, Dilli Gharana takes the Audience into the Melodious World of Ghazals

The Ghazals were performed by Ustaad Shakeel of the Dilli Gharana. Shakeelji has performed at many national and international venues and for a short time immersed the listeners in the myriad moods of the immortal poets who once lived in our very own Delhi - Daag Delhvi, Bahadur Shah Zafar, Mirza Ghalib, Momin. These poets speak a universal language of love and longing, friendship and separation and for a few hours, Shakeelji's singing transported the audience to this rich, mesmerizing and melodious world.   

Urdu Academy Poets perform a Moving and Patriotic Mushaira

Thirteen up and coming poets then performed in the Mushaira. These poets were specially selected with the help of the Urdu Academy. The aim was to felicitate them and provide them with a platform to reach a wider audience.

The poets were magical and moving. Their poems spoke of their love for their country, their soil, their diverse fellow citizens who made up their family. This was a homage to Independence Day, the day gained her freedom from the British Empire, which was in itself a fitting homage to the many selfless freedom fighters who gave up their lives for the future of the country - that is to say, us and our children.

Each poet had his own unique style, each perfect in its way. The common thread was a shining love for India, Bharat Mata, Hindustan expressed in the beautiful Urdu language.

India's Tradition of Inter-Cultural Osmosis Exemplified

A Sikh gentleman from the Punjab was one of the up and coming Urdu poets reminding us of India's long tradition of inter-cultural osmosis where Sufis sing their devotion to Lord Krishna and all religions trek to pay obeisance to Salim Chisti's Dargah in Ajmer Sharif.  

The Joy of India's Languages

India's languages, be it Sanskrit, Urdu, Hindi or any local language, have a history of thousands of years of development behind them. They have a word for every nuance and a nuance for every word. For example, the English word "Love" has dozens of translations in Urdu/Hindi depending on the particular context. The range of expression and beauty of intonation of these languages is unmatchable. It is a joy to hear them spoken.  

Ninety-year Old Colonel Sethi is best Amateur Poet

Last but not least, Sakshi had previously held a mail-in poetry contest for Defence Colony residents and the best poet was to recite his submission on stage. A ninety-year old gentleman, Colonel Sethi, was the winner and declaimed as well as the professional poets much to the delight and admiration of all and sundry.