Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Dec 24: Commemorating the birth centenary of Bagem Akhtar, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages organized a musical evening based on the songs sung by Begum Akhtar at KL Saigal Hall, in the Academy complex here today.
Prof Rita Jitendra, former secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, renowned artist, writer and social activist presided while Divisional Commissioner, Jammu Shantmanu was the chief guest. Haroon Rashid, secretary of the Academy and Dr Arvinder Singh Amn, additional secretary were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Rita Jitendra threw light on the life and works of Begum Akhtar. Describing her as internationally renowned singer, she said that Begum Akhtar devoted her life in the field of music and music was always in her heartbeats and breaths. She further said that the songs sung by her are well received by the mankind irrespective of caste, creed, colour and beyond the territorial limits in the world. She also applauded the efforts of J&K Cultural Academy for organizing this musical evening dedicating to the legendary figure.
Shantmanu complemented Academy and Ministry of Culture for celebrating the birth centenary of Begum Akhtar. While appreciating the performers of today’s programme, he said that the singers of Jammu very successfully sung the selective numbers of Begum Akhtar and they deserve a great applause.
Earlier, welcoming the august gathering, Haroon Rashid, secretary of the Academy said that on the guidelines of Ministry of Culture they have scheduled seminars, musical evenings and theatrical performances in various parts of all three regions of the State to commemorate the birth centenary of legend singer Begum Akhtar.
Deepali Wattal, Jeevan Sharma and Jasmeet Kaur, the renowned local singers, enthralled the audience with their melodious voice by presenting the famous Ghazals sung by Late Begum Akhtar.
They were accompanied by Vijay Anand (Tabla), Sanjay Pashi (Guitar), Sunil Sharma (Synth) and Mayank Raina (flute).
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