Bridging Gaps

By O.C., *ASG season ‘Tolerance and Peace’ opens* - The News International - Karachi, Pakistan
Saturday, October 10, 2009

The Asian Study Group season with the theme of ‘Tolerance and Peace’ opened to a houseful audience at the PNCA auditorium, initiated by Shafique Faruqi’s work, ‘Mysticism Through Colours,’ an exhibition of paintings featuring the whirling dervishes.

There was a flurry of activity as new members signed up and old ones renewed their membership while browsing through or buying ASG publications and calendars, which make an ideal gift for those living abroad.

Before addressing the audience, president ASG, Parvin Malik introduced the patron, ambassador of Switzerland, Marcus Peter, who said he was very pleased to welcome everyone. “Considering the circumstances under which ASG has to operate, the 2008/2009 season was a success,” he said, “although some of the traditional events like the end of the season evening at my residence could not take place — to my great regret.”

Adding that it was not the right occasion to elaborate on the reasons for the difficulties under which ASG had to carry out certain activities, he said it was necessary to point out that one of the main causes for these is a serious lack of trust between stakeholders with different concepts of life in the society we live in.

“This is the reason why ASG has chosen the theme, ‘Tolerance and Peace,’ the meaning of which we all know,” he said, “So the definition is not the problem, which starts with the implementation of everyone’s own concept of these terms. Despite having lived and worked in more than ten countries with different cultures, I still catch myself objecting to certain customs and values I have to deal with in my personal and professional life just because they are alien to my own beliefs and experiences.”

He went on to say that fortunately, he has the privilege to live in a social and cultural environment which usually reacts in a constructive way to these moments of prejudice.

In Pakistan the ASG has been an important part of this environment as it introduced him to the manifold values and traditions of the country and helped answer many questions. “With its diverse activities, ASG is a true metaphor for tolerance and, consequently, contributes in a peaceful way to the reconciliation of different values, customs and ideas in Pakistan. I am very proud and grateful to be part of a team which is bridging gaps between local and foreign citizens,” he said.

“The best way to express gratitude is by participating in large numbers in the programmes they arrange for us. Stand by it and make it a success!” He concluded with words of appreciation for Parvin Malik’s untiring efforts to keep ASG going despit the odds.

Parvin welcomed the audience and announced it was ASG’s 36th year of existence in Islamabad. “We are so happy to have you celebrate this moment with us and we are truly grateful to the PNCA for collaborating with us. This is one of the establishments that appreciates the efforts of voluntary organisations like the ASG and endorses and assists us it in our attempts to present Pakistan in its true, vibrant colours,” she said.

“We are equally grateful to Nestle for assisting us in sponsoring Arieb Azhars performance tonight.”

Explaining that the ASG is a voluntary organisation and its funds are limited to what it makes from its publications and membership, she said these are then forwarded to restoration and conservation projects, so indirectly all those involved are helping to conserve Pakistan’s rich heritage. She concluded by introducing the volunteer committee members, saying the ASG would never be able to survive without their enthusiasm as it was they who prepared the programmes for the season.

She then introduced Arieb Azhar, who is recognised nationally and internationally for rendering the poetry of Sufi and humanist content, quoting his words, “True music is the union between the individual and the universal; a release, rapture, celebration, quest, lament of the human spirit. If I am able to touch that in moments of my life, I consider myself fortunate.”

Arieb grew up listening to Eastern and Western classical and folk music. At the age of 19 he went to Croatia (then Yugoslavia) for his studies and spent thirteen years in Zagreb. In 2003 he moved back to Pakistan with the aim of immersing himself in the music of the sub-continent and has performed and been involved in the leading music festivals of the country — the Rafi Peer World Performing Arts Festival; Sufi Festival and more recently the Coke Studio projects.

Arieb introduced his accompanists Zeeshan Mansur (guitar); Akmal Qadri (flute) Amir Azhar (Bass) and Mohammed Ajmal (tabla) and made a statement about Guru Nanak which delighted most people in the audience and gave others pause to think.

“Baba Guru Nanak was born here and is a citizen of Pakistan though we may not give the idea a thought,” he said.

There followed over an hour of a real treat for those who enjoy music of this genre, with Arieb singing about a dozen numbers, some composed by himself and featuring poetry by Guru Nanak; Sultan Bahu; Baba Bulleh Shah; Shah Hussain; Sheikh Ayaz and others which are well known like ‘Husn-e-Haqiqi (the Beauty of Truth) by Khawaja Ghulam Farid; a Rajasthani folk number; a traditional Balkan gypsy folk song in the Roma and Serbo-Croat language; Mian Mohammed Baksh; Sarmad Sehbai; Akhtar Qayum and a rousing rendition of the ever popular Sindhi folk song ‘Mast Qalander.’

There was no doubt the audience was very moved by the whole performance.Thoughtfully, translations of the poetry were provided so that the expatriates in the audience were not completely at sea.

Although the language of music has no barriers and is understood by everyone, it’s good to know the meaning of what is being said especially as far as the poetry of Sufi poets is concerned with its message of love, peace
and tolerance.
[Pictures: right, Shafique Farooqi, Spiritual Dance, Oil Painting, 24 x 36 inches; left, Arieb Azhar.]