By Reshil Charles - CNN-IBN - New Delhi, India
Monday, April 2, 2007
Jahan-e-khusro—Delhi’s three-day-long rendezvous with Sufi mystics came to an end Sunday night. The renowned music festival organised by the state tourism dept and Rumi foundation saw singers from America, Iran, Pakistan and India perform live at the Quli Khan's Tomb near the Qutub Minar in the capital.
But what should have been a time of spiritual upliftment and harmony turned out to be nightmare for the media persons. Right from the restricted side enclosure to facing rowdy security men—the media was treated like an uninvited guest at the Sufi festival.
“Media does not understand Sufi music concert. They think it’s just like covering a fashion show. Sufi is a meditative thing and people here do not understand that,” said Muzzafar Ali, Founder, Jahan-e-Khusrau.
It was a Sunday evening like none other with exotic sufi dancer Wendy Jehlan dancing against backdrop of the remains of Delhi's first city—Mehrauli.
Sadly, that did not go on for long and a boring poetry recital by Sunit Tandon had most wanting to leave, until Malini Awasti from Lucknow mellowed spirits down with her renditions of Khusrau saab's persian poetic delicacy.
The “rowdy security persons” deployed at the venue manhandled a Zee News cameraperson—who was trying to shoot the concert from different angles.
The lens-man who was merely doing his job was assaulted and dragged out of the venue for moving around a bit too much. Irate media persons decided not to shoot the rest of the performances. Authorities tried their best to make it up, but the damage was done.
“I represent the Rumi society and I apologise on behalf of my organisation for the unfortunate incident that occurred inside. One of the media person was hit by somebody from our organisation,” said Jacky Garewal of Rumi Foundation.
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