Prominent Artists, Literary figures and Dignitaries Honour the late maestro
Jameel Ansari
Srinagar, November 24: The Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, in collaboration with the National Society for Human Welfare, organised a grand commemorative function at Tagore Hall Srinagar to pay rich tributes to the legendary Kashmiri singer Ustad Ghulam Hassan Sofi.
The event witnessed an impressive gathering of leading personalities from the fields of art, culture and literature, along with admirers of the late maestro.
Renowned Kashmiri vocalists Qaiser Nizami, Waheed Jeelani, Muneer Ahmad Mir, Asad Anjum, Ajaz Ahmad Rah, Mohammad Shafi Malik and young vocalist Aqib Asad mesmerised the audience by performing the memorable and soulful compositions of Ustad Sofi.
The event was graced by former Deputy Director General Radio Kashmir Srinagar, Bashir Aarif as the Chief Guest, while Joint Director Information Kashmir Shahnawaz Bukhari, Joint Director News Tariq Rather, Senior Producer EMRC University of Kashmir Dr. Tariq Khawar, Financial Advisor J&K Home Department Shakeel Maqbool Itoo, Assistant Commissioner Development Srinagar Tariq Ahmed Reshi, and Executive Director Power Development Corporation Engineer Javed Ahmed Dar attended as guests of honour.
Welcoming the dignitaries, Ideel Saleem, Additional Secretary of the Academy, paid heartfelt homage to the late Ustad Sofi and said that “the magic of his voice continues to provide peace and comfort even today. Today’s event is a humble tribute to his everlasting contribution to Kashmiri music.”
Special audio and video messages honouring Ustad Gh. Hassan Sofi were also showcased from eminent music composer Pandit Krishan Langoo, renowned vocalist Shameema Dev Azad and Justice (Retd.) B. A. Khan, recalling the profound impact of Sofi Sahib’s artistic legacy.
On the occassion Chief Guest Bashir Aarif described Ustad Ghulam Hassan Sofi as “a glorious chapter in the history of Kashmiri music who carried Sufi poetry and folk tunes to every household.” He further said that the late maestro kept Kashmiri cultural expression alive through Radio Kashmir and played a vital role in transmitting the true spirit of music and culture to future generations. “His divine voice continues to enchant hearts even today, and his contributions will remain written in golden letters in the history of music,” he added.
The event was attended by a wide spectrum of eminent figures from the field of art and literature, including writers, poets, Broadcasters, singers, performers, Scholars and admirers of the legendary vocalist. Speakers appreciated the efforts of the Academy for organising such commemorative events, stating that such initiatives not only honour iconic artists like Ustad Ghulam Hassan Sofi but also inspire younger generations to value their artistic legacy.
Towards the end, the Academy also felicitated the participating artists for their performances.
The event was conducted by the renowned broadcaster Rashid Nizami, who efficiently handled the proceedings of the ceremony.
