August 07, 2008	Thursday	Sha’aban 4, 1429

NAWABSHAH, Aug 6: A melody maestro attached to radio and television for a pretty long time is now leading a miserable life because of official apathy. The Culture Department appears to be slumbering, while Mohammad Yasin Miralam who sweated blood his entire life for the service of country is waiting for the miracle to happen. He hopes some day an angel would come down and make him walk again - on his own two feet!

This long-forgotten artiste performed with zest and zeal at Radio Pakistan Hyderabad and Karachi, and on the Pakistan Television during 80s and 90s of the last century.

He belongs to Sania family of Gwaliar, India, and is maternal uncle of our internationally famed vocalist, Mehdi Hassan. Mohammad Yasin began learning music at the age of seven from his father Ustaad Misri Khan (Sarangi Nawaz).

His excellent performance at Gajrah Wah School, way back in 1965, earned him acclaim along with a cash prize of Rs5,000 from the then President General Mohammad Ayub Khan for the song ‘Qadam Barhao’. His love for music gave him a break to work with Radio Pakistan Hyderabad and then at Karachi station where he made a name in the world of music.

Mohammad Yasin’s performance on the PTV was another milestone which opened an avenue to Silver Screen. His melodious notes, along with Ustaad Mohammad Yousuf and Humera Channa in Sindhi movies – Marvara and Meeran Jamali – were big achievements. Unfortunately, Marvara could not see the light of the day due to financial crunch facing the producer.

The deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi in 90s forced him to move back to Nawabshah where fate had something else in store for the artiste. It was here that Mohammad Yasin lost his leg in an accident. Despite spending whatever he had, the life on crutches could not be done away with.

His physical disability could not lessen his affection for music for he began coaching the disciples and churned out some big names like Master Wali Mohammad, Iqbal Bano, Azra Riaz, Ashraf Gill and many others. He brought them on to the road of fame and success, while he himself remained obscure from the music arena – courtesy - official neglect.

Mohammad Yasin in a chit-chat with Dawn said that his disability was not permanent and can be turned into ability, if treated properly. He went on to tell that from time to time he kept writing to ministers and secretaries of Culture Department for financial assistance but to no avail.

He regretted being burden on in-laws for such a long time as his source of income was nil.With lots of hope and courage, he sought the attention of Asif Ali Zardari for helping senior artistes like him, out from the financial crisis by directing the concerned department to allocate monthly stipend and also establishing an academy from where the talent could be transferred to budding singers.