ISLAMABAD: Ustad Fateh Ali Khan’s matchless contribution to the music world will always be remembered.

He was an academy as he produced a large number of singers and musicians.

This was stated by the director general, Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Jamal Shah while speaking at a reference arranged by the council to pay tribute to the music icon.

He said all forms of music had one base that is classical music. PNCA is working for the promotion and revival of the classical music and Halqa-e-Ahbab-e-Mousiqui has been initiated for this purpose, Jamal Shah added.

Writer, Poet and Ex-DG PNCA Kishwar Naheed expressed sorrow and grief over the death of Ustad Fateh Ali Khan.

“We should take care of our real assets and intangible heritage. A country or a nation is known for their art, literature, tradition and culture. All these have become less important in our lives that’s why society is facing hatred and impatience. Music is the name of softness and love,” she said Music lovers and admirers of Ustad Fateh Ali Khan paid tribute to the legendary artist in their speeches.

Former bureaucrat Javed Ali Khan said artists like Ustad Fateh Ali Khan are born once in centuries. Students of music will follow him for their success.

Ex-IG Iftikhar Rasheed said that the government should patronize the classical musicians.

Director General Radio Kursheed Malik highlighted the services of Fateh Ali Khan for promotion of classical music and said his life was full of hard work.

An introduction of Patyala Gharana and Ustad Fateh Ali Khan was presented on multimedia through his interviews, talks and popular renditions.

A large number of singers and music lovers attended the reference.

Published in Dawn, January 12th, 2017