THIS is apropos of the report 'Legendary singers remembered' (Nov 4) Music, a universal language, transcends boundaries. It unifies people irrespective of their religion, caste, culture and creed.

The music promoting sufism and upholding the truth is highly valued and esteemed all over the world, especially in India and Pakistan, a land of saints and sufis whose message of love and peace is proudly and devotedly propagated by singers with boundless love and immense devotion and gratitude. Spiritualism is ingrained in the very nature of the people of this part of the world.

Both legendary singers, Baghat Kanwar Ram and Master Chandr played their respective pivotal role in promoting Sufi music in Sindh. With their sonorous and honeyed voice, coupled with the magical and soul-stirring rendition, they always mesmerised their listeners, sending them in trance.

Baghat Kanwar Ram was a kind-hearted man. He would distribute money among the poor, the handicapped and widows. His generosity was well-known. That was why the whole of India plunged into gloom when he was shot dead in 1939. It was a colossal loss to humanity.

In the words of writer Shaukat Hussain Shoro, “His killing was tantamount to the murder of Sufism”.

Kudos to the Sindh culture department for taking the initiative to highlight their contributions to Sufi music of Sindh. It is also heartening to note that a recording company has recorded 214 songs of Master Chandr.

It is a step in the right direction to preserve the great music of his time for the posterity. In this regard, efforts of Muhammad Qasim Makka, should be applauded.

Ironically, we have miserably failed to resist the invasion of foreign culture through the ever growing media, eclipsing our rich culture. Our young generation, regrettably, is quite oblivious of their rich Sindhi culture.

Yes, the two energetic brothers, Zulfiqar Ali and Mazhar Ali, are still firmly resisting the temptation of pop music and painstakingly making efforts to promote Sindhi classical and traditional music.

KHADIM HUSSAIN SUBHPOTO
Hyderabad