Abida Parveen

New Delhi: Sufi legend Abida Parveen was honoured with a lifetime achievement award here by Kaladharmi Begum Akhtar Academy of Ghazal.

Abida is an internationally acclaimed Pakistani singer of Sindhi descent and one of the foremost exponents of Sufi music.

Her songs include mainly ghazals, Urdu love tracks and her forte, Kafis, a classical form of Sufi poetry. Some of her hits are `Duma Dum Mast Qalandar`, `Teray Ishaq Nachaya`, `Latthe Di Chadar`, `Kuch Is Ada Se Aaj` and `Kafian Bulleh Shah`.

“I am honoured to receive a lifetime achievement award from the Begum Akhtar Academy of Ghazal. It is always and a proud moment when I get an award. Thank you,” said Abida, who received the award from Tripurari Sharan, Director General, Doordarshan.

After recieving the award, the 58-year-old was requested by her fans to sing, to which she obliged and enthralled the audience with her famous rendition `Lal meri pat rakhiyo bhala jhoole laalan`.

Born in a musical family, Abida received initial training from her father Ustaad Ghulam Haider which created the basis for her career.

She began her career with Radio Pakistan and gained new fans following her appearance in `Coke Studio`, a TV music programme that showcases collaborations between classical and rock artists.

During her career, Abida has been awarded both the `Pride of Performance` and the `Sitara-e-Imtiaz` by the Government of Pakistan.

via Abida Parveen gets lifetime achievement award.

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World Peace

I encourage everyone who can to join in this peace walk! Please read the web page that I have cited below and come for as long as you can. This is a response to the violence that has been perpetrated over the “Innocence of Muslims” trailer and as a counter to Pamela Geller’s infamous poster campaign of promoting Islamophobia.

These peace walks are a long standing tradition in many parts of the world and are a legitimate outlet of free speech in the tradition of non violence. Insha’allah thousands will show their support for interfaith-intercultural peace building in our time. Unfortunately I cannot come due to my current health concerns but I hope you, each and every one of you, if you are close to New York City, take the time to participate in this event.

Below is the link to the web page and some excerpts from the home page.

NY PEACE WALK | Silent Peace Walk Around Central Park // Sunday, October 7, 2012.

NEW YORK CITY PEACE WALK

CENTRAL PARK

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2012

Please join us at 2:30 pm for an opening event with the walk leaders at the NY Academy of Medicine (1216 5th Avenue @ 103rd).

If you would like to attend this gathering, register here or simply join us at 4:00pm at the route

PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND WORLDWIDE

FOR MUSLIMS, JEWS, CHRISTIANS, AND PEACE-MINDED PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS 

PLEASE COME WALK TOGETHER

The first large US silent Peace Walk is being planned for Sunday, October 7, 2012 in New York City’s Central Park. Following an opening gathering at 2:30pm, the walk will circumnavigate continuously Central Park allowing participants to join along the way.  The walk is intended to be slow, beautiful and dignified, without flags or signage, an expression of the goodwill and friendliness of people who live together. It empowers us all to be peacemakers.  Instead of shouting in the name of peace, peace will be embodied by our quiet presence. ‘There is no way to peace, peace is the way’.

With over 8 million people living in New York City, it is one of the most densely populated and ethnically and religiously diverse cities in the world.  Home to over 100 ethnic groups, including several million Muslims and Jews, the walk is intended to demonstrate that people of all faiths and origins can live peacefully side by side. The peace we long for in the Middle East and Worldwide is actually possible. We call for the urgent cessation of violence in the Middle East and a serious and committed movement towards a sustainable and peaceful coexistence.

The walk will be led by Jack Kornfield, one of the leading Buddhist teachers in America, Dr. Stephen Fulder, founder of Middleway, an Israeli-Palestinian group applying mindfulness and spiritual insights to peacemaking, Rabbi Ingber, the Founder and Spiritual Director of Romemu, Daisy Khan, Bernie Glassman, Sheikha Fariha and many others.

Large silent peace walks have become famous in Israel and Palestine, for 10 years and Dr. Fulder has been a central teacher and visionary for these walks.

All communities are welcome and encouraged to join the walk.

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