A musical healing touch to soothe wounds of Kashmir

For a change, the soothing notes of music will replace the clatter of stones in the restive Kashmir. Thanks to Kashmiri musical legends, who have come together to provide a musical healing touch to the people of the restive Kashmir which has been simmering since the killing of Hizbul Mujahedeen leader Burhan Wani on July 8.

Noted singer Shameem Azad, the wife of leader of the opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, santoor maestro Pandit Bhajan Sopori and Abhay Rustum Sopori recently released Dua, a prayer song in Urdu to sooth the nerves of the people of Kashmir.

"Kashmiriyat (pluralistic cultural ethos) is the essence of Kashmir, and art and culture plays a vital role in it. Through this Dua we hope that the conditions in the Valley, which is the paradise on earth, will return to normalcy soon," said Abhay

The song is part of Sopori Academy of Music And Performing Arts (SaMaPa's) social cultural outreach programme and an initiative of 'Common Song' concept aimed at providing a musical healing touch in Jammu and Kashmir.

Conceived and conceptualised by Pandit Bhajan Sopori, Dua has been composed by Abhay Rustum Sopori, and written by Shameem Azad.

"The unique part of the song is in its rendition which has been sung by Pandit Bhajan Sopori, Shameem Azad, Abhay Sopori and also features many young students from J&K," said Abhay.

Dua has been released on YouTube and other social media platforms, besides being telecasted on some television channels for maximum outreach to the people. The song showcases the rich tradition of communal harmony and Sufi ethos besides features the famous shrines and temples which are the epitome of Kashmiryat.

"So much has happened in the last few months. Therefore we thought to play our part by applying healing touch. So we decided to go for Dua–a prayer to Almighty. Music plays an important role in sending across the message to the people. We thought that we do not need to delve into the politics but just do our bit by offering Dua to the Almighty," said Abhay.

What added another dimension to whole process were the vocals of Shameem Azad, who has made a comeback to the world of music after a long time.

"It is Shameem Azad's comeback song after a long time. She was ill for some time. And now she has again made a comeback with this song", said Abhay