JEDDAH, 24 April 2004 — It was a magical scene, the stuff of legends. A distinguished gathering of luminaries from the Indian and Pakistani communities celebrated the success of the recent cricket series between the two countries. Nearly 200 people converged on the Indian Consulate for a musical night under the stars hosted by Indian Consul General Syed Akbaruddin and his wife Padma.

The thaw in relations on the subcontinent has made such a reception possible for the first time. While the recent cricket matches in Pakistan were insignificant in terms of world events, it was the action off the green that held so much importance. Indian sportsmen, film stars, officials, media and spectators were amazed at the wonderful reception they received in Pakistan. This was not only at an official level, but even the common man in the street was more than welcoming.

It was in appreciation of that heartfelt warm welcome that Syed Akbaruddin organized the musical evening, fittingly called “Harf-o-Saut” where the recently renewed bonds of friendship might be further strengthened. A more conducive atmosphere could not have been imagined. A light wind was blowing off the Red Sea and the audience was ready to be entertained. The ladies had dressed for the occasion in their silk saris and gauzy Punjabi suits. Jewels twinkled in the light and the mood was lifted further by scent of flowers wafting through the garden setting on the evening breeze.

Azad Iqbal, a seasoned composer and singer and more importantly grandson of the famous Urdu poet Allama Iqbal, was supported by the famous Indian musician Ahmad Khan on tabla. From the start it was apparent that the two were in a duel to show who could offer the better performance. Azad Iqbal’s renditions of Urdu ghazals and semi-classical and classical songs were exquisite. Ahmad Khan’s sense of timing and mood allowed the audience to alternate between heartbreak and exaltation. The performance of the two artists was awe-inspiring, drawing repeated applause and keeping the audience glued to their seats till the very end.

The night took on a romantic hue when Azad launched into Ahmed Faraz’s celebrated ghazal:

 “Suna Hai Log Use Aankh Bhar Ke Dekhte Hain; So Us Ke Shahr Mein Kuchh Din Thahar Ke Dekhte Hain

 “Suna Hai Us Ko Bhi Hai Sher-o-Shaayari Se Shagaf; So Ham Bhi Mojaze Apne Hunar Ke Dekhte Hain

 “Suna Hai Din Ko Use Titaliyaan Satati Hain; Suna Hai Raat Ko Jugnu Thahar Ke Dekhte Hain

 “Ab Us Ke Shahr Mein Thehren Ke Kooch Kar Jaayen; Faraz Aao Sitaare Safar Ke Dekhte Hain.”

 It is long past time to witness such moments. The peoples of the subcontinent have always had warm, close personal ties. But for decades, political ill-will has conspired to raise difficulties and suspicion. In particular, this created terrible hardships among artistes who draw support from both communities. Now, the barriers are being broken. It is a truly blessed experience to see both Indians and Pakistanis smiling at each other, standing shoulder to shoulder and applauding as one. We can only hope that this fine beginning is just a prelude to decades of peace and prosperity ahead. As the poet rightly said:

“Waqt Ki Qaid Mein Zindagi Hai Magar; Chand Ghadiyan Yahi Hain Jo Azaad Hain”

It was magic. Pure magic.