In his opening speech, Arif Quraishi, who heads both the organizations, welcomed the guests and said the event was organized to remember the sacrifices made by the country's freedom fighters.
He thanked the Indian consul general and consulate officials for their continued support. Quraishi said the ICSJ and Bazm-e-Osmania were organizing functions every year to commemorate national events crossing regional barriers with the aim of keeping “our national flag flying high.”
The program started with patriotic songs. Local singers Saifuddin, Asif, Rafey, Mohsin and Rehana Saleem, and mimicry artist and comedian Dawar Khan performed on the stage.
Guests of honor were Khader Shareef and Jamsheed Khan, two famous comedians who arrived from India. They entertained the audience for more than four hours with the stage show, Hyderabad ke Manchale.
The program, compered by Fazal Ul Haq, ended with national anthem. Saifuddin, vice president of the ICSJ, gave vote of thanks.
