The phrase “Aman ki Asha” has undoubtedly reverberated throughout the country since its inception on 1st January this year. The joint campaign started by ‘The Jang Group’ of Pakistan and ‘The Times of India’ in India aims to promote cultural and diplomatic relations for mutual peace and development.
Among other initiatives, the most prominent has been the showcasing of musical maestros from both nations. The effort has further been supported by the release of an album named after the campaign itself. The album, “Aman ki Asha” is a beautiful bouquet of handpicked songs sung by famous artists from India and Pakistan.
The collection consists of ghazals, thumris, sufi, qawwalis and classical music. Mentioned against the list of songs are very popular names like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Lata Mangeshkar, Abida Parveen, Mehdi Hassan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Hariharan and others who are at the very epitome of their genre.
Most of the songs are signature marks by their masters and are like rare gems crafted with precision. They seem to take us to an entirely different world where human emotions hold the centerstage. They convey a strong message that if your heart is filled with music there is little place left for hatred and grudges.
One of the most soothing songs is “More Saiyaan” sung by Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan. I am sure some of us would have definitely heard his name from the ‘Mitwa’ (Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna) and ‘Tere Naina’ (My Name Is Khan) fame.
Someone once said that ‘Music is what feelings sound like’. If we wish to express our brotherly feelings for people in our neighboring country then definitely music can speak our hearts. Kudos to ‘Aman ki Asha’ for taking such an initiative.
