“INCREDIBLE INDIAN CULTURE”
Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi aims at putting forward the rich authentic culture, creativity and talent from the region. The Akademi’s attempt to promote and preserve the vast cultural heritage of India was successfully accomplished during the financial year 2010-2011 through dance, drama, music, puppet shows, seminars and other activities.
In collaboration with Government Agencies as well as other private Institutions Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi organized phenomenal festivals and art and culture events round the year. CSNA takes pride in managing to advance and elevate audience’s attitude towards our rich cultural traditions.
The Akademi organized classical vocal recitals, classical dance performances, street theatre festival- for the awareness of less privileged village folks, theatre workshop for underprivileged, festival of theatre traditions, 5th annual Chandigarh theatre festival, carnival, ‘Yadon Ki Kasak-’ a programme in honor of senior citizens, tribute to legendary Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, 6th annual ‘Aai Basant bahar’, ‘Holi Aai Re’, and puppet show for the benefit of mentally challenged. This year the Akademi highlighted India’s cultural heritage and gave special attention to the underprivileged.
INDIAN CLASSICAL RECITAL BY PT. KAIVALYA KUMAR GURAV
Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi, in collaboration with Indian National Theatre, organized a recital of vocal classical music along with Abhang and Natya sangeet recital by internationally acclaimed classical singer Pt. Kaivalya Kumar Gurav of Kirana Gharana at Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, sector-27B, Chandigarh on17th April, 2010.
Pt.Kaivalya Kumar Gurav is a leading young exponent of Kirana Gharana with a rich multigenerational lineage. He was trained by his father Pt. Sangmeshwar Gurav. Pt. Kaivalya Kumar Gurav is endowed with a mellifluous, honeyed and soothing voice. The awaited classical recital commenced with a beautiful rendering of sandhyakaleen raga Puriya Dhanashree. He sang ‘Bali Bali Jaun ’ and elaborated the raga with tans and bol tans in different rhythmic patterns. He gave introduction to his accomplished singing by incorporating khatka, murki, and gamak in between the presentation of the bandish.
He carried the evening forward by serving a slice of abhang music. Abhang is Bhakti music of Maharashtra. This singing demands a multilayered grasp of techniques. The renowned tabla player Pt. Vinod Lele and an eminent harmonium player Pt. Vinay Mishra accompanied Pt. Kaivalya Kumar Gurav. Pt. Gurav gave a spell- binding performance with his versatile gayaki.
Music and dance festival, Gaiety Theatre
CSNA added a golden feather to its cap by launching an Inter-state cultural exchange programme. CSNA and Directorate of Language and Culture, HP, Shimla, organized a three day Music and Dance Festival at Gaiety Theatre, Shimla. Classical vocal performance was given by Pt. Yashpal on 4th may, 2010 and Ms Suchitra Mitra, presented Bharatnatyam dance on 5th May, 2010. Sh. Harvinder Sharma gave a sitar recital on 6th may, 2010. Through this Festival the artists staying in Chandigarh got a brilliant platform to put forward their talent before the audience of other states.
Baisakh Sangeet Utsav started with a happy note on 4th may, 2010 by Punjab Sangeet Ratan Pt. Yashpal of Agra Gharana who believes in preserving the tradition of classical music of the state. Pt. Yashpal commenced the evening with Puriya Kalyan. He performed Nom Tom Alap and therein first he performed Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya’s ‘ Ab mori naiya par karogi’ in bada khayal and Shyam Awan ‘Keh gaye lo ab nahin aaye se’ in drut laya. During the performance he was accompanied by Zameer Ahmed Khan on harmonium, Vinod on tabla and Deepak Sharma and Kumar Sanjay on tanpura. The audience was fascinated by Pt Yashpal’s wondrous mastery of the notes.
Baisakh Sangeet Utsav’s second evening drew a lot of enthusiastic art lovers because of the famous Bharatnatyam dancer Suchitra Mitra. Gaiety theatre blossomed with her adept performance. Suchitra Mitra along with her two companions Sumita and Ishita presented many enchanting adavus of Bharatnatyam. Suchitra Mitra and her companions started with Ganesh Vandana. From thereon they performed all the items gracefully which filled the audience with wonder. They presented before the audience Saraswati Vandana through ‘Varveena’ and through ‘Natesh Rachna’, in which they portrayed Lord Shiva’s immaculate form. Virahani Nayika desperately waiting for her beloved, while its raining, the scene was enacted with much passion to keep the audience glued. Suchitra Mitra gracefully depicted the bhava through thumri. Apart from this she depicted how virahani niyika waits for Lord Krishna and how she is teased by her friend, in Jaidev’s creation Ashtapadi. Her recital was highly appreciated by the audience. 
On 6th May, 2010, Baisakh Utsav ended with a splendid performance by famous Sitarist Harvinder Sharma. From beginning to the end of his performance Harvinder Sharma mesmerized the audience with his melodic sitar and talent. Accompanying him on the tabla was Jaidev, who received a lot of applause and praise. Baisakh Utsav was a big success because of the versatile artistes like Pt. Yashpal, Suchitra Mitra and Harvinder Sharma.
STREET THEATRE FESTIVAL
CSNA has been organizing Street Theatre Festivals for the last three years, based on socially relevant issues such as AIDS, drug abuse, environment protection etc. in the villages around Chandigarh. This year CSNA presented four such plays for six days from 22nd to 27th May, 2010. Twelve shows were held in the villages named Karsan, Ramdarbar, Burail and Kaimbwala. Among the plays staged were Sadak Hamarey Baap Ki on traffic rules, Rishma Hun Mitti Hoyian on female foeticide, Main eh Nahi Hon Dayangi on drug abuse and Dilon Ki Hartal on junk food.
‘Sadak Hamare Baap Ki Hai’, was written by Ashwini Sawan and directed by Rajiv Mehta. The play was staged by the actors of Theatre Arts,Chandigarh.The play showcased how due to rash driving thousands of people die every hour. Through the play people were made aware of traffic rules. In addition by staging the play artists encouraged rural people to wear a helmet while driving two- wheelers, to always drive on the left side of the road and to avoid drinking while driving. ‘Rishma Hun Mitti Hoyian’ was presented by Fest International Theatre group. The play was written by Kulbeer Virk and directed by Samar Singh. This play demonstrated an unchecked growth of female foeticide in villages. The artists instructed the villagers and taught the ways to stop female foeticide.
‘Main Eh Nahi Hon Dayangi’ was presented by City Entertainment. The play was written by Sardar Gursharan Singh and directed by Gaurav Sharma. This play showed how in the fast- paced life parents do not pay attention towards their children due to which the children get involved in bad company and become drug addicts. The villagers were taught how people ruin relationships due to drug abuse.The play ‘Dilon Ki Hartal’ was directed and written by
Vijay Kumar. The play was nicely presented
by Babloo,Vikrant, Vijay, Abhimanyu and Gaurav.
The Play emphasized on the health problems
caused due to intake of fast food.
The Play emphasized on the health problems
caused due to intake of fast food.
The hazardous effects of eating junk food were discussed and the villagers were made aware
of ill effects. Rural audience gave an
overwhelming response to all the plays.
THEATRE WORKSHOP FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED STUDENTS
CSNA, in collaboration with Chinmaya Mission organized a two week
production oriented workshop for under privileged students of High School,
Mauli Jagran Colony, Chandigarh, from 1st to 15th June, 2010. The workshop
was conducted by Sh. Chakresh Kumar, a Postgraduate in Theatre Arts
from Department Of Indian theatre, Panjab University, Chandigarh. 75 children
took part in this workshop. The play ‘Koshish Jaari Hai’ produced in this workshop
was staged on 15th June, 2010. In this workshop children were given all the
relevant information regarding theatre, which involves acting, stage, dialogue
delivery, story writing, art and craft, creative writing etc. The acting potential of
these children was documented in a play titled ‘Koshish Jaari Hai’. The play
depicted the struggles of a man who is tired of being moralistic and he revolts
for a change in the system. The children very enthusiastically participated i
n the workshop.
FESTIVAL OF THEATRE TRADITIONS
A six- day Festival of Theatre Traditions was organized by Chandigarh Sangeet
Natak Akademi with the support of Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi for the first
time in the history of Chandigarh at Randhawa Auditorium,Sector-16, Chandigarh,
from 6th October to 11th October, 2010. Two shows of Nautanki on 6th and 7th
October, two shows of Tamasha and Lavani on 8th and 9th October, and two
shows of Yakshagana on 10th and 11th October were organized. This festival
was organized to bring before the audience the rich cultural heritage of performing
arts of various regions of our country. Presence of a lot of young viewers
in the audience was a heartwarming experience for CSNA, which strives
to bring tradition of Indian performing arts closer to future generation.
The festival of Theatre Traditions got off with a full- house opening of a popular Nautanki- Amar Singh Rathore – a historical tale of valour and virtue. The drama was produced and presented by Mohan Swaroop Bhatia from Mathura under the direction of Sandeepan Vimal Gaud. The play accentuated the dedication of Rajput warrior Amar Singh Rathore as also the secular appearance and chivalry of Emperor Shahjahan, besides apposing religious prejudice, political and ethical dishonesty in the reign of
Mughal emperor, where Rathore was a commander of the Agra cantonment.
The rich thematic content coupled with catchy dialogues delivered in authentic
Urdu and Brij Bhasha and artistic costumes remained highlights of this production.
After an illustrious performance of “ Nautanki Amar Singh Rathore” another Nautanki was staged titled “Bhagat Pooranmal” by Swastic Rangmandal Mathura in the ongoing festival of traditions at Randhawa Auditorium. Composed in a fictional and mythological ambience, the play depicted the smartening of Prince Bhagat Pooranmal into a religious mendicant- in the care of his father King Shankhpati of Sialkot. The old aged Shankhpati wins a swayamber to marry a very young princess, Phoolan De. The young queen, inspired by the drive of sexual obsession defies propriety and social ethics falling for her stepson Pooranmal , who does not surrender to her ill notions and earns the fury of the queen to be sent to gallows. However, with the blessings of his guru sage Gorakhnath, dead Pooranmal is brought back to life.
In the ongoing Festival of Theatre Traditions another category of folk theatre marvel of Maharashtra “Tamasha” and folk dance form “Lalvani” came alive. The Raghuveer Khedkar Kantabai, Tamasha Mandal, Nasik, staged a musical ”Ek Tamasha Sundarsa” detailing its central elements of salaami, a jugalbandi of acknowledged musical instruments, Ganpati Pujan and gaulan, in which prankster, Lord Krishna teases Radha and Gopikas all through charming dance spells by female artists. All joined to perform ‘ bataoni’, an arrangement of amusing dialogues and acting. Another Sangeet Bharicha Tamasha was presented through two themes- based Lavani dancing spells. The dancers illustrated grand footwork, body movements and gestures to bring alive thematic content.
The Raghuveer Khedkar Kantabai Starker troupe dazzled the audience, right from the onset , versatile dancers Amrita Arora and others brought alive the vivaciousness of the natural Marathi folklore in a welcome Salami dance intertwined in perfect ‘ Shingaar Ras’ in the midst of rowdy applause. Artists like Chhayya, electrifying Manda Rani, in glittering costumes spelt magic with dazzling, swift movements. Manda Rani also enraptured the audience with a song.
a 500 year old traditional form of theatre ‘ Yakshagana’ from Karnataka. The Sri
Idagunji Mahaganpati Yakshagana Mandal, Keremane,
Karnataka, staged ‘ Kartheerayrjun Kalaga” under the direction of
Shivananda Hegde. Based on a mythological episode from the legend of
Ramayana, the musicaldance drama showcased the velour of King
Kartaveerya of Mahishmati, who was challenged by King Ravana,
who defeated him in a fiercely fought battle.
The episode was full of amusing conversation. Lead actors Shivam Hegde and
Sanjay Vellu, Annapa Gowda, Laxmi N Hegde were
duly supported in the dance drama by male artists costumed as females.
The six day Festival of Theatre Traditions ended flawlessly with Vaalivadham.
Displayed by Sri Idagunji Mahaganpati Yakshagana
Mandali under the direction of Shivananda Hegde,
Vaalivadham, the captivating dance drama, depicted
the killing of king Baali after strengthening of friendship
between Sugreeva and Lord Rama. The actors with
authentic costumes and make-up presented
the dance- drama to accomplishment. Their unique
style of music was captivating, which worked as a
vehicle of expression for the complex emotional
journey of the characters. The painstaking art
of make-up of these highly skilled artistes was
another point of reference which received
applause. The response of the art aficionados
of the city was, they wanted
more of the kind.
5th ANNUAL CHANDIGARH THEATRE FESTIVAL
CSNA organized its 5th Annual Chandigarh Theatre Festival from 11th November,
2010, at Bal Bhawan Auditorium, Sector-23, Chandigarh. Five plays,
’Ek Mamuli Aadmi’,’ O Log Jo Ruke Reh Gaye’,’ Gaj-Fut-inch’,
‘Arth Dosh’,’ Metamorphosis’ and ‘ Bali Ka Bakra’.
The play, staged on 11 November was written by noted playwright Ashok Lal, it focused on the growing corruption menace, illustrated in a novel and convincing manner under the direction of Sudesh Sharma.The play structured around the office of municipal administration depicted the unethical approach of some religious patriarchs, land grabbers and corrupt officials engaged in diverting allotted project of a park and public utilities for poor colony dwellers. One such noble soul, Ishwar Chand Awasthy, however, gathered courage to stall their ill- designed motives. The play brought alive the internal conflicts and external pressures on the mind of Awasthy, the protagonist, brilliantly portrayed by KK Doda, a retired session judge.
‘O log Jo Ruke Reh Gaye’, Hindi adaptation of a play by
Arthur Miller was staged by 14 students of PunjabiUniversity, Patiala on 12th November. The play was directed by Vivek Mishra. The performance highlighted the lifestyle of people in Europe during Second World- War. It unveiled how people project themselves as delighted even when they
are facing very disturbing events during their office hours. The story is about an office where the employees are engaged but are not achieving their aspiration. The play was a reflection on today’s life, where everyone is stressed yet poses to be the happiest.
‘ Gaj-Fut-Inch’ was staged on 14th November. The play was written
by KP Saxena and directed by
actor cum –director Kuldeep Sharma.
The narrative orbited around the life of
exemplar “Tillu”, the uneducated
son of a cloth vendor, who can hardly
conceive anything beyond profit.
He feels ecstatic after selling a “pen”
bestowed by his righteousness;
Jugni resigns in adoration and accepts
him as life partner. All sequences
perfectly enacted by Kuldeep Sharma,
Karan Gujral, Neeru Bala, Mukesh Sharma, Swati and Navneet made the playa
persistently cerebral delight.
‘ Arthdosh’, an adaptation of French Noble Prize winning author Alberu Kamu’s classic “ The Misunderstanding” was staged on 15th November, 2010. The play, based on the psychological and intellectual plan offered a natural analysis of the ego of an over ambitious, greedy and self-centered but disappointed girl, Martha, who in conspiracy with her mother adopted all corrupt means to procure money, even killing their clients staying at their guest house. In the end the mother poisoned her daughter and self. The play was directed by Umesh Kant. All the elements of the play were very well executed.
The play “Metamorphosis” staged on 16th November, was an adaptation of
Franz Kafka’s play. It was staged by
Mask Theatre during the festival under
Ravinder Ravi’s direction. The play ventured
to represent the psychological mindset of a
man when circumstances
curtail him to the profile of a cockroach,
emblem of a delicate individual.
“Bali Ka Bakra”, marked the end of Theatre Festival on 17thNovember. The festival concluded with the staging of Kannad playwright Chandershekhar Kambar’s play Bali Ka Bakra, which was based on deceitfulness and unethical means adopted by politicians to secure power and misuse it later. The play was directed by Vandana Vashisht. The protagonist, Prakash an academician and poet positively affirms a change in the political scenario with a film star in the fray, but is distressed to find violence, corruption, subjugation of the poor and women, with land and house grabbing on the rise. NSD alumnus actor-director Asif Ali and Chakresh excelled, while Vijay, Ritesh Jyoti and Prakash (76) justified their roles. Audience gave an astounding response to all the five editions of the CSNA’s Chandigarh Theatre Festival . A panel discussion on all the plays presented during the festival was held on 18th November, 2010 in which Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary of the Akademi and all the directors of the plays, including audience of the tri-city participated.
“SUNO SUNAYEN AAO GAYEN BHULE BISRE GEET”
Chandigarh Carnival was organized by Chandigarh Administration from
26th to 28th November, 2010 in the Leisure valley, Sector-10, Chandigarh.
Sangeet Natak Akademi organized a three- day programme titled
” Suno Sunayen Aao Gayen Bhule Bisre Geet” during the carnival.
Singers from the tri-city and also singers from the region participated
in this programme, which attracted
a record number of listeners and spectators.
The Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi stall was awarded as one of the best
stalls by the Advisor, UT, for attracting huge crowds during the festival.
Selected participants from audience were given carnival T-Shirts and cash prizes.
“YADON KI KASAK”
Fifth “YADON KI KASAK” programme in the honour of senior citizens was organized by CSNA in Bal Bhawan Auditorium, sector-23, Chandigarh on 16th December, 2010. Nostalgic songs of yesteryears were sung by the generation that grew up humming the songs of K.L Saigal, Punkaj Mullick, Talat Mahmood, C.H Atma, Noor Jahan, Suraiya, Shamshad Begum, and the younger generation presented the songs of Late Muhammad Rafi, Mukesh, Kishor Kumar, and Dada Saheb Phalke Award winner Manna Dey, Lata Mangeshkar and others. This programme was organized for discerning listeners who had a special liking for hit film numbers of the bygone era. This annual feature of CSNA got a lot of appreciation from the venerable audience of the tri-city, who came in overwhelming numbers.
Young singers of the region led by veteran singer Bhupinder Singh, who paid mellifluous musical tributes to legendary singers like K L Saiga. He stole the limelight, when he began with a beautiful song by K.L Saigal,”Maiya Mori Main Nahi Makhan Khayo”, which was followed by a song composed by Punkaj Mullick and sung by K.L Saigal,” Karoon Kya Aas Niraas Bhayee”.Before these gems he presented the all –time favourite song of K.L Saigal,” Main kya Jaanoon Kya Jadoo Hai”. Asawari in her soothing voice presented Noor Jahan’s song,” Jawan Hai Mohabbat”, Satish Madhok sang melodious rendering of Muhammad Rafi,” Mohabbat Zinda Rehti hai”. The success of this programme was defined by a very enthusiastic participation from the young singers, who are carrying the tradition of remembering these timeless renderings ahead. Neetu, Shivam Sharma, Ishmeet, Aanchal, Joginder Bhalla and others presented nostalgic filmy numbers and took away enormous blessings of the senior citizens. “CONDOLENCE MEETING”
On the sad demise of doyen of Kirana Gharana, Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi,
who passed away on 24th January, 2011, a condolence meeting was organized
by Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi at its Auditorium on 27th January, 2011
at 4:00pm. Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, a leading Hindustani classical Vocalist, who was
well known for his Khayal Gayaki, was equally known for his depiction of devotional
as well as Marathi Natya Sangeet. He was equally loved by both common listeners
and trained musicians.Pt. Bhimsen Joshi was more than a classical singer for Indians across the world. He stimulated the feeling of patriotism with his soulful rendering of “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara” and became the cultural icon of Hindustani Classical music. Kamal Tiwari, Chairman Sangeet Natak 
As soon as he began singing it started raining profusely. He said,
“It was like Bhimsen had just done a
Tansen.” On this sad occasion, present
among others were
Prof. Pt. Yash Pal, a renowned classical
vocalist of North India, well known flute
player Sh. Ravinder Singh, Sitarist
Sh. Harvinder Sharma
(disciple of Vilayat Khan), classical vocalist
Prof. Arvind Sharma of
Music Department,
Panjab University, Chandigarh, renowned
Bharat Natyam dancer Ms. Suchitra Mitra, Music Director Sh.Virender Bachchan,famous theatre personality G.S Channi, Chairman CSNA Sh. Kamal Tiwari, President of Indian National Theatre Sh. N Khosla and Classical Vocalist Dr. Vanita. They paid exuberant tributes to this legendary singer, featuring his accomplishments and musical pilgrimage.
“AAI BASANT BAHAR”
CSNA organized its 6th annual event “Aai Basant Bahar” on 7th and 8th February, 2011. On the eve of Basant
Panchmi, on 7th February, 2011, a dance recital by
renowned Mohiniattam dance exponent Gopika
Varma was organized and on the occasion of Basant
Panchmi on 8th February, 2011, a classical vocal
recital by internationally acclaimed Ashwini Bhide
Deshpande was organized at Bal Bhawan Auditorium,
Sector-23, Chandigarh.Scintillating, sublime and
gifted Mohiniattam dance prodigy Gopika Varma gave a
glorious start to the 6th “Aai Basant Bahar”. Coming from
the legendary family of Travancore, Gopika Varma is gifted
and skilled in the most lustrous dance form of the South.
She gave a graceful performance which won the hearts of
the audience. Gopika started with acknowledging Chitranga“Ek Dant Mahakaya” to Lord Ganesha which merged intothe next offering “ Omkara Kaaraye,” a tribute paid to goddess Durga set in raga “ Lavangi”.
Executing an Ashtapadi ‘chandan charchit’ to perfection
in lasya, Gopika depicted the pain
of Radha, the consort of Lord
Krishna who indulges in pranks
with other gopis on the banks
of Yamuna, thereby arousing
envy in her. In the abhinaya
act Gopika chose to present complicated choreography,projected and derived by her relating to an episode from Mahabharata based on a literary creation by Pratiha Roy. She presented specially designed dances on Chandigarh, the archetype of beautiful architecture. She brought to life all the “Navrasa” through her foot work, body gestures and facial expressions. She left the audience spell bound.
The melodic splendor of Hindustani Vocal Classical Recital by Dr Ashwini Bhide
Deshpande amplified the festive mood of Basant . She delineated the melody of raga
Basant with “Aayo Ritu Raj Basant” in vilambit, which melted into Drut Ek
Taal composition. Ashwini apprehended the intangible enthusiasm in composition.
enthusiasm in Saraswati Vandana before earmarking her self-created raga
“Nand Dhwani”, (a mixture of Hans Dhwani
and Nand Raga),through two flawlessly
imparted compositions. Displaying her
versatility in higher classical domain,
Ashwini wove a fascinating spell of
“ Sabai Bhan Sakal Braj Dhaani”.
She concluded the recital with “ Naa Maro Pichkari”and “Sooraj Much Naa”. Vinay Mishra and Vinod Lele provided the accompaniment on harmonium and Tabla, respectively.
“ HOLI AAI RE”
CSNA organized a programme titled “ Holi Aai Re” in which light Indian
classical compositions were rendered by young and upcoming artists of the region.
Various forms relating to Holi festival such
as thumri, Dhamar, Khayal Hori etc.
were presented. These light classical
melodies have their origin in the
ancient era, enriched through several layers of Indian History. These forms were very popular during the Mughal period, their popularity having traveled through the contemporary period. The programme was presented under the direction of Dr. Neelam Paul on 19th march, 2011 at 6:30pm at Randhawa Auditorium , Punjab Kala Bhawan, sector- 16, Chandigarh. The semi-classical music- fest mesmerized the audience. The event began with a light classical song” Holi Khelat Nandlal” by Raj Bahadur Singh and Harvinder Singh. After a Thumri by Raj Bahadur, tabla maestro Hargeet Singh gave an ebullient solitary performance, while Dr. Hemraj presented a Holi Gayan. A group song “ Moh Pe Daar Gayi”, a melodic composition was rendered by versatile singers like Dr. Priyanka, Harshdeep and Vandana, which concluded the programme.
“PUPPET SHOW”
A puppet show was organized for the benefit of mentally challenged children at The Society of Rehabilitation for the Mentally Challenged, Sector-36 C, Chandigarh on 16th March, 2011.
“PUCHHTE HAIN WOH KE GHALIB KAUN HAI”
A programme based on the life and Shayari of Mirza Ghalib titled” Puchhte Hain Woh Ke Ghalib Kaun Hai” by Dr. H.K Lall, a famous Urdu scholar was arranged on 23rd March, 2011 in the Auditorium of Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi.
The distinguished intellectual H.K Lall narrated the aspects of Mirza Ghalib’s Shayari and life. H.k Lall has done extensive research work on Mirza Ghalib’s writings. During the programme he read out some selected shayari of Mirza Ghalib, explaining the content and intent of some of the couplets from Hali ’s shayari which are tagged as abstract by common people. On this occasion some eminent novelists , musicians & Theatre artists were also present.
