Pakistan, other Saarc states join hands at musical feast

24 Jun, 2004

The five of the seven South Asian countries and members of the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (Saarc), including Pakistan, were represented in Washington on Monday evening at a cultural programme.
The programme was held by the Asia Society and Bangladesh Embassy, while the diplomats included Pakistan Ambassador Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, and Bangladeshi envoy Hasan Ahmad.
It was reflective of joining hands together for an unprecedented evening of regional music.
Singers and vocalists from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka performed on the occasion to the applause of a large number of participants, which included interns from the Pakistan Embassy.
Pakistan was represented by noted instrumentalist Dilshad Hussain.
It was an evening of enchanted music and singing galore, the artistes presented a wonderful repertoire of classical and modern music with a spectacular taste of profound cultural heritage.
In Bengali, it was described as 'Jugalbandi' which means 'mingle together', which amplifies bond and fellowship.
Earlier, the Bangladeshi Ambassador presented welcome address in which he touched the rich cultural heritage of his country, and its significance for South Asian nations.
Bangladesh being a country of rivers, folklore and 'baul and bhaitiali,' songs depicted the free flowing life and living of manifestations of its richly inheritance and culture, he said.
Likewise, the Bangladeshi Ambassador said, Pakistan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka had a great culture and musical tradition that was transcendental inspiring a tradition of thousands of years.

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