Guest AuthorIn its commitment to reach out to those in need, Delhi-based NGO, Wishes and Blessings, is supporting the internationally renowned Qawwali troupe, Niazi Brothers, a troupe that has been drastically affected due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, by way of a fundraising musical concert.
The event, called Jashn-E-Qawwali, which is a celebration of the art of Qawwals, is scheduled for 31 July 2021, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The show will be streamed on BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination and its charity initiative BookASmile will graciously support the fundraiser by matching the amount raised through the sale of tickets (conditions apply).
The official Radio Partner for the event is India’s leading Radio Channel, 92.7 BigFM. The tickets to this show are on sale for Rs. 399/- only. This concert is a part of the efforts of Wishes and Blessings to provide relief to all those in need.
Shahid Niazi was born into the renowned musical family of Rampur Gharana of Qawwali in the district of Rampur (U.P)- India. His father late Ustad Ghulam Abid Niazi who himself was a very famous Qawwali Singer and a highly reputed artist in his field, is still remembered till date with the same honour and respect. Mr. Shahid and his troupe, Niazi Brothers, exhibit an extraordinary talent for versatile singing such as Qawwali, Naat, Ghazals, Bhajan, Geet, Folk etc. They never forget to send a message of brotherhood and peace through their singing.
“The Corona virus outbreak has affected many lives. One such section comprises of artists as well as artisans, who survive on events and concerts. Due to the lockdown, such events are not allowed, and they have no other means to support themselves. We were approached by the Niazi Brothers, and we at Wishes and Blessings never say no to help anyone in need, and hence it is our pleasure to organize a fundraising concert for this talented group of musicians.” says Dr. Geetanjali Chopra, Founder, and President, Wishes and Blessings.
“We as artists were really struggling because of the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. We reached out to Wishes and Blessings NGO for support, and they kindly agreed to come forward and help us by organizing this concert. We are glad that through this opportunity, we can be a voice for many artists who suffered in these dark times. We are grateful for this support!” says Shahid Niazi, Lead Artist, Niazi Brothers.
Farzana Cama Balpande, Head – BookASmile says, “With the entertainment industry being one of the worst hit, performing artists across the board have been adversely impacted and aiding them while holding up the survival of the arts has been a priority for us at BookASmile. We are only too glad to be able to lend our support to the Niazi Brothers in partnership with like-minded organisations like Wishes and Blessings”.
The musical community has provided a safe space to all those suffering due to the pandemic. The NGO describes Jashn-E-Qawwali as an opportunity for the very same people to give back to those who have helped them. All funds raised will be utilized to aid the Niazi Brothers, the musician community residing in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh as well as to fund the overall Covid Relief Project executed by Wishes and Blessings.
The Wishes and Blessings Covid Relief Project was officially launched on day 1 of the lockdown i.e. 25th March 2020 and provided relief and aid in 7 states across India. Since then, the team has served over 20,00,000 meals, distributed 70,000+ dry ration kits, and provided 23,000+ hygiene kits to the beneficiaries. Wishes and Blessings had launched the WB Ambulances for Covid Relief Project in August 2020 wherein free transport was provided to the underprivileged to reach treatment centers and execute tests in quarantine zones. Currently, the Covid Relief Project is active in 4 states- Bihar, Delhi, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, and aims at fulfilling immediate and long-term requirements of the needy and destitute affected by the Covid-19 crisis.
Aravind Sundaram
Guest Author
