Pakistani ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali was presented with the ‘Hanumant Award’, instituted by a religious trust, as police foiled a bid by some Shiv Sena activists to stage a protest during the event at Talgajarda village in Bhavnagar district.
The 75-year-old Ghazal singer has received the award for his contribution to music from Chitrakut Dham Trust, run by spiritual preacher Morari Bapu.
Shiva Sena Protestors Detained from the Venue
In the morning, a handful of Sena activists gathered outside the venue where Ghulam Ali was supposed to be presented with the award.
Around 10 members of the saffron party were briefly detained for trying to stage protests against the Pakistani singer. We had already made adequate security arrangements and detained all of them before they could create any trouble. Ghulam Ali left soon after receiving the award.VS Manjaria, Inspector, Mahuva Police
The award ceremony lasted for few hours, after which the detained protestors were released.
Interestingly, the singer was supposed to perform at the ‘Asmita Parv’ on its opening day on 19 April, but his visit was cancelled at the last moment due to ‘unavoidable circumstances.’
Ali Wants Good Ind-Pak Relations
Meanwhile, the singer told reporters at Mumbai airport that he always tried to strengthen the bond between India and Pakistan.
Music is all about spreading love. We both (India and Pakistan) are neighbours. If we love each other, all the differences will eventually vanish. I always try to bridge this gap with musicGhulam Ali. Ghazal Singer
Also read: You Can’t Take India Out of Ghulam Ali
Before leaving for Delhi, the singer said that there are always people on both the sides who want cohesive relations.
The Chitrakoot Dham Trust had announced awards for Ali and nine others associated with various streams of art. The trust chose Ali and five others for ‘Hanumant Award’, and veteran actor Dharmendra along with three other artists for ‘Natraj Award’ for their contribution to their respective creative fields.
Dharmendra, however, did not turn up for the function on health grounds.
A concert of Ghulam Ali planned in Mumbai in October 2015 was cancelled after Shiv Sena threatened to stage a protest at the venue in its heartland. The celebrated singer, who has a massive fan following in India, however, performed in Kerala and West Bengal later without facing any hassle.
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