Reshma: Voice of Mother Earth

Re: No. 10

Thank you Javed bhai for your reminiscing.

Indeed hearing Reshma`s voice one immediately feels as if this is the voice of ancient earth itself.

I too felt her simple ways were very endearing and added to one`s regard for her.

I still can`t listen to her song Phool Banro without being overwhelmed and humbled; its as if Earth mother was pouring out her love for her infants through her song.

Regards

V Ramaswamy

Back in 1956-57, there used to be a programme on Radio Pakistan called ``Subh dum Darwaza-i-Khawar Khula`` at 8:30 am on Sundays. In one of those programme, the person known as payami [message bearer] introduced the new discovery made by the free lancers of Radio Pakistan, a voice which he termed then as as old as the land itself. That was Reshma recorded while singing a song at the Urs of Sehwan.

Radio Pakistan then recorded a lots of folks song in Sindhi, Punjabi and Saraiki which they played regularly. At this stage Reshma only knew to speak in Seraiki[I think] becuase I did not understand a word of Seraiki.

Later she went to England on a tour and on her return was interviewed by payami about the trip. And I remember her impressions of London as a ``city where the train goes under water and when one presses button thnigs work``.

I have followed here songs both sufiana and folks, and the voice though much practiced and refined still has the same rich timbre and earthiness which was there in 1956 and still has no rival.

It was only on Thursday night that I saw that the article has been posted and that there had been several responses. I shall be back shortly with my replies.

Thanks

Veer Kumar

Thank you respected readers for your generous comments.

I am very happy to hear others affirming the power and potential of music to inspire people.

Mr Ikbal Khan : Before I heard Reshma-ji at the concert in Hyderabad in 1997, I had not even heard her name. I think she sang from her popular repertoire; she did not mention, as far as I can recall, any song as being sung specially for the occasion. But what she sang was itself very moving for me. Incidentally, after the performance, her son (Sunny) and the harmonium and tabla accompanists passed through Calcutta on their way to the next concert at Patna, and stayed with me for a day. I was able to take them around the city a bit. I sent this piece, translated into Urdu, to Reshma-ji by post to her Lahore address about a year back, but I don`t think that reached. Thank you for suggesting a piece on Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan; I hope I can do this soon. I shall also write to you, soon, about the work in Howrah.

Ras S : I was concerned, to hear that Reshma-ji had been unwell. I pray that she is fully recovered and is able to continue enthralling many for years on end.

Meri Hamjoliyaan was the song I myself first picked to learn and sing, and so I was very glad to hear of its popularity. In fact, I think I was able to endear myself to many of the women in the slum in Howrah where I work by singing this song - in women-only gatherings, where I was the sole male. I used to say : think of me as a dadi-wali aurat!

Amber-ji: My personal circumstances and experiences had led to my being in a state where Reshma-ji`s songs were like nectar to a thirsty soul. Hence my deep personal regard for her. I share your feelings about India-Pakistan, Kashmir, etc etc. Let us hope at least the music keeps playing and joining hearts, even as, like through chowk, people of sensibility communicate, learn, and try to further peace and cooperation for development. Regarding working for humanity, and children, on a practical note: would you like to come and help me in my work here for some time - seriously?!

V Ramaswamy

Re: Bilal Ahmed

Dear Mr Ahmed

I have been following your efforts towards building understanding at chowk - notwithstanding the hostile environment - and can only express my admiration at your enlightenened, refined and sincere attempts towards truth, harmony and peace. May God give you strength and fortitude.

peace, brother

Mitr

Reshma certainly is a unique entertainer who
has one of the rarest voices of this generation.
I hope that she has recovered from her illness.

Her song ``Meri Hamjolian`` is most popular with the
Pakistani female listener and transends South Asian borders.

I just like listening to her lok geets.

Ras

V. Ramaswamy:

Welcome to the Chowk.

Great tribute to a musical giant of the sub continent. Didn`t Rehsma sing a special song on the occassion? If you recall it please share it with us.

I will look forward to a piece on Nusrat Fateh Alikhan. Also please tell us more about the

Special Howrah Project.

regards,

MIK

Very nicely written article. The power of beautiful music is definitley very intriguing for it can often magnetize and influence our thoughts and feelings considerably. It is almost like the `Pied Piper` of our souls.

A well-written article. A wonderful tribute to Reshma. Reshma`s music (voice, lyrics) has often created a sense of love and peace in many people in our fast shrinking world.

Thank you Mr. Ramaswamy.