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

The Smart and the Ordinary Thank you for this moving and thought-provoking piece.

Yes, some make history, while others write history. Similarly, some live culture while others write about it!

Dear brother, the Lord`s grace is ever-flowing, our wretchedness notwithstanding.

My heartfelt prayers for peace, prosperity, honour and glory for Pakistan and her people.

Regards

V Ramaswamy

chowk@two Many Happy Returns Chowk, and all strength to you for the wonderful work being done.

At times one can realise that what we are witnessing through CHOWK, right in front of us, is something profound and immensely significant, pregnant in creative and harmonious possibilities.

God be with all of you.

Warm regards,

V Ramaswamy

Citizenship Rights for a Better Future Mr B Ahmed : I would like to be in communication with you, to discuss Indo-Pak peace matters and possible initiatives. My e-mail address is hpp@vsnl.com.

Thanks

V Ramaswamy

Reshma: Voice of Mother Earth 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