THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: All arrangements have been made to accord a warm reception to Pakistani ghazal singer Ghulam Ali, who will be performing in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, said the organisers. He will be received by Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar and CPM politburo member M A Baby at Thiruvananthapuram airport on Thursday. On the same day, the state would give an official banquet to the visiting artist.
Poet O N V Kurup termed Ali as a world citizen and said that his visit was happening at a time when the country is facing intolerance. He was speaking at the press meet organised at his residence on Ali’s visit. “When Arabic poet Adonis visited the state, he was not properly received. We will not let that happen with Ali,” said Kurup. Disregarding the opposition from some quarters against the visit of the ghazal maestro, Kurup said music was a world language and it was something that unites the world and not otherwise.
Ghulam Ali’s itinerary in state
■ Arrives on Thursday
■ State banquet on Thursday
■ Documentary, website and Hindi song in his honour. Hindi song ‘Salam Ghulam Ali’ composed by M Jayachandran. Documentary on Ghulam Ali directed by T K Rajeevkumar
■ Performances at Nishagandhi auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday at 5 pm & Tagore Centenary Hall in Kozhikode on Sunday
“In normal situation, a visit by a singer would be considered as a continuation of the tradition of our country. But if somebody tries to break that tradition, India will not tolerate it,” said the poet. Swaralaya has organised live performances in association with Grand Kerala Shopping Festival at Nishagandhi auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday and at Tagore Centenary Hall in Kozhikode on Sunday. Ali will be singing along with a group of musicians led by Pandit Vishwanath. Music composer M Jayachandran will be presenting a Hindi song titled ‘Salam Ghulam Ali’ as a tribute to the 75-year-old ghazal maestro.