By Qamar Bashir
Former Press Secretary to the President
Former Press Minister to the Embassy of Pakistan to France
Former MD, SRBC
Syeda Farah Saadia, a leading figure in Pakistani media and the face of ATV’s iconic daily morning show, “Morning With Farah,” recently hosted a remarkable event that will soon capture the nation’s heart. The All Pakistan Al-Mudassar Blind Idol Singing Competition, a platform dedicated to showcasing the extraordinary talents of visually impaired individuals, culminated in a heartwarming finale.
The contestants were drawn from across Pakistan, including distant regions like Hunza, bustling cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, Wah Cantt, Islamabad and Hyderabad and underdeveloped areas like Bahawalpure and far flung towns and villages.
A poor contestant, Mohammad Akhtar from Bahawalpur, who didn’t even have enough money to buy proper shoes emerged the winner. His exceptional performance not only earned the admiration of the judges and fellow contestants but also secured him a grand prize of one hundred thousand rupees, courtesy of Syed Mudassar Shah affectionately called Shahjee, the founder and chairman of Al-Mudassar Trust. The performances of Mr. Ramzan from Bahawalpur, Miss Sadaf from Faisalabad and Master Fawad Alam from Hunza who stood second, third and fourth were equally impressive.
The competition’s three-day journey, beautifully orchestrated by Farah Saadia, is set to air in the first week of March 2024. This special segment promises to offer a blend of melodious talent and heartening narratives that underscore resilience, talent, and the human spirit. This was Shahjee’s idea which was finally translated into reality.
Shahjee introduced me to the Al Mudassar Trust during my tenure as Press Minister at the Embassy of Pakistan in France. Initially skeptical of Shahjee’s descriptions, my visit to Al-Mudassar Trust upon returning to Pakistan transformed my perspective entirely. Nestled just off the GT Road at Barwal Kharian, the complex was an unexpected revelation. Far beyond Shahjee’s narratives.
What sets this complex apart is its architectural inspiration, drawn from the grandeur of French palaces, a concept brought to life by a team of French architects. This design choice not only provides an aesthetically pleasing environment but also an atmosphere that stimulates learning and growth.
The notion that such a magnificent edifice was dedicated to over 500 special children, who approach each school day with joy and eagerness, was profoundly touching. The building, with its enchanting allure, seemed to cast a spell of happiness and tranquility, affecting everyone within its walls—from the devoted teachers and supportive staff to the visiting guests.
The complex houses schools offering tailored education from primary to graduation levels, addressing each student’s unique needs. The trust’s vision includes creating a comprehensive center, featuring a hospital, research institute, visually impaired institute, prosthetic limb lab, university, and job opportunities for graduates, aiming to be a one-stop solution for education and development for differently-abled individuals nationwide.
During my visit, Shahjee unveiled a music academy that was both a sanctuary and a stage for the musically gifted. It was here that Shahjee shared his visionary concept of the All Pakistan Blind Idol Singing Competition. This event was more than a contest; it was a mission with multifaceted goals. Firstly, it aimed to provide a grand stage for the differently abled to showcase their talents to the world. Secondly, the competition sought to highlight the critical importance of tailored education and development for differently abled individuals, highlighting how such support can empower them to lead fulfilling, independent lives. Lastly, it served as a call to action, urging those with resources and expertise to contribute towards integrating differently abled persons into the mainstream, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.
I had the pleasure of discussing this groundbreaking initiative with Farah Saadia, whose exceptional talent and intellect have established her as one of the most distinguished anchorpersons of our era. Having previously collaborated during my tenure as MD of SRBC and CEO of ATV, where Farah led the channel’s Ramzan Transmission with unparalleled grace, I knew she was the perfect person to bring this vision to life.
Embracing the concept with her characteristic enthusiasm, Farah and the devoted team at Al-Mudassar Trust set in motion what seemed an Herculean task. With a blend of innovation and relentless effort, they reached out across Pakistan, tapping into every available medium to unearth visually impaired talents hidden in the farthest corners of our nation. These gifted individuals were then welcomed into the nurturing embrace of Al-Mudassar Trust’s luxurious hostel facilities, where they were treated to not only comfortable accommodations but also delectable cuisine, setting the stage for a celebration of their talents.
On the 20th of February, an extravagant gala unfolded, drawing guests from across the country to witness a spectacle of musical prowess. This event wasn’t just a competition; it was a platform for these extraordinary artists to shine, culminating in the selection of the top twenty-five contenders.
These finalists were then ushered to the ATV studios on the 21st of February, where they took part in a historic competition to crown Pakistan’s first grand Blind Singing Idol. This event, a testament to human spirit and creativity, not only showcased their incredible talents but also marked a significant milestone in promoting inclusivity and recognition for differently abled individuals in the arts.
My wife and I were privileged to witness a truly mesmerizing musical event, featuring an array of young talents, aged 10 to 20, displaying an extraordinary blend of vocal prowess and passion for music. Each contestant, regardless of gender, brought a unique vibrancy to the stage, making the judges’ decision incredibly challenging.
The climax of the evening was the awarding of the grand prize of one hundred thousand to a remarkably talented yet underprivileged contestant. Overwhelmed by the magnitude of the award, he shared his humble background, living in a small, leaky thatched room with his sibling, making the victory even more poignant.
The second-place winner, awarded fifty thousand, expressed his aspirations to invest in a mobile phone and a harmonium, showcasing his dedication to furthering his musical journey.
The heartwarming stories didn’t end with the winners; the participants who didn’t clinch a prize also shared their gratitude. Their sheer joy at having the opportunity to showcase their talents on a platform as prestigious as the one hosted by Farah Saadia on ATV was palpable.
Their appreciation for the Al-Mudassar Trust’s exceptional hospitality and for the chance to step out of their usual confines and onto a stage where their voices could resonate in countless homes was deeply touching. This event was not just a competition; it was a celebration of music, hope, and the unifying power of art, leaving an indelible mark on both the participants and the audience.
This momentous event, the All Pakistan Al-Mudassar Blind Idol Singing Competition, not only showcased the remarkable talents of these visually impaired singers but also highlighted the transformative power of compassion and collective effort. As viewers of ATV and members of the broader community, we have the unique opportunity to support the Al-Mudassar Trust in its noble mission. By extending our help, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, we can contribute to a future where every individual, regardless of their abilities, has the chance to shine and achieve their dreams. Let’s join hands to empower these extraordinary talents and make a lasting difference in their lives and our society.
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