Veterans from different corners of the world gathered in Ajmer in the first week of October to participate in the much talked about International Sufi Rang Festival 2022-the largest sacred art exhibition in India which witnessed over 500 calligraphic art Inscriptions from India and 30 countries.
Registering a footfall of around 1,50,000 in seven days, the festival had renowned dignitaries visiting here who presented beautiful melodies soothing the world in the form of Sufi Music. They also recited poetry which built bonds of unison and made heart to heart talk on the occasion.
The festival started on October 1 and concluded on October 7. The festival brought together not just Sufi artists and calligraphers but also writers, senior journalists, well-known filmmakers and musicians of great repute.
These dignitaries spoke about their inner spiritual journey of rising beyond the mundane affairs in their divine love cleansing the internal self.
Imtiyaz Ali in fact started his talk with a famous couplet of Persian Sufi poet Jalaluddin Rumi: “What you seek is seeking you”, which was the tagline of Shahrukh Khan-starrer Jab Harry Met Sejal, a romantic movie written and directed by Ali.
“Cinema is one of the most important and influential art forms today which has fairly contributed to the dissemination of universal values of Sufism through mystical music”, Ali said.
Singer Mohit Chauhan who was in Ajmer known for his best work and soulful Sufi songs in Hindi films sang the famous spiritual lyrics “O Nadaan Parindey Ghar Aa Jaa” from the super-duper hit Rockstar.
Speaking on the occasion, he said, “This was a tribute to Hazrat Khwaja Gharib Nawaz and his message of unconditional love which echoes throughout the movie”, he said.
Senior journalist Rishi Suri, Editor in Chief of the Daily Milap News organisation, was also honoured for Peace Initiatives through media dialogues by Khuddam-e-Khwaja.
In addition, Anshdeep, District Collector of Ajmer Sharif and Ricky Kej, the world music composer and Grammy Award Winner, Imran Chishty Khwajgani and the Sarv Dharm Maitria Sanstha were also felicitated.
On this occasion, seminars were organised on calligraphy inscriptions and the captivating display of mystical Sufi arts.
Through their spectacular encounters and public statements, a wide range of film industry superstars, government officials, media producers, and literary personalities showcased fervent enthusiasm for the mystical Sufi arts on this occasion.
Lieutenant General Zameer Uddin Shah, former vice-chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University and the event’s chief guest, praised the initiative as a fantastic attempt to bolster the social fabric of the country. He asserted that the person who actively participates in social and humanitarian service with unwavering dedication is a true Sufi..”
Dargah Ajmer Sharif Gaddi Nashin Haji Syed Salman Chishty, the organizer and conceiver of the festival and Chairman of Chishty Foundation, extended a vote of thanks to all artists, participants and distinguished guests of the ISRF-2022.
In his conclusive remarks, he said that art is the mirror of culture and the epitome of society. Sufi is a lover of art because art attracts everyone without discrimination. Culture binds us in a thread of love.
“Ajmer District Collector was conferred Global Peace Award with City SP ChunaRam Jat.