Md. Rafi tum bahut yaad aaye.

Award                                         Song -    Movie
Filmfare Awards 1977Kya Hua Tera Wada - Naya Daur



Filmfare Awards 1968Dil Ke Jharoke Mein Tujko Bithakar - Brahmachari
Filmfare Awards 1967Neele Gagan Ke - Humraaz
Filmfare Awards 1966Baharon Phool Barsaao - Suraj
Filmfare Awards 1964Chahunga Main Tujhe - Dosti
Filmfare Awards 1961Chasme Baddor - Sasuraal
Filmfare Awards 1960Chaudvin Ka Chand - Chaudvin Ka Chand

                                           Rafi was born on December 24, 1924 in a small village in Punjab (now in Pakistan) near Amritsar and later shifted to Lahore when he was 14 years old. There he studied music under Khan Abdul Waheed Khan, Jeevanlal Matto and Ghulam Ali Khan. He recorded his first song in 1944 for a Punjabi film Gul Baloch with music director Shyam Sunder. Not many people know that had acted in couple of films, Laila Majnu (1945) and Jugnu (1947). Rafi made his mark with Tera Khilona Toota Balak in Anmol Ghari (1946).
In the year 1944 Mohammad Rafi decided to move to Bombay where he was first given a break by Naushad in Pehle Aap (1944). Rafi's first big hit was in Jugnu (1947) where he sang the duet 'Yahaan Badla Wafaa ka Bewafaee ke Siva Kya Hai' with Noorjehan under Feroz Nizami.
His career took off with the all-time hit Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki from Dulari(1949). There was no looking back aftermath and Rafi ruled as the undisputed king of playback singing till the early 70s when Kishore Kumar took over. However it took Rafi much of the 50s to establish his superiority over rest of the competition. Kishore Kumar and to a lesser extent Mukesh and Talat Mehmood were preoccupied by their acting while Hemant Kumar saw a decline in his singing career by the end of the 1950s. Manna Dey never really got the breaks his talent deserved and from 1960-1970 Rafi was unchallenged at the top. In spite of his superstardom he remained humble and soft-spoken.
Although Rafi worked with different music directors, the one who recognised and exploited his immense talent was Naushad. His first song for Naushad was Hindustan ke hum hain Hindustan hai hamara in the film Pehle Aap. The duo worked together to give hits such as Baiju Bawra and Mere Mehboob, to name a few. Rafi’s other fruitful partnership was with S D Burman are Kagaz Ke Phool, Guide, Tere Ghar Ke Samne and Pyaasa. Rafi has sung some of the best songs for heroes under the influence of alcohol like 'Din Dhal Jaaye' in Guide (1965) and 'Choo Lenedo Nazuk Hothon ko' in Kajal (1965) without touching the alcohol himself! Aradhana (1969) turned out to be another great movie where Rafi sang for the baton of Naushad and S.D. Burman. great hit Aradhana (1969).His last song was "Tu kahin aas paas hai dost" for Laxmikant Pyarelal in the film Aas Paas. He passed away on July 31, 1980. His immortality is vouched for by the fact that even almost two decades after his death, his popularity remains intact.

साफ पानी के युद्ध

गुड्डू बाबा ने अपने दम पर गंगा को साफ़ करने का बीड़ा उठाया है. गंगा को प्रदूषण मुक्त करने के इस मिशन में कीचड़ और गंदगी, गंगा में बहती लाशों की गंध या सरकारी निकम्मापन कुछ भी गुड्डू बाबा को उनके मिशन से डिगा नहीं पाया है.
 लगातार बढ़ती गंदगी और कूड़े-कचरे ने पटना में गंगा का रूप ही बदल डाला. गंगा के पानी से लोगों को पेट और त्वचा की घातक बीमारियाँ होने लगी हैं गंगा की सफ़ाई से जुड़ी इस मुहिम की शुरुआत आज से कई साल पहले हुई. एक दिन  बाबा एक ग़रीब आदमी को अपनी पत्नी के संस्कार के बाद गंगा की इसी कीचड़ में नहाते देखा  बाबा  पूछने पर उसने कहा कि गंगाजल के बिना पत्नी को मोक्ष नहीं मिलेगा और साफ़ पानी तक पहुंचने के लिए उसके पास नाव के पैसे नहीं उस आदमी की बात  बाबा मन में घर कर गई. गंगा हम सब की ज़िंदगी की एक अहम हिस्सा है और एक नदी के रूप में भी इस संपदा को बचाना ज़रूरी है .ऐसे में अपने कुछ साथियों के साथ मिलकर बाबा ने गंगा के एक-एक हिस्से को साफ़ करने का बीड़ा उठाया सुबह-सवेरे  बाबा अपने कुछ साथियों के साथ घाटों पर पहुंच जाता और  नदी में उतर कर पानी में मौजूद गंदगी को बाहर निकालते.


कई लोग  बाबाके साथ ज़ुड़ते गए ये विडंबना ही है कि गंगा को बचाने के नाम पर सरकार की ओर से ज़मीनी प्रयास कम और दिखावटी प्रयास ज़्यादा हो रहे हैं
.
 उदयपुर  झील के लिए काम कर रहेगैर सरकारी संगठन हैं वे बाबा से एक सबक ले और  उत्साह भंग नहीं किया जाना चाहिए .एक दिन हम भी अपने लक्ष्यों को प्राप्त और झीलों में ताजा साफ पानी मिलता है.

The hope tarnished !

The Public perception is that there is a coalition between the bureaucrats, politicians and industrialists, which is robbing the nation of its vital natural resources.For long, the common man has been reconciled to our feudal form of democracy, where 'netas' were the new lords of all that they surveyed. Corruption at the top was accepted among all political parties.As for corruption in the states, the less said the better. One would have to conduct a huge survey to conclude as to which state is at the top of the ladder of corruption.


Corruption was a global phenomenon. That was and remains an absolutely truthful statement.The day-to-day life of the ordinary citizen is free from extortion that an average Indian faces every day.It is this criminal extortion faced by the common man that has made life hell in India. If you want to renew your passport, you meet the touts outside the passport office. They ensure that your job is done on time -- for a price. Go into any office dealing with the public, be it the police or municipal administration, anywhere in India, nothing gets done unless you pay a price.


Electoral politics in India has become an industry by itself. You spend money to get elected and indulge in making big money. People find our administration hardly responsive.The country has a distinguished economist as its Prime Minister. He is surrounded by an array of other brilliant economists. Yet, all of them together, are unable to control the price rise and increasing inflation.The issue of Lok Pal is a symptom of the growing anger that the people of India have towards the 'Government' - both at the Central and State levels.The Right to Information Act has done some good, but more is needed.


 The government needs to consider the kind of administrative reforms that can make the civil servants responsive and accountable and become what they are meant to be: "public servants". There is nothing for the common men in the Lok Pal.I think if the politicians are even 5 percent serious of getting rid of corruption than the wise thing will be to go ahead with the Anna's version of the JanLokpal Bill and to make CBI completely independent and have tough laws to protect whistle blowers.

The Traveller

Visitors, who are seekers of the unexpected, but when they decide to come to Mewar(Udaipur region),unlike us they straight away book a guided tour.It saves on wasting time looking for transports, entrances and understanding how to get around.

                                                       

A place where dignity and royalty are everything. The dignified people of the land live in royalty. At  6 am and shortly after, at a lakeside guesthouse just in time for the sunrise on the lake. This may be a first marvellous picture of elegant palaces, lovely lakes, and landscape beauty this beautiful one of the most romantic cities of the world Udaipuralso known as the several other names like Romantic City, City of Lakes, City of Sunrise, and Venice of East.  The  City Palace the richest palace museum in the entire Rajasthan.city's colourful streets full of atmosphere and where lots of clothes hand made paper painting is a nostalgic and unusual momentother elegant palaces like Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, and Fateh Prakash Palace. Enjoy boat ride in picturesque Pichola Lake.Bagore Ki Haveli is an ancient building that stands on the platform of Gangori Ghat in the vicinity of Pichola Lake. 


The splendid architecture of the mansion boasts of delicate carved work and excellent glass work. In the eighteenth century, Bagore Ki Haveli was built by Amir Chand Badwa, who was the Chief Minister at the Mewar Royal Court in earlier times. When Amar Badwa died, the building came under the possession of Mewar State. The haveli looks marvelous with glowing lights in the night. Bagore Ki Haveli is a perfect place to explore the ancient architecture and life style of the royal family.

Now ,choose the road after Ranakpur  through Arraveli montains which leads to the still standing tall with a huge wall around the Kumbhalgarh fort Haldighati is an important historical site in the context of Rajasthan, India. Actually, Haldighati is a mountain pass in the Aravalli rangeyellow colored soil of the place that gives a sense of turmeric interested in historic battles and heroic deeds of the courageous soldiers, then Haldighati is the perfect place to visit. Haldighati is a significant historical site that has observed the battle of 1576. The battle of Haldighati was a huge combat between Rana Pratap Singh of Mewar and Raja Man Singh of Amber. This ferocious battle created amount of blood shed of the heroic soldiers and the red turned color of sand still speaks of those daring people.Chetak, the heroic mount of Rana Pratap, breathed his last after leaving his master to a safe place.  In the words of Col. James Todd (a British author), Haldighati has been referred as 'Thermopile of Mewar'. 

 Crowning the Aravalli Hills, the fort is not so easily accessible with seven great gates that stand guarding its entrance. Just 6 kms, from the Kumbalgarh Sanctuary.Chittorgarh Fort has received the credit of being the largest fort of India. The massive fort is located on a high hill near the Gambheri River in Chittorgarh .This colossal fort is accessible through seven huge gates (Pols) that are comprised of strong iron spikes and served as a watch tower in earlier times with the visit of Chittorgarh fort wonderful place through a bygone era of Kings and Royalty who were the masters of the Palace.


Roll back the pages of time to an incredible destination   take a safari on horses, camels, elephants or even in jeeps, with the Aravalis - India's oldest mountain range as the backdrop. Feast your eyes on spectacular , or just watch the birds in the wetlands. You can also choose to pamper yourself in the lavish heritage properties. Rajasthan has something for everyone –  one just has to choose an activity appropriate to one's temperament.

What is India waiting for?

 Describe Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as the "honest king of a corrupt regime" which could not control either inflation or graft. Undoubtfully, this UPA govermnet led by Manmohan Singh is the most CORRUPT goverment that Independent INDIA ever had. Seems Manmohan Singh choosen and included most Corrupt people of India not only to his cabinet, but also in different vital organizations.some says Sonia is the inspiring source of corruption, while Manmohan Singh is a patron. Chidambaram and other members in the Union cabinet are partners.


Former telecom minister A Raja continued to defend his actions in the 2G scam, alleging that he sought the opinion of the three highest government authorities, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, then Finance Minister P Chidambaram and then Solicitor General Goolam E Vahanavati before awarding licences to private companies.The focus is back on the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh who did not make any suggestions to constitute a GoM to examine the spectrum allocation issue. “In such case, PM Singh could also be held guilty of conspiracy and dereliction of duty for not forming a GoM to examine the spectrum allocation issue.


How can Ministers in a country carry on corrupt practices without the head of a nation not knowing anything about it? The exchequer had been virtually looted to the tune of Rs 1.76 lakh crore in 2G Spectrum case, Rs 67,000 crore in CWG irregularities and Rs 5.5 lakh crore in S Band irregularities.The hike in prices of LPG, diesel , kerosene  and other useful commodities by government was a total failure to rein in the skyrocketing prices. While patronaging corruption related to 2G spectrum scam, CWG irregularities and Adarsh House Society Scam is shameful.


The main reason for corruption is centralisation of power. The current Parliament and the state legislatures feel they own the country. There should be a legal framework to undertake land acquisition without any protest and power should be decentralised to gram sabhas .I am not against development, but it must not be at the cost of the poor and the weaker sections of the society. The government must give options to people so that they can make a living.
 The village parliament's opinion needs to be sought on whether mining should be done in their village. Why are locals not involved? Involve them and you'll see a corruption-free country.On August 25, 2010, Rahul escorted a farmer's delegation from Aligarh to meet prime minister. Farmers demanded amendment in the Land Acquisition Act 1894.The prime minister assured that it will be done in the next session of Parliament. But nothing was done.


When it comes to our PM Manmohan Singh, the whole world feels that a saint is running our country. While Indians feel that the PM is not an aggressive PM. He has always been media shy, always been tight lipped and is known for his silence for any major issues that have taken place in the country.The true picture should be made public about the black money and other national interest issues .It also gives a message that What is lacking is it political will or aimed at shielding somebody in the party .Is party higher than the Nation ?


 Ministers and MPs languishing in jails after getting involved in corruption scams.people were disgusted to watch the inefficient and corrupt rule .It is unfortunate that the Centre is stating that courts should not interfere in the administrative matters.


 If the top authority is corrupt the entire system become corrupt and the common man is simply forced to pay bribe simply to get his/her things done. This is because he/she has no way out. Complaining to the top authority is meaningless as he/she is taking the main share through the subordinates. Because of this we have neera yadavs, Joshis,akhand pratap Singhs and Ahmedis. Untill and unless the top authority or the minister indulges in corruption, underlings can never dare but the underlings have at least some fear in the form of CBI or various vigilance agencies but corruption is continuing and increasing by the day because of only one factor and that is these ministers, MPs and top government authorities have been kept out of the ambit of probe and prosecution by the constitution and they are looting the nation without any fear and we need to protect our vibrant & great democracy...

The Langas and Manghaniyar From The Thar

                                                                       
In our era, the Langas still have the Sindhi Sipahi for Jajmans. They are a modest caste of Muslim farmers. Their stringed instrument, the sindhi sarangi (in reference to the Pakistani Sind Valley which prolongs this cultural air) and the gujrati sarangi (which refers to a region in the southern part of Rajasthan, the Gujarat) are the domain of Saran giya Langa (the players of sarangi and satara, the double flute of pastoral origin) while the Suraniya Langa reserve for themselves wind instruments such as the shahnai (oboe) and the murli (clarinet). In the past, the tradition linked to certain religious orders of Islam prevented the Langa from using percussion. Those times seem faraway, for today almost all of the Langa play the dho!ak in accompaniment in the same way that the Man ghaniyar do. Even the karthal of the Manghaniyar can be found pounding in the Langa hands today. The fraying of tradition and modification of social structures has a tendency to create a phenomena of uniformity. Nevertheless, the Manghaniyar still do not use the sarangi of the Langa, but continue to prefer the kamaica, a heavy string sculpted from the wood of the mango tree with a round wooden resonating case (tabli).

The Manghaniyar who inhabit the villages at the edge of the Thar Desert play mostly for castes who are Hindu, which explains the difference between their repertory and that of the Langa. Like the Lautauri gypsies of Rumania and the griots of Mauritania or elsewhere, the musicians of Rajasthan disperse themselves geographically in relation to the residences of their Jajmans. In contemporary society, where points of reference change very quickly, the ancestral contract still exists between the Manghaniyar and the Rajput, who assimilated into the ancient and mythic Ksatri, the ancient warrior caste. But they no longer necessarily have the allure and wealth of ancient Rajahs. Given that certain professions such as commerce and artisanal labour are considered impure and forbidden to them, the Rajput of today may be simple farmers or taxi drivers whose limited means only permit them to symbolically support the musicians through small contributions and gifts. This explains why everyone is no longer a musician in the Man ghaniyar community. The particular speciality of the Manghaniyar are the mota git (long songs) as opposed to chota git, "shorter" and more ritualistic songs. Often in Rajasthan, these songs are given raga names, such as sorath, maru, sindhi bhairavi.
these names, which sometimes designate certain sites, do not correspond to classical hindustani rage of the same name. After a slow poetic vocal introduction without rhythm (duha), the Manghaniyar stretch out the mota git, whose richness of depth and complexity as can be remarked in these recordings. Anwar Khan's vocal work precisely brings to light the ornamentation which undeniably sends us back to the very origins of certain classical singing.
                                                          

The Rakhi To Those Monarchs

The Rakhi. — ' The festival of the bracelet ' is in spring, 
and whatever its origin, it is one of the few when an intercourse of gallantry of the most delicate nature is established between 
the fair sex and the cavaliers of Rajasthan. Though the bracelet 
may be sent by maidens, it is only on occasions of urgent
danger or necessity . The Rajput dame bestows with the Rakhi the 
title of adopted brother and while its acceptance secures to her 
all protection of a cavaliers servant, scandal itself never
suggests any other tie to his devotion. He may hazard his life in
her cause, and yet never receive a glance in reward, for he
cannot even see the desired object who,as brother of her adoption

has constituted him her defender.

 But there is a charm in the mystery of such connexion, never endangered by close observation, and the loyal to the fair may well attach a value to the public recognition of being the Rakhi-band Bhai, the ' bracelet-bound brother '. The intrinsic value of such pledge is of Scripture the same notion is referred to.The mother of Sisera asks " Have they not divided the prey ; to every man a damsel or two ? ' Badaoni says that Humayun hesitated to 

interfere because Bahadur was attacking an infidel never looked 

to, nor is it requisite it should be costly, though it 
varies with the means and rank of the donor, and may be of 
flock silk and spangles, or gold chains and gems. The acceptance 
of the pledge and its return is by the kachhli, or corset, of
simple silk or satin, of gold brocade and pearls.
There is nothing similar in Europe, and as defending the most 
delicate part of the structure of the fair, it is peculiarly 
appropreate as an emblem of devotion. A whole province has often 
accompanied the Kachhli, and the monarch of India was so pleased by this courteous delicacy in the customs of Rajasthan, on 
reciving the bracelet of the princess Karnavati, which invested  him with the title of her brother, and uncle and protector to her infant Udai Singh, that he pledged himself to her service, "even if the demand were the castle of Ranthambhor."

 Humayun proved himself a true knight, and even abandoned his 

conquests in Bengal when called on to redeem his pledge and 

succour Chitor, and the widows and minor sons of Rana Sanga.

Humayun had the highest proofs of the worth of those courting his

protection ; he was with his father Babur in all his wars inIndia
and at the battle of Bayana his prowess was conspicuous, and is 
recorded by Babur's own pen. He amply fulfilled his pledge, 
expelled the foe from Chitor, took Mandu by assault, and, as 
some revenge for her king's aiding the king of Gujarat, he sent 
for the Rana Bikramajit, whom, following their own notions of 
 the gift of the Rakhi.
The author, who was placed in the enviable situation of being

 able to do good, and on the most extensive scale, was the means of restoring many of these ancient famihes from degradation to 

affluence.The greatest reward he could, and the only one he would, receive, was the courteous displayed in many of these 

interesting customs. He was the Rakhi-band Bhai of, and received ' the bracelet ' from, three queens of Udaipur, Bundi, and Kota, besides Chand Bai, the maiden sister of the Rana ; as well as 

many ladies of the chieftains of rank, with whom he interchanged letters. The sole articles of ' barbaric pearl and gold,' which

 he conveyed from a country where he was six years supreme, are

 these testimonies of friendly regard. 

Intrinsically of no great value, they were presented and accepted in the ancient spirit, and he retains them with a sentiment the more powerful, because he can no longer render them any service.

The Rakhi Sanskrit of raksha,protection is primarily a protective amulet assumed at the full moon of Saawan (July -August). It was worn on this date to avert the unhealthiness of the rainy season. Even Jahangir and Akbar too followed the custom, introduced by their Hindu ladies.