Man on mission to preserve Pahari culture through music
In the enchanting valleys of
Jammu and Kashmir, where the rich tapestry of Pahari culture weaves its
intricate threads, a young singer by the name of Ajaz Ahmad Bhat has emerged as
a beacon of hope for his community. With his soul-stirring voice and unwavering
commitment, Ajaz is on a mission to preserve and promote the unique heritage of
the Pahari people through the power of music. Bhat, a promising singer from the
Pahari Ethnic group in Jammu and Kashmir, has emerged as a prominent figure in
the realm of Pahari music, particularly Pahari folk music.
Hailing from the Namla area of the Line of Control in Uri sector in
Baramulla District, his passion for singing ignited in the 6th grade when he
discovered the enchanting world of local Pahari singers. Inspired by their
melodies, Ajaz dedicated himself to preserving and promoting the rich cultural
heritage of the Pahari people through his soulful voice. In 2018, Ajaz took a
significant leap forward by creating his own YouTube channel, appropriately
named "Ajaz Bhat Official." With his captivating voice and heartfelt
renditions, he quickly gained popularity, amassing over 1.5 Lakh subscribers.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Ajaz humbly
shares,
"I never expected such
an overwhelming response when I started my YouTube channel. It's a humbling
experience to know that my music has touched the hearts of so many people and
brought attention to the struggles our community faces."
One of his songs, "Sadna wala rasta," released
on UA Club YouTube Channel, struck a chord with listeners as it
shed light on the hardships faced by the Karnah people due to the absence of
the Sadha tunnel at Kupwara Karnah highway and reach 1 Millions plus views.
This emotionally charged composition propelled Ajaz into the limelight, opening
doors to numerous opportunities to showcase his talent at local and national
events.
A major milestone in Ajaz's career occurred in 2016 when he received an
invitation to participate in an event organized by the NZCC Patiala in
Chhattisgarh, Rupnagar in Punjab, and Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh.
Representing the Pahari culture, he fondly recalls, "Participating in that
event was a turning point for me. It was a great honour to meet and learn from
many prominent singers. It further fuelled my passion for preserving our
heritage through music."
This event provided him with wider recognition and spread his name
beyond the borders of Jammu and Kashmir. Undeterred by challenges, Ajaz
continued to perform at various local events in the region, captivating
audiences with his melodious voice and heartfelt lyrics. Ajaz's dedication to
preserving Pahari culture has not gone unnoticed. Zubair Qureshi, a renowned
Pahari writer, acknowledges the pivotal role that youngsters like Ajaz play in
safeguarding and promoting their heritage's traditions.
Zubair expressed his admiration, stating, "Ajaz Bhat, like many
other youngsters, is playing a vital role in preserving the Pahari culture and
traditions among the younger generation. His commitment to showcasing our
unique heritage through music is truly commendable." In addition to his
online presence and event participation, Ajaz's impact is deeply felt in local
Pahari weddings. His captivating performances have become an integral part of
these joyous occasions, seamlessly blending traditional Pahari melodies with a
contemporary flair, thus keeping the spirit of the culture alive.
As Ajaz Ahmad Bhat's music continues to touch hearts and inspire a new
generation, his journey stands as a testament to the power of music in
preserving cultural identity. Through his soul-stirring performances and
unwavering dedication to his craft, he has become a beacon of hope for the
Pahari people, ensuring that their rich heritage remains alive and
cherished.
- Zubair Qureshi (ANI).
