Rang-E-Sulh-I-Kul: A Multi-Dimensional Celebration of Agra’s Heritage
Cultural heritage is an important foundation for a strong and cohesive society but becomes especially vital to draw from, in times of socio-cultural and socio-political upheavals. Agra became the city of Sulh-I-Kul (Peace with all) during the reign of Akbar in the sixteenth century. This theme got imbibed not only in its architecture but also its culture and history. Over the years, the idea of Sulh-I-kul has been invoked many times to remind the larger social discourse of the importance of peace and communal harmony. This Monday marked the beginning of one such event being organised in Agra called Rang-E-Sulh-I-Kul. Organised by coming together of various city based organisations and initiatives, the four day event from 5th to 8th March 2018, now in its second edition is trying to bring together city’s youth in order to rejuvenate the cultural milieu of the city and revive its socio-political heritage of ‘Sulh-I-Kul’.
Organised in the memory of Dr. Jitendra Raghuvanshi, the former general secretary of IPTA, the event will feature various events throughout various locations in the city on all four days. As the coordinator of the event Dr. Vijay Sharma informed that this year the event will be inspired rhythmically throughout but will have a strong socio-political message as well.
Scroll down to read the coverage of previous days of Rang-E-Sulh-I-Kul
Tuesday at Rang-E-Sulh-I-Kul was all about highlighting the rich legacy of Urdu language and literature in the cultural heritage of Agra. Shesh Narayan Singh’s mini book “Urdu- Hamari Saajhi Virasat” (Urdu- our shared heritage) witnessed its launching alongside an elaborate discussion on the city’s language. The entire evening was in a way a long running discourse on various themes related to Urdu. Ameer Ahmed Jafri explored the romantic facets of Urdu language through his poetry.
Faiz Ali Shah on the other hand made a case for making Urdu a truly Indian language rather than looking at it as a preserve of a religious community alone. Senior professor from Baikunthi Devi Kanya Mahavidyalaya, Dr. Nasreen Begum spoke about Urdu in reference to its pedagogy and its scholars.
The evening also witnessed a performance from Shubham Singh Jakhad on Hawaiian guitar, Bhanu Pratap Singh on tabla and Abbas Ameer Jaffari as vocalist. Keeping in tune with the theme of a multi-dimensional approach, the event also included an exhibition of cartoons by Madan Gopal who featured many scenes and individuals from the city through the art of caricature. At the same time FTCG also presented a performance on “Bin Pani Sab Soon” (Without water everything is useless).
On Wednesday the event enters its penultimate day being hosted at Manas Bhavan, Nagari Pracharini Sabha.
Monday saw the inauguration of the event at Goverdhan hotel located near Delhi Gate by Bhavana Raghuvanshi and Saiyyad Ajmal Ali Shah. Keeping in theme with the heritage of Agra and in the foreground of Holi, famous poet Nazir Akbarabadi’s song “Jab Falgun Rang Jhamakte Ho” (When Falgun (Spring) disperses the colours) was sung by Akanksha Sharma. Songs were also performed by members of IPTA.
Another icon of Agra’s cultural heritage, the Bhakti poet Sur was remembered through a dance performance by Nritya Jyoti Kathak Kendra, dramatising the “Sur ke Kanhai” couplet. Amrtilal Nagar’s work “Seth Bankemal” was performed by Nirmal Singh.
Along with songs, dances and dramatic performances, the event had a multi-dimensional approach as it also featured a photographic exhibition of Agra’s lanes, ghats and monuments by Wasif Sheikh and Anuj Lahari under the “Zoom on Agra” initiative.
With a promising start, the event today heads into its second day with yet again a wide range of events from different media being held at Shahid Smarak in Sanjay Place.