By: Shehneela Mazhar
The rubab’s strings thrummed under Ali Bin Masood’s fingers, filling the air with a haunting melody. He closed his eyes and let the music take him away, to a world where there was no war, no poverty, no suffering. Just peace and harmony.
Ali had been playing the rubab since he was a child. It was his passion, his way of expressing himself but it was also more than that. The rubab was a symbol of his heritage, a reminder of his roots and in a world that was increasingly divided, Ali believed that music could be a force for good. It could bring people together, regardless of their differences.
This is the reason Ali had started the “Finding Harmony through Music and Cultural Exchange” project under Alumni Small Grant. He wanted to use music to connect with people from different cultures, to build bridges between them. And so far, it was working. Ali had traveled all over the world, performing his music and sharing his message of peace. He had met with people from all walks of life, and he had seen firsthand the power of music to bring people together.
Ali knew that he had a long way to go, but he was determined to continue his work. He believed that music could change the world, and he was committed to making it happen.
Living in Pakistan, Ali witnessed the challenges faced by Afghan refugees who sought refuge after the conflicts in their homeland. While Pakistanis had stood by them during times of war, strained relationships and misunderstandings still lingered. It was then that Ali recognized the potential of music to heal wounds and build bridges.
He believed that music was a language that transcended borders, and he envisioned a world where Afghan and Pakistani youth could connect at a deeper level, finding solace and joy through their shared love for music. Thus, “Finding Harmony through Music and Cultural Exchange” was born.
Ali’s project aimed to bring together the vibrant youth of Afghanistan and Pakistan in a day filled with enchanting melodies and cultural exchange. The event was carefully designed to showcase the power of music and its ability to dissolve differences, and to provide a platform for artists from both nations to collaborate and share their talents.
The event took place at three community centers in Islamabad – The Black Hole, Ahang Kada, and the National Incubation Center. These spaces transformed into hubs of creativity and understanding, as 20 performers, including senior artists and emerging talents, graced the stage with soul-stirring performances. Mr. Kelly Ryan, Public Diplomacy Officer, U.S. Embassy Pakistan , delivered inspiring opening remarks, setting the stage for the captivating performances that followed.
A panel discussion on “Creating Art in Difficult Times” by esteemed artists added depth to the experience.
The event was not just about music; it was a testament to the potential for positive change. Through social media, posters, personal contacts, and references in the arts and music community, Ali spread the word about the event, drawing an audience of 60 guests and beneficiaries.
The day arrived, and the melodies flowed harmoniously, carrying with them a message of unity, resilience, and understanding. Yassir Howayda, an Afghan participant, expressed his joy, “I am thrilled to have received this opportunity; you have no idea how long we have waited to play our cultural songs.”
Mehbuba Ibrahimi, a participant from Pakistan, echoed her sentiments about this initiative saying “It was such an honor to participate in such an amazing event and great musicians between Afghans and Pakistan. Thanks a lot for your warm support.”
The success of Ali’s project was not just measured in musical notes, but in the hearts that were touched and the minds that were opened. Through the universal language of music, the event had sown the seeds of unity, tolerance, and understanding among the youth of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Ali’s vision had come to life, and as the final notes echoed through the halls, they carried with them a promise of a brighter future, where music would continue to mend, connect, and uplift souls. The journey had begun with a Rubab’s melody, and it ended with the symphony of two nations united in harmony.
