Laal band brings 'dama dam mast qalandar' to schoolchildren in Sindh

KARACHI: The glaring sun and scorching heat were unable to dampen the spirits of young students eagerly anticipating to witness possibly their first live rock performance.

Three days after one of the deadliest suicide bombings took place at the shrine of Sufi saint Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, members of the Leftist rock band Laal started their Sindh tour with a message of hope and courage. The band performed in various schools in different neighbourhoods of the city, bringing to students the rich poetry of Shahbaz Qalandar, Bulleh Shah, and Faiz Ahmed Faiz.

Arranged by the Oxford University Press, the free-of-charge performance on Tuesday was aimed at raising awareness about piracy and promoting Pakistan’s cultural heritage.

Laal band’s melodic tunes were received with tumultuous applause from excited crowds. The enthusiasm was contagious; the excitement was visible from the faces of students and teachers alike.

For a week, Karachi’s dreary afternoons were abuzz with the rich poetry of celebrated poets combined with Laal’s brilliantly composed tunes. The students and teachers alike couldn’t help sway and dance to the tunes as the band sang “dama dam mast qalander” and “utho meri duniya.”

Talking to Geo New, lead vocalist Taimur Rehman said: “In light of the recent suicide bombing that took place inside the Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, it is imperative that we promote our cultural heritage. This is why we sing the rich poetry of legends such as Baba Farid and Habib Jalib.”

In a world gripped by terror and violence, meaningful music infuses hope in young minds. Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Eddie Van Halen once credited music for keeping him out of trouble. A majority of schools in Pakistan fail to focus on extra-curricular activities that are imperative for shaping up balanced personalities.

Music-for-awareness is an avenue unexplored in a society plagued by religious extremism and a weak law and order situation. Efforts like those of Laal band, light a flicker of hope in a world consumed by radicalization and violence.