Maa Tujhe Salaam, A Tribute to India - An Evening To Remember

Online, February 2, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Maa Tujhe Salaam, A Tribute to India' was a theme based cultural evening held at Dubai Knowledge Village Auditorium on 28th January 2011 to celebrate the 62nd Republic Day of India. The event was presented by the Embassy of India (Cultural Wing) in collaboration with Big Idea.

The Chief Guest for the evening was Ms.Anuja Chakravarty - Second Secretary (Culture), Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi.

The event was a cultural extravaganza of song and dance to celebrate this significant day in the history of India. The evening started with the Indian National Anthem followed by Rimi Dhar, playback singer setting the tone with mesmerizing patriotic numbers which left the audience filled with emotions.

Javed Ali, the renowned Bollywood playback singer made a grand entry with his soulful hit - Kehne Ko Jashne Bahara Hai from Jodha Akbar which left the audience spell-bound. This was followed by some of his all time hits from Delhi 6, Gajjani, Naqaab, Yuvvraj, Tum Mile, Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani. The essence of India being a secular country was brought out by Javed Ali aptly by his rendering of songs in different Indian languages.

The evening reached its zenith with the students from The Millenium School, Dubai presenting a colorfully choreographed dance sequence titled - 'Vande-Mataram'. Being an Indian is an emotion transcending space and time.......Vande-Mataram is an exclusively choreographed compilation..... an expression of love for the motherland said Vishakha Verma, the choreographer & dance teacher from The Millenium School.

'Prakarti Swaroopa' - was another unique soul stirring performance by the students from The Millenium School, Dubai symbolic of the fusion of two diverse elements of Nature ...... Fire and Water.

The evening saw Ustaad Hamid Hussain, renowned Qawwali singer & father of Javed Ali being felicitated by Francis Saldanha, General Manager of Mel Tourism while Javed Ali was conferred the title of 'Prince of Melody' & presented with a citation by Reena Banerjee - Idea Director of Big Idea.

Smita Premal, renowned RJ, actress & co-host for the evening brought out the singing passion amongst the audience through an impromptu performance by them.

We wanted to re-live the significance of the Republic Day, away from our homeland & make this day memorable through this cultural extravaganza said Reena Banerjee.

The event was partnered by Zee TV, Zee Cinema, Bank of Baroda, UAE Exchange, Alokozay Tea, Mel Tourism, Taj Group of Hotels and Prime Vision.