An Appeal: Bharat Ratna for the Legendary Singer, Padmashree Mohd. Rafi Saab
This appeal is shared by Mr. Naresh Sharma.
Name of Rafi Saab is synonymous to the arena of playback singing and so long as there are music lovers in any nook and corner of the world, the name of this legendary singer and a saintly figure, who left for heavenly abode 27 years back in 1980 (31st July, 1980), can not be forgotten. In 1967, he was bestowed upon the Padma Shree by the Government of India in recognition to his contributions to the field of film music. To keep his memories alive, the Government of Maharashtra has named a road in Mumbai as “Padmshree Mohd. Rafi Chowk” also.
Amongst the greatest Indians born, Mohd. Rafi Saab was unarguably the true ambassador of this country – an iconic symbol whose persona and career can be succinctly eulogized as cultural heritage. There is not a lexicon made that can encompass his astonishing feats. The respect, love and adoration the whole country has for him is phenomenal by all standards. His music is not restricted to Indian territory only. His was voice not only of Indian the sub-continent but also of the whole world, i.e. the impact of his music and personality still influences not only the Indian sub-continent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Srilanka, Nepal, Burma Afghanistan etc.), but also the Middle East, South Africa, Canada, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Fizi, West Indies and African and European countries. The music critics treat his voice to be the most democratic, secular and divine one.
In his 36 years long career as a playback singer, Rafi Saab sang all types of songs/music (Bhajans, Patriotic Songs, Classical Songs, Ghazals, Qwwali, Sad song, Happy songs, Humerous songs etc.); he sang for every mood and for every occasion. His songs were (rather are) for people of all the sections of the society, different religions/faiths & practices/sects and age groups. He sang for all-from a rickshaw puller to a landlord, from a beggar to a king, from a child to an old man. It was his voice which rose above all petty human barriers and set a glorious example of impeccable dignity and honour in a strife-torn world. This was the reason that even after 27 years after his death, his divine and soulful voice continues to inspire people of all age groups, all sections of the society, all religions etc.; his matchless and evergreen voice has inspired generation and will continue to do so. Truly, he was the singer of the masses.
Mohd Rafi
His sweet-peerless voice has become integral part of our life and psyche. Rafi Saab, as the world knows him, was an epitome of excellence and paragon of virtues in an industry known for its crass commercial values. Rafi Saab provided unmatched brilliance to thousands of compositions of great lyricists and music composers of that era (1944-1980). Musicians of the yesteryears and of present time, who have worked with him, consider his voice to be God’s own voice. For this legendary singer, the song came first, rewards and remunerations later. He was a humble man and very down to earth. The glory of Rafi Saab will never fade away from human memory. An ideal citizen and an ideal professional, he was an embodiment of all virtues. He will remain a source of inspiration not only for the music lovers, but also to all those who are blessed to be born in this country.
Mohammad Rafi is a jewel in India’s crown. People already consider him “Bharat Ka Ratna”. However, it is prayed to the Government of India to confer upon him posthumously the highest civilian award, Bharat Ratn, for which if there is anybody whose name first comes to the mind, it is Rafi Sahab’s only. Mohammad Rafi deserves Bharat Ratna for reasons more than one. Followings are some of the supporting factors:-
- He was one simple soul who was much above the factional and communal politics. He was an apostle of secularism. By conferring Bharat Ratna on Mohammad Rafi posthumously, right signals will be sent to all the right-thinking people of this country.
- Bharat Ratn is being given to the personalities related to the field of art and culture (music, literature etc.). It is being given posthumously also. The precedent to bestow this coveted award posthumously and to the people belonging to the field of Art & culture is already there.
- Rafi Saab was a true Gandhian. After the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948, he paid his tributes to the “Father of the Nation” by singing the song “Suno suno ae duniyawalon Bapu ki ye amar kahani." The song was so soulfully sung by this singer that even Pt. Nehru could not stop his tears.
- During the wars with China and Pakistan in 1962 and 1965 respectively, when the nation was in difficult times, his patriotic songs gave strength to the soldiers and the whole nation. During the wars with Pakistan and China, he even went to the war fronts and sang amongst the soldiers (Jawans) in his joshbhari voice.
- He was the biggest ambassador of this country in the field of Art & Culture (music), who has been adjudged as singer of the millennium. His contribution in spreading Indian music to outside world is phenomenal.
- Since this wonderful artist and a great human being (fakir/saint by nature) got (and is still getting) love from people of all the religions/faiths/practices/castes/creed/gender and nationalities, it is earnestly felt that giving this long-awaited recognition to Rafi Saab will serve as a great binding force for the distanced communities.
- This one-man music institution has given bread and butter to thousands of people. Today, twenty-seven years after his death, he is still a one-man ‘Gharana’.
- He was a Muslim by birth. He regarded all the religions to be one, which he even asserted in many of his songs. In his songs, he sang everyone-Lord Ram, Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishn, Lord Shiv, Guru Nanak, Yeshu, Islamic devotions, Saint Kabir etc.. Despite being Muslim, counting of the Devotional songs/Bhajans and Patriotic songs rendered by him are far more than those by any other playback singer in the Indian Film Industry. He has worked for uniting the whole of India into a single entity by way of his songs sung in almost all the Indian languages, for people of all the faiths, castes, creeds etc.
- A person of his caliber, contributions and qualities is the most deserving one.
- Honouring Mohammad Rafi is honouring the humanity itself. In fact, the title Bharat Ratna would feel honoured to be bestowed upon to this truly great son of the soil.
- Amongst the nominations for this prestigious Highest Civillian Award, his is the only nomination from the field of Art & Culture.
Though Maharashtra Government has agreed in principle for awarding of Bharat Ratn to Rafi Saab, it is prayed to the Government of India to confer the country’s highest civilian award on him which he so rightly deserves.
In view of the aforesaid, it is once again requested that the Government of India agrees to this earnest appeal and announce him to be Bharat Ratn awardee on the occasion of 26th January, 2008, for which he is the only nominee from the field of art and culture this year.
Long live India long live Mohammad Rafi !
February 6th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
26 Jan gone
Bharat ratna undecided
Is it the time for us to console ourselves
probably yes and probably no
Yes - because had the award been given to Rafi sahab, we would have been the happiest people of the world
no - because;-
we are the Rafi fans,Mohammed rafi, the great singer,who represents happiness and thankfulness,thankful for everything that god and his people(of god) gave him,he was extremely thankful,happy, and satisfied about the love and appreciation that this country gave him, he was absolutely proud of the greatness of this country and its people let us learn from him the art of “not complaining” and be proud of our fortune that we have lived in the era of Rafi sahab and we have also been able to give our immortal love and appreciation to the great singer.
January 29th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Now that the Government has finally left the Bharat Ratna undecided for the seventh year in a row, we must focus our energies to achieve the same for Rafi Sahab atleast next year. The need of the hour is not to lose precious time but the campaign must go on. All the time tested avenues must be explored afresh and the Government must be made ‘aware’ of the stark reality of the greatness of this one single individual who deserves this coveted award more than anyone else. The Rafi Foundation should put its act together and all those who can work for this most noble cause, need to keep the campaign as their cherished aim. Efforts made in right earnest will yield positive results although it may seem to take some time.
January 27th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Rafi Saheb’s fans, please do not be disappointed, Insha Allah this year’s end it will be announced and Rafi Saheb will be hounered with a Bharat Ratna in the year 2009, Ameen.
January 27th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
as I said and say it again the Bharat Ratna award is for human and Mohd rafi is angel.Thanks to Gov’t because they know that this award is so small for Mohd rafi a man from 1950’s on the top still at the top and will be at the top that is a award of God to Mohd rafi as I think
January 27th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Insha Allah, Rafi Saheb will be honoured with a Bharat Ratna in 2008, Ameen. Please do not be disappointed.
melodiousrafi@yahoo.com
January 27th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Dear Binuji.
I can note the visible dissapiontment in you words.i too am dissapointed.
Perhaps it is the will of GOD that the voice of GOD should go un-noticed.We should not be let down and carry on the work which you and all respecte people have been doing. COME ON BINUJI DO NOT BUCK DOWN.YOU AND ALL OF US KNOW THAT YOU HAVE TRIED YOUR BEST AND IT IS ENOUGH FOR US AND RAFISAAB UP ABOVE IN THE SKY.
A time will come when justice will be done and ordinary singers like asha,sonu nigam, and kk and others will not be given the adulation they do not deserve.
SO LET US ALL NOT BE DISSAPPOINTED SINCE MANY OTHER DESERVING PEOPLE HAVE ALSO BEEN NOT GIVEN THEIR DUE.Yesterday I was watching the movie BHAGAT SINGH AND I was moved by the scene when he intereacts with his mother before hanging.He became a martyr at a tender age of 23.Still today govt does not give him his due recognition.
SO IN LIFE SUCH THINGS HAVE HAPPENED AND WILL HAPPEN IN FUTURE.
Rafi Saab is the best there was the best there will be.
so binuji and all our rafi saab family do be dissappointed.
January 26th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
gOVT OF iNDIA HAVE GIVEN bHARAT RATNA A MISS THIS YEAR AGAIN. I DO NOT KNOW THE NOMINATIONS FOR PREVIOUS YEARS, BUT THIS YEAR THERE WERE SOME TOTALLY BIASED AND UNJUST NOMINATIONS - AS A RESULT goi PROBABLY DECIDED TO LET THE DUST SETTLE.
MY GUT FEELING TELLS ME THAT SINCE RAFI SAHEB HAVE NOT BEEN GIVEN PADMA VIBHUSHA, HE IS DEFINATELY IN THE CONTENTION FOR BHARAT RATNA NEXT YEAR.
WE NEED TO THANK MR PASWAN FOR NOMINATING HIS NAME. INCIDENTLY, TO ME OF THE THREE NAMES MR PHULE, BABBO JAGJIVAN RAM AND MR RAFI SAHEB, I FEEL MR PHULE AND RAFI SAHEB ARE THE MOST WORTHY NOMINATION IN THE ENTIRE LIST.
January 26th, 2008 at 9:57 am
post 57 : naveen zalpuri:
yes. this time the bharat ratna is given a miss. we tried and
not succeeded this time around.
asha has got the p.v. and she will try to come near her sis for
the b.r.
they happen to be great “lobby-ists”. however, we have learnt
“few” lessons and we will make a strong representation again.
meanwhile, rafi lovers “must” write to the government about
honouring mohd. rafi saab, i feel.
binu nair….. the rafi foundation
January 26th, 2008 at 1:16 am
At this point looks like Govt may have given Bharat Ratna a miss .Padma Awards are already out. Still let’s hope and pray that Binuji’s sixth sense wish turns out to be true .On a related note Ashaji got PV this year. In a few years she may be on her way to catch with didi
Thanks
Naveen
January 25th, 2008 at 9:23 am
a sixth sense tells me that rafi saheb will be given the
coveted bharat ratna award - soonest and it could be
this year only.
else , we appeal to the govt. very strongly and also honour
rafi saab the Vishva Ratna award - in the field of art and culture.
binu nair… the rafi foundation…
January 24th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
i am a diehard fan of Rafi Saheb, since he is a genuine sparkler of our country not only as a playback singer, as a nice human being and true Gandhian. He truly deserves the country’s highest civilian award “Bharat Ratna”.
I heartly hope, the Government of India agrees to this earnest appeal and announce him to be the Bharat Ratna awardee on the occasion of 26th January 2008, for which he is the only nominee from the field of Art and Culture this year.
with best wishes
biman baruah
Sivasagar, Assam.
January 23rd, 2008 at 8:46 pm
I can’t describe how much I am in ove with the Mohd. Rafi songs.
Every song sung by Mr. Mohd. Rafi is a soul touching. the inspiration I get from his songs is abslutely un-definable. I will always love him for his Magical Voice
January 23rd, 2008 at 7:16 pm
To
The Govt. of India
The Honourable President of India.
Mohammed Rafi is the right candidate to be awarded with Bharat Ratna.
His contribution through singing has no limit. His songs and voice have give solace peace and soul to millions of suffering people. It is difficult to fathom the depth of his contribution to humanity. His voice is that God, for the soul of india.
Please give him this time Bharat Ratna. He deserved it. If Lata was given, Rafi Saab should have been given still earlier.
Please respect the voiceless millions of millions of India who cries to this country to kindly award Mohd. Rafi with Bharat Ratna.
Thanks
Joseph ( Joy)
January 23rd, 2008 at 4:01 pm
point taken, mr ramaswamy. i have made peace with mr nareshji and we are friends now. there is no malice or misunderstanding. however, my only passionate plea is let’s do everything by confiding in each other. we all have our opinions and differences, but that’s perfectly fair in a democracy. if any one has felt offended with whatever i wrote, i beg to be excused. i am a very small man whose share in all the rafian endeavour is just that of a squirrel.
January 22nd, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Dear Rajuji, Nareshji, Binuji
Pl. do not indulge in infighting as this will only spoil the principles of Rafi Sahab. Rafi sahab was a man of principles and we all are his followers. In fact, I am impressed or for that matter all are impressed by both the articles of Rajuji and Nareshji. I have already copied and pasted in my documensts.Both are excellent in their own way. In fact, Nareshji himself says, he has taken 1/3 of the ideas given by Rajuji and hence there is no question of argument. Our main aim is to get BR for our Guruji and see that it is achieved, though Rafi sahab himself was above all the awards. The award being the highest and unique (even though it has lost its sheen due to politicisation) and if our sahab’s name finds a place over there, it will be an inspiration to all future generations, no matter a baby in the womb is already inspired by Rafi Sahab’s voice. Hence, please for all Rafi Bhakths’ sake, forget your misunderstandings and continue to keep up the good work and provide more and more information by writing articles and anecdotes on the legend of legends Rafi Sahab to impart knowledge to future generations.
Rafi Sahab Amar Rahein
Ramaswamy