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 !
January 18th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Yes, now it is a time to give Mohdrafi a prestigous award for his kind work in the film industry. He should have been given when he was alive, but our government is not serious about this things.
shashank_72@rediffmail.com
January 18th, 2008 at 12:48 am
I am living in Toronro, Canada but, belongs to Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
I talked to local newspaper in indore to advertised my thanks to Govt. of India for honoring BHARAT RATNA to Rafi Saab on FRONT PAGE of leading Madhya Pradesh Newspaper………….
Title of my article will be”
” Jinki Awaz mere liye prakruti ka chhatha tatva hai”
He is the only one right person for honouring BHARAT RATNA.
January 17th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
thanks mr pradeep. but just have a point. we are all working to get india’s greatest legend a coveted award. but we should exercise honesty while doing this. rafisaab himself was a modest, honest and god-fearing person. how can we be rafisaab’s admirers if we resort to dishonesty? and wouldn’t we be sending wrong signals to the powers-that-be by writing a plagiarised article that doesn’t do any good to0 us and our website which has done yeoman’s service too far?
my apologies since it’s not my intention to hurt you.
January 17th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Pradeep ji..
i love the sentiments and ur magnaminous ways…..
thanks…
binu nair… the rafi foundation… binus2000@hotmail.com…
9833 250 701
January 17th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Please accept my apologies, Mr. Raju and Mr. Binu for an innocent plagiarism. The credits are duly updated now.
January 17th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Whether awarded or not, Rafi Saab is indeed Bharat Ratna for the following three strong reasons!
1.Of course, his unmatched prowess as a play-back singer is only too well-known!
2. Additionally, the tens of Patriotic songs that he had sung in such soul-stirring and hair-raising fashion make him the darling of Bharat Mata! Mahatma Gandhi’s soul must be resting in real peace, not because of what politicians are upto, but just because of Rafi Saab’s divine rendition of “Suno Suno Ae Duniya Walon, Bapu Ki Yeh Amar Kahaani”, a full 13 minute song!
3. Last but not the least, the hundreds of ever-lasting devotional songs that he sang, both Hindu and Islamic, makes him the dearest to all Gods!
Venkat
January 17th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
In the article there are various points to award “Bharat Ratna” to
Rafi Saab.As we have pointed out in various comments Mohamed Rafi Saab changed the entire film music prior to his period thereby
he provided livelyhood for thousands of people across the country.
It will continue for ever and on everything that is enough for the
award of “Bharat Ratna” to Mohamed Rafi Sasb.
January 17th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
mr.zorawar ji and naresh sharma ji:
since this article is part written by one of the biggest fans of
the legend who has met rafi saab, the acknowledgement to
respected raju korte ji is missing from the by-line.
more, the appeal if sent to raju korte, he would fine tune the same.
let me tell all rafi lovers that raju korte is the editor of a regional
english newspaper and he is the best writer i have come across to
write on rafi saheb.
more, he can write hundreds of pages on rafi saheb and most of
them in few sittings…
so next time contact raju korte saab for a flawless prose on rafi saab
is my suggestion.
due to lack of time i suppose the above article was rushed up for
publishing… any way well done….
binu nair…. the rafi foundation…
January 17th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
i understand mr naresh’s keen desire to get a bharat ratna for rafisaab. but i am sad to note that large chunks of his article are a straight lift from my own article which this website published in november. please compare it with my piece which you will find in the november archives. let’s not be blinded so much that we resort to this kind of literature theft. i strongly protest
January 17th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
LIKE I ALWAYS SAY, RAFI SAHIB HAS BEEN THE ” SUTRADHAAR” OF THE INDIAN FILM INDUSTRY FOR MORE THAN 60 YEARS NOW ( FROM 1944 TILL DATE).
HIS VOICE IS LIKE THE RIVERS THAT FLOW THROUGH OUR GREAT NATION, TOUCHING EVERY ONE , EVERY WHERE.
THE NATION SHALL BE HONOURING ITSELF IN THIS DEED.
January 17th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Rafi Sahab’s unique contribution to NATIONAL UNITY makes him eminently suitable for the Bharat Ratna Award. Whatever be the occasion — a festival (Hindu, Muslm, Sikh or Christain), an anniversary (e.g., Mahatma Gandhi or Jawaharlal Nehru) or any other celebration (e.g., Independence Day) — there is a Rafi song to mark the event. Very few singers (if any) are in this special category.
January 17th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Rafi Saab deserves the AWARD. Goverment can favourably consider the plea of all Rafians and I am sure, there will not be any opposition to his name from any quarter. When some of the most undeserving people have been bestowed with BHARAT RATNA because of politics, why not RAFIji who is still serving millions of not only Indians but non-Indians with his voice.
January 17th, 2008 at 11:23 am
1.- All views expressed by Mr Sharma go in line. One automatically feels that, Bharat Ratna shoudl go for Rafi Sahab only.
2.-Among all the nominations, Rafi Sahab’s name is just class apart and Govt. of India should look in to the same for awarding the highest award to the right personality.
Shrirang Nawathe
January 17th, 2008 at 9:30 am
I wish rafi lovers insert an advt on Jan 26 on these lines :
Mohd Rafi saheb : Bharat ka Ratan : Photograph
and a message giving the local units contact detains
in the newspapers.
the message can be :
thou shall not rise again, thou music will…
above the cacophony of sounds,
melodies of yore, bringing joy to human souls.
songs for every mood, across all borders…
thy name is music, thou name bharar ratna mohd rafi…
binu nair,,, the rafi foundation.. mumbai..
January 17th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Post 4: gmc alley :
sir, i have met the family members of rafi saab and they support
the issue of bharat ratna to the legend - like a majority of rafi
lovers do.
they support us “silently”. they are a small family and they are
busy in their affairs and they love rafi saab lovers.
this is my true experience……
binu nair …. mumbai….
January 17th, 2008 at 8:51 am
post 6 :
Harvinder ji..
yes . there is a precedent… about giving bharat ratna - posthumously.
Mr. Kamaraj was given one after he died and before the tamil nadu
elections - which i recollect now.
post 8 : not clear. please post it here..
regards
binu nair. mumbai..
January 17th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Good work by Mr. Naresh sharma ji and i fully concur with what has been written and also with the subsequent comments. in particular mr n g rangaswamy has given us the right direction too. almost all that has occupied my mind over the last several months has found place in this one article. we may be running out of time for this year, but let that not dampen us. we must pick up the threads from here and prepare for a very sustained and comprehensive campaign so that if not this year, atleast next year the name of rafi sahab becomes the unanimous choice for all the political parties and the entire nation. the political parties may try to bring in unwarranted criticism over one another’s choice of names for this prestigious award, but we should not be carried away by that. where are all the mps from the bollywood? they must all do their duty to the nation and to a person who alongwith the likes of lataji, mukesh ji and others has brought the name of bollywood to reckon with and on the world map. rafi sahab undoubtedly is the most deserving of all the names that have surfaced in the recent run up for the highest civilian award of the country. asmurty2@rediffmail.com
January 17th, 2008 at 2:28 am
Harvinder says,
Further to my post # 3
Dear Reader,
Your comment is now displayed on timesofindia.com.
Please click here to view it on the website. And do keep writing in.
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January 17th, 2008 at 1:17 am
RAFI SAAB WITH HIS IMMORTAL AND VERSATILE VOICE IS STILL RULING THE WORLD.IN THIS PART OF WORLD HE IS THE MOST FAVOURATE SINGER.HE IS THE VOICE OF MILLIONS.HE IS THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN OF INDIA.THE EFFECTION TOWARDS COUNTRY CAN BE FELT IN HIS PATRIOTIC SONGS.HE SHOULD BE CONFERRED WITH BHARAT RATNA AWARD.
January 17th, 2008 at 1:15 am
Very sincere article by Mr Naresh sharma - makes one impossible to disagree with anything stated by Sharmaji. I know that Mr Paswan has already nominated his name and Rafi saheb will unanimously get the nod. Only obstacle can be POSTHUMOUS. Is there any precedence ?
Compared to the other nominations, Rafi Saheb stands tall for a simple reason that there is absolutely no controversy or political connection in him.
January 17th, 2008 at 12:49 am
undoutedly rafi sab is the strong contender for bharat ratna award.
January 17th, 2008 at 12:45 am
I find all that writing about Mohammad Rafi a liitle over the top to say the least. Do we really need all that to remind ourselves of him? I hope not otherwise it will make us sad charaters indeed. Nobody mounrs his passing away more than I do although I never had the opportunity to either meet him or see him perfoming live, but that is irrelevant now. We should consider ourselves previledged and those who have met him honoured to have been in an era when the man was. Mohammad Rafi went from a mere mortal to a legend even in his lifetime. What he has given us and left behind is for us to cherish and let us cherish that instead of making continuous remarks about him. Remember he left behind a family and we should consider their feelings. Let the man rest in peace and let us enjoy the ever lasting gift he laeft us ‘HIS VOICE’
January 16th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Rafi Saheb deserves Bharat Ratna. The Indian Government should realize atleast now and honour the greatest ever singer and saint Mohammed Rafi Saheb. May God hear our prayers.
melodiousrafi@yahoo.com
January 16th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Magnificent work by Binuji. You may also forward the copies to Shri Dilip Kumar Saab, Hema Maliniji, Dev Anand Saab, Dharmendraji, Javed Akhtar Saheb, Shabanaji, Jaya Pradhaji, Jaya Bachhanji, Shatrugan Sinhaji and many other film personalities including Amitabhji since many of them are already MPs either in Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha so as to pressurise and convince the Govt. Even if the copies are sent to Ram Vilas Paswanji and Mulayam Singhji or even Lalu Prasadji it will be a bonus. Also please do remind and mark the same to our own Chief Minister Shri Vilasrao Deshmukhji and even Shri Balasahab Thackreyji and his son Udhavji and nephew Rajji, Smitha Thackereyji so as to get a face lift. Time is short please buck up.
N.G.Ramaswamy
January 16th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Regards to all my fellow “Rafians” - i take my hat off to Binu Nair for helping keep Rafi Saab’s name alive so activeley.
Is there anything else we can do like a petition or letter or even telephone calls to someone in the Indain government who can help us Rafians acheive our dream of the Bharat Ratna for Rafi saab. I have also contacted Madame taussauds requesting that they consider a waxwork of the greatest singer in the world.