Appeal for Bharat Ratna to Rafi
This appeal is written by Mr.Raju Korti, Mumbai.
This appeal is a chorus for The Voice of the sub continent, the singer of the millennium. A fervent, passionate appeal to correct what all his legion of admirers and devotees righteously feel is a historic wrong.
The mortal remains of, what the world undisputably acknowledges, of the legendary Mohammad Rafi may have bereaved us 27 years ago, but his ageless voice continues to throb and pulsate in our hearts even today.
But have we been fair to the genial giant whose voice soothes many a body and soul day unfailingly every day? The answer, unfortunately is a ‘no’. He swamped our lives for four decades, made his peerless voice an integral part of our psyche, rose above all petty human barriers and set a glorious example of impeccable dignity and honour in a strife-torn world. Rafisaab, as the world knew him, was an epitome of excellence and paragon of virtues in an industry notorious for its crass commercial values.
We as the people and government, have done precious little to perpetuate his memory. If this jewel lives on, it is because of his uniquely mind-boggling, 24-carat achievements that spanned an entire eon and swept generations. It must be the only instance of its kind where one personality has dominated the profession so comprehensively — four decades in a life that was cruelly cut short at just 56.
Mohammad Rafi is a jewel in India’s crown. His devotees have conferred their own Bharat Ratna on him. Still, it would be doing yeoman’s service to this shining light if the government gets its act together and confers this highest civilian award on him, although late in the day. Indeed, the title Bharat Ratna would feel honoured to be bestowed on this truly great son of the soil.
Unarguably among the greatest Indians born, Mohammad Rafi was the true ambassador of this country – an iconic symbol who persona and career can be succinctly euologised as cultural heritage. There is not a lexicon made that can encompass his astonishing feats. The respect, love and adoration the country has for him is phenomenal by all standards even today where tomorrow becomes yesterday in no time. He was past-perfect, and will remain future-perfect because time has very rarely shown the courtesy to stand still for mortals whose reputation also comes with a short shelf life.
It is hardly necessary to list the legendary exploits of this Great. To have provided unmatched brilliance to thousands of compositions, to have provided sparkle to the works of innumerable lyricists and composers is a feat unheard of in the annals of music. It could be only God’s own voice that could survive in a profession of cut-throats and with such a flourish. The sublime divinity in his voice tuned with his charitable disposition. To him, the song came first, rewards and remuneration later.
The eternal banyan tree of the film fraternity, this one-man music institution gave bread and butter to thousands of people. Today, twenty-seven years after his passing away, he is still a one-man ‘Gharana’.
It is a sad commentary that while we as people sing paens to him, we as government fail to recognize the greatness of this titan who was secularism personified. A formal Padma Shri and one busy throughfare in Mumbai’s suburban Bandra in his name is all that we have done for this wonderful singer who sang Bhajans with the same depth and gusto as the patriotic songs. When the country lapsed into its first worst riots in 1948 after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, Mohammed Rafi’s was the only sane voice that soothed our nerves with “Suno suno ae duniyawalon Bapu ki yeh amar kahani.” When the nation went through anxious times in the wake of Chinese aggression in 1962, his voice gave us the strength to guard our fronts with a soul-stirring “Kar chale hum fida jaan-o-tan saathiyon.” During the wars with Pakistan, his dimunitive presence and Pahadi voice fired the Indian soldiers, for whom he specially sang in war zones.
Mohammad Rafi deserves Bharat Ratna for more reasons than one. He was one simple soul who was above factional and religious politics. The government would be sending right signals to all right-thinking people of this country by conferring Bharat Ratna on Mohammad Rafi posthumously. The precedent to bestow this coveted award posthumously has already been set.
We earnestly feel that giving Mohammad Rafi this long-awaited due, will serve as a great binding force for the distanced Hindu-Muslims. For, here was a personality, who despite his lack of formal education, had the courage of conviction and the cultural resilience to bring these two religions together. The love for Rafisaab transcends religion, caste, creed, gender and nationalities.
We passionately appeal to the committee that names the civilian awards that he be honoured aptly with the Bharat Ratna – befitting of the 26 th January occasion. Rafisaab, as we all know, will never fade away from human memory. Such is his glittering career. An ideal citizen and an ideal professional, he was an embodiment of all virtues. He will remain a beacon light for not only music lovers, but also to all those who are blessed to be born in this country.
We at the Rafi Foundation feel it is a privilege to run this campaign for a path-breaker maverick who brings an unrequited joy to millions across the world. The humanity would be that much poorer not to acknowledge and appreciate his class act – stuff folklores are made of. For, honouring Mohammad Rafi is honouring humanity itself.
May we again ardently appeal to you to confer the country’s highest award on him and do justice that he so eminently deserves. While the Government of Maharashtra has agreed in principle for the same, it will be creditable if the government in Delhi announces his name at the earliest.
We hope this time round the government corrects this wrong true to the dictum “Der aaye, durust aaye.”
Long live Mohammad Rafi.
November 15th, 2007 at 8:52 am
Certainly Rafi Saab is the true candidate for Bharat Ratna. Possibly to start with an online signature campaign needs to be organized. Plus to reach the masses we need to follow other ways to carry out a signature campaign.
November 15th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
The campaign started by the Rafi Foundation will not culminate until it reaches its logical end. We are all with you and shall do every thing possible to see that the Government of India feels it their honour to confer the Bharat Ratna to Rafi Sahab, who had richly deserved for a long long time. My detailed comments will follow separately, but I was overjoyed with this reporting by Mr. Raju Korti. asmurty2@rediffmail.com
November 15th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
27 years not a small period.If 27 years passed after a great person’s
death and he is living still in the minds of people as a living legend
it is something extraordinay.So mohamed rafi saab is really deserve
for the great nation’s great award “bharat ratna” atleast at this time.
through his voice,he not only made the country one but the subcontinent
one.
November 15th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
I had been to several countries, I realized the popularity of Rafi sahab there.it proves he is the universal singer.he is “UNIVERSE KA RATANA”We strongly appeal for him for being respected as bharat ratna which he deserves when he was alive also.being a regular visitor of mohdrafi.com & eternalrafi.com i got the opportunity to learn more about the king of singing and also i can not forget association with Rafi foundation where got the opprtunity to meet and share the information with the peoples who had been with Rafi sahab.
I can observe the golden voice of Rafi sahab is touching the hearts of young generation also, In one of the reality show for kids they are singing rafi sahab melodies like “main jat yemla pagla diwaana o rabba itni si baat na jana” “o haseena zulfon wali” etc…..it proves rafi sahab is number one choice of the young generation too….also again i appeal to the mass to come together and make this happen to respect the legend with BHARAT RATNA. Thank you.
Majeed Khan
9892361112
November 15th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Dear Mr Raju,
1.-Your appeal is quite legitimate. A great singer should have been awarded bBharat Ratna during his time.ANyway, atleast Indian Govt. must take a note of this and decide to honour him atleast by 26 th January 2008….
2.-We all Rafians have the same feelings and I must congratulate you for writing such an article at the right time when January is approaching..
3.-Not only Rafians but,whole Indian public would have the same feeling of TRIBUTE TO THE GREAT SINGER IN THE RIGHT WAY…
4.-Let us hope that, our dreams come true on forthcoming 26th January 2008….
Regards;
SHRIRANG NAWATHE( FROM MUSCAT)
00968 92 899089
November 15th, 2007 at 10:30 pm
RAFI SAHAB was –
1. simple
2. sober
3. unassuming
4. helping natured
5. extremely talented
6. voice quality of exceptional range
7. divine melody
8. swift modulation
9. away from any propaganda
his spiritual renderings have carved deep impressions in the minds of the elderly as well as the elevated personalities.
his emotional numbers are still taking the breath of the youth.
his romantic numbers are still haunting & getting repeated, repeated & repeated in every musical concerts, compititions even till today. this process will be going on repeating till the end of time.
his pathetic renderings are still bringing tears in the eyes of millions of listeners around the world.
his funny & childlike songs are a source of tickle to the kids.
his patriotic numbers have the maximum motivation to our jawans at the snow peaks. in addtion to it our first prime minister was a great fan of this legendary personality.
as a fellow human being his heart was always vibrating for the poor & the needy. it was his routine task to give alms on every friday.
some sealed envelopes with currency were reaching the hands of the needy & helpless, where the identity of the donor was not known. latter when this process got ceased after the demise of rafi sahab the recipients were shocked to know who was helping them at their hour of need.
so a person having all such super human qualities does deserve a ‘ padmashri’ only ? its highly unjustified.
its the time for our government to realise the services rendered by the legendary rafi sahab to the country by way of his super human qualities and his divine musical talent which have stollen the hearts of millions around the world.
November 15th, 2007 at 10:40 pm
Rafi Saheb 100% deserves to get Bharat Ratna, much much before others. He was so capable that there are no words to describe here. But, to me, even Bharat Ratna is a small award for Rafi Saheb. He should be awarded as Vishwa Ratna. rafimagic@gmail.com
November 16th, 2007 at 8:57 am
great article by ramakrishna ji about rafisaab also thanx to mr raju korti for this great article
November 16th, 2007 at 1:25 pm
To embark on our Bharat Ratan to Rafi mission,
To highlight the reasons accurately mentioned in the appeal by Mr Raju Korti.
To build up the appeal in a sustained step by step manner.
To create mass awareness of the appeal campaign across the length and breadth of the country.
We need one important association……. support from the print media to market the appeal campaign.
The appeal must be promoted by a brilliantly packaged campaign. A catchy caption which should motivate and excite all segments of the society, including the decision makers and the parliamentarians.
maybe an advertising agency could give us some ideas and impetus.
In my opinion, The Times of India, which has the largest circulation in the world and is published pan nationally, from most of the metros and major cities should be contacted at the topmost level to take up this issue.
Some synergy / benefit should also be forthcoming for The Times, which will act as an incentive for them to take up the campaign aggressively. What this can be needs to be brainstormed amongst us.
November 16th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
Bharat Ratna is so small for Mohd rafi boz Mohd rafi is world Ratna,when people like naushand said that mohd Rafi is 50% his music,O P Nayar said if there was no Mohd Rafi there was No OP Nayar and Madan Mohan said he should not be paid when mohd rafi sing for him,I think Indian should be proud that they have a singer like mohd Rafi.
if u ask Pakistani do u have a singer like Mohd rafi they will say yes he is Mohd Rafi If u ask Indian they will say they will say he is Mohd rafi.
jest listen to the song “Kashmir hai Bharat ki”in film Johar in Kashmir…
A GOD gift no need award from human……………
November 17th, 2007 at 7:26 am
Bharat Ratna is no award compared to the awards of love and reverence showered on Rafisaab millions of his fans!
For one such example, please read at:
http://www.ethnicnow.com/channels/arts-culture/press-release/5/1450/mohammed-rafi-sainthood-attempt.html
November 17th, 2007 at 8:21 am
mr.raju korti is one of the greatest admirers of rafi saab. his family
consists of ‘many’ rafi lovers and i admire him.
the rafi foundation in many cities will spearhead the ‘bharat ratna’
award . Mr.Zorawar and Mr. vinod viplav based in new delhi will
send the appeal to the powers that be in delhi.
we the rafi lovers will individually - put our signatures on the appeal
and send by post to 50 top govt. officials in delhi.
The addresses will be given by me from mumbai. Please write
to me at : binus2000@hotmail.com and i will send a copy
of addresses to all rafi lovers.
Mr. narayan will co-ordinate the above and please get in touch
with us - to move forward on the issue.
binu nair… the rafi foundation/// mumbai & sargam music…
November 18th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Ref post 11 and I have just visited the site mentioned and the efforts made there are simply laudable indeed. Rafi Sahab deserves all that has been done at Birmingham. It is the global way of honouring Rafi Sahab there. However, we in India need to put our act together and do our mite too, and the present step initiated by the Rafi Foundation and Mr. Binu Nair, Mr. Raju Korti, Mr. P. Narayanan and many more is a step in the right direction. The Rafi Foundation may please mail to me the copy of the appeal letter that is being prepared by our new delhi colleagues and we will start our signature campaign here in hyderabad in right earnest. my addresses and email ids are available with mr. binu nair. asmurty2@rediffmail.com
November 18th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
I have just posted a message at www.eternalrafi.com in the Guestbook column as under :
” All Rafi Fans across the world are invited to also visit www.mohdrafi.com where a sustained campaign is being now launched for conferrment of the Bharat Ratna to Mohd. Rafi Sahab, the greatest singer of our times. Those interested may get in touch with Mr. Binu Nair, Mr. P. Narayanan or Mr. Raju Korti of the Rafi Foundation. You may post your comments or enquiries to the article by Mr. Raju Korti. As Rafi Sahab would have said — YEH WAQT SONE KA NAHI, YEH WAQT KHONE KA NAHI - let all the Rafi Fans throughout the world unite and take part in this holy campaign.”
Others too may spread the word round on that website too. Thanks.
November 18th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
Excellent effort by Mr.Raju Korti. To all Rafians “MOHD.RAFI SAAB IS DUNIYA KA RATNA”. To awaken the govt., we should also conduct a programme in Delhi wherein all the ministers and MPs (especially information & broadcasting minister, education minister, President and the Prime Minister) should be invited. It should be a 3 or at least 2 hour programme since all the oldies in the govt. will not have the stamina to sit for hours together. We should have a qualified comperer and only Rafi Saab’s record should be played. No Rafi clone should sing. It should start with a Bhajan and slowly one by one patriotic, romantic, pathos, qawalis, fun filled, soft, duets, etc. etc. etc.should follow and in the end one more patriotic to give a finishing touch. We should also have performers for all the above type of songs who will only act or perform when the record is played. The comperer should describe each and every song before playing it and how only Rafi Saab can do justice to such type of songs.
We must go to the extend of pressurising the information and broadcasting minister and the education minister to include a chapter in the history books of the school children pertaining to our Rafi Saab and the title being “MOHD.RAFI - THE GREATEST SINGER OF ALL TIMES”. Feedback can be taken from Mohd.Rafi Foundation. Lastly, the govt. should also apologise for not having conferred the title when the greatest son of India was active.
With deep feeling,
“RAFI SAAB U ARE IMMORTAL AND U ARE ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS”
Ramaswamy.
November 19th, 2007 at 9:37 am
My sincere thanks to all who have taken such efforts for our rafi saab.He deserves the award more than any singer .he was the best without any doubt.this can be known only by people who have some music sense in them.This award will mean a lot to us even though late.Better late than never.Rafi saab’s voice was god’s voice.I am just not able to imagine any other voice with such divine nature.
Salute to all involved in this holy campaign
November 19th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
Great effort done to give our rafi saab what rightfully belongs to him.Shame that till now we have not done anything worthwhile for this cause except showering praises on ordingary singers such as kk & asha and copycats like RD burman.
I feel sad to be in a world where merrit is overlooked and undeserving street singers such as kk are praised.
I want to know that I being in Ahmedabad can in what way help this pious cause.
Pl let me know
November 19th, 2007 at 11:11 pm
It is almost three days since this write up was posted on this website, but unfortunately only 15 responses have come up so far. Rafians everywhere .. we have a mission on our hands. A mission which cannot falter. A mission which cannot be left stranded. Spread the word around for all our friends to visit this site, read this article and to post their comments. This is a only a prelude for bigger campaigns ahead and if we do not air our comments and pledge our support, we are only doing disservice to ourselves and to the ideals of Rafi Sahab whom we so ardently adore.
I also happened to visit the “newspaper articles” column today and bumped into an extraordinary article - Travels with Mohammad Rafi
An article on Rafisaab by Syed Badrul Ahsan as it appeared in NEW AGE, Dhaka (Bangladesh) - mohanflora -. Fantastic write up and great commentary by Syed Badrul Ahsan. Mr. Mohanflora deserves all praise for posting on the site. It is a must read for all rafians. I am writing this here as this page is the latest to be visited by most rafi fans.
Each one of us can tell our friends and relatives who are also great fans of Rafi Sahab about this article by Mr. Raju Korti and slowly the momentum will start building up. I would also request the likes of Mr. Raju Korti and Mr. Binu Nair to draft out a pledge to all rafians which I am sure each one of us will gladly take and act on the same.
November 20th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
DEAR MR. RAJU KORTI
YOUR ONE LINE OF THE ARTICLE i.e. ” INDEED,THE TITLE BHARAT RATNA WOULD FEEL HONOURED TO BE BESTOWED ON THIS TRULY GREAT SON
( RAFI SAHAB) OF THE SOIL ” —- CONVEYED EVERYTHING AND PROVES WHY RAFI SAHAB ( WHO HIMSELF IS AN ANMOL RATAN ) DESERVES BHARAT
RATNA !
RAFI SAHAB IS THE EPITOME OF MUSIC !
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS EXCELLENT ARTICLE .
BEST REGARDS/A.T.M. SALIM.
November 20th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
Hi, I have gone thru each and every expression posted in this site on great legend Rafi Saab and thanks to all.
My strong feeling is that any media survey can get the 100% vote of choice favor to Rafi saab and he was the unanimous personality for the prestigious “Bharata Ratna” award.
Many people may have their own favorite singers but them too; all time special was the Rafi songs.
- I deeply regret for the late spotting him for this award, one has no more around us.
November 20th, 2007 at 10:34 pm
Rajuji,
A great & written from bottom of heart article. We all agree with each and every word of it. As Ahmed Kutty saab said, 27 years is not a samll period. Its but natural that we in the group of our forties or fifties are well aware of greatest Rafisaab but with each passing day since he left all of us, innumerable new fans from upcoming generations also come to know this legendary man with his unparalled gift to the mankind he has left behind.
I distinctly remember having written years back on Yahoo forum for Rafisaab, “Meri Aawaz Suno” that the Government and Bharat Ratna Awards would be honoured more than the receipient Rafisaab if it is conferred to him posthumously.
With or without such Government sponsored award, he is remembered each day, each moment and living in the hearts of billions or trillions of fan followers whereas how many living or non-living Bharat Ratna awardees are even being remembered as recipient of this award?
It would be the Government’s good fortune to undo long outstanding injustice by announcing Bharat Ratna to Rafisaab on his birth anniversary on 24th December and awarded on 26th January.
November 21st, 2007 at 9:03 am
I think every and each circle/group of rafi saab should come forward and join hand for this noble cause.
even there should be a demand for ‘dada sahab falke award’ for rafi saab which is still due.
the prestigiousness of such award will surely increase have it is given to the greatest singer ever.
November 21st, 2007 at 8:32 pm
Bharath Rathan for Rafi? No need he and Naushad were already International Rathans. What is that you folks are begging from the paupers who are so besotted with selfishness and calumny.
November 21st, 2007 at 11:15 pm
Well said Mr. Ashok Parekh. the Govt. has good chance to announce Bharat Ratna for Rafi Saheb on 24th Dec; and award the legend on 26th Jan. Hope the Govt. realize. rafi_magic@yahoo.com
November 22nd, 2007 at 12:18 pm
a very well written article(although a bit tough for people like me, who doesn’t speak english well)
but sach puchho to is bharat ratna ki aukaat kya hai k wo Rafi sahab k naam k aage jud jaye?
are Rafi sahab wo cheez hain jinke liye hum sirf ye manke chalte hain k
Farishte bhi wahan raaton ko aakar ghumte honge
jahan rakhte ho tum paoon jagah wo chumte honge.
no human award can ever befit his stature, Tansen sharma gaya jab Rafi sahab gane lage….
dont get me wrong, i m not criticizing this effort par mera kahna hai k na bhi mile ye award to Rafi sahab kya niche gir jayenge? still best of luck in ur endeavour
regards to all
November 22nd, 2007 at 5:08 pm
bharat ratna is very small award if we compare it greatness of rafis caliber.
a true singer,no singer can match his voice,his voiece is eternal as HIS voice.
since the award is biggest in India ,the government should give the award to
rafi saab since this is the least a Indian government can do.If rafi was born
in west there would have been temple or museum on his name,he alone was match for all the great singer of the world.if u ask all the true singer from new
generation either from sa,re,ga,ma or indian idol they all must be worshipping rafi in there heart,what ever little knowledge they have got about
music is by practising rafis song,our government might give bharat ratna award to such so called singer but not to the true god of music
November 24th, 2007 at 9:33 am
Bharat ratna award for rafi saheb will only correct a governmental
wrong on a selfless singer and a personality with the greatest virtues.
There are millions of men and women who will never forget the
genial and soft spoken singer. Rafi saabs songs are enjoyed by the
masses in all corners of the world and rafi saab is a “grand ratna”
in the hearts of music lovers.
The rafi foundation based in mumbai and now spreading its wings
in many parts of the earth will hold ‘two’ press conferences in dec.
One will be at kerala and the other one at new delhi on dec.24.
we will prevail upon the government to ‘honour’ rafi saab with the
bharat ratna award - posthumously and thereby correct a
monumental wrong done to the greatest singer - of our times.
the foundation will honour a musician/singer each year with the
‘rafi tansen’ award too.
rafi lovers are requested to register their support by writing to us
and by sending the above article of Raju Korte to ‘top’ government
officials in new delhi.
may i say herein that there are ‘many’ top officials and ministers
who are rafi saab lovers.
we have set the ball rolling and i appeal to rafi lovers to support
the issue ‘very strongly’.
binu nair //// the rafi foundation //// sargam magazine. mumbai..
cell : 0 9833 250 701 … binus2000@hotmail.com
November 25th, 2007 at 10:47 am
Ref post 27 Binu Ji. We are strongly inclined to in the path shown by you committed Rafi Sahab’s fans like you and other friends. Just let us know what is required to be done from our end here in Hyderabad, we will do our utmost to achieve our dream. Like you have suggested, we will mail this article to top government officials and there are several forums. I have already posted the entire article on www.indiademocracy.com which is visited by by the intelligentsia and well informed persons. I also plan to post to other known and popular websites. Let us hope that the message spreads in all known forms to all concerned.
November 26th, 2007 at 1:13 am
rafi saab’s voice is immortal.He is millinium singer with great versatality. He truly deserves BHARAT RATNA awad.
November 26th, 2007 at 1:16 am
rafi saab truly deserves BHARAT RATNA award.
November 26th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
YES FIRST BHARAT RATNA AND THEN DADASAHEBPHALKE HAS TO BE CONFERRED ON THE VISHWA KA RATAN RAFI SAAB IMMEDIATELY.
OUR FRIENDS N FANS FROM PUNJAB LIKE MEHTAB WITH THE HELP OF YAAD GARE RAFI SAAB SOCIETY IN AMRITSAR SHOULD APPROACH PUNJAB GOVT WHO SHOULD GIVE AWARD TO ALL LEADING ARTISTES IN RAFI SAAB’S NAME WHICH IS GIVEN BY MP AND MAHARASHTRA IN THE NAME OF A LIVING LEGEND.
November 26th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Rafi Was Muslim So He Still Didn’t Get Bharat Ratana.
November 26th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
If Rafi Saheb is not honoured with Bharat Ratna this time, it will be very unfortunate for the Govt. of India. If not now, when???
November 27th, 2007 at 12:42 am
RAFI SAAB’S VOICE IS IMMORTAL.HIS GOLDEN VOICE IS STILL FRESH AND INSPIRING LOT OF NEW TALENTS.HE SHOULD BE HONOURED WITH BHARAT RATNA AWARD.
November 27th, 2007 at 6:33 pm
Bharat Ratna for Mohd Rafi Saab.
Thank you Mr Raju Korti for a wonderful appeal which reflects the feelings of millions of Rafi fans. It is sad to see that inspite of many appeals over many years the Govt of India is silent on this matter when everyone knows that it is the most justified demand of millions of Indians throughout the world.The two most injustices have the non presentation of the Noble Peace Prize to Gandhiji and the Bharat Ratna to Rafi Saab. Hope some forces are not acting to see that the great Rafi does not receive the Bharat Ratna and wisdom will dawn on the concerned authorities to set right this great injustice.
Kn.Kumar
November 27th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
I fully support the Idea of Bharat Ratna for Mohammed Rafi, though I feel the singer himself was above all these worldly things,
November 27th, 2007 at 9:11 pm
Come chake de Rafi fans.This is the time when we all should appeal to get the bharar ratna conferred on our loving rafi saab.
And even if it is not given it is the misfortune of bharat ratna and not rafi saab.This is not to pacify ourselves but the truth.I again repeat as I do in my all comments that undeserving street singers are praised but not the godly voice of rafi saab.
I pray to Ishwar,Allah ,Jesus & Wa e Guru that please our rafi saab gets his due as he was a truly secular person in the true sense of the word.If there is any justice then this time it will be deleivered.
Long live rafi saab
November 27th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
I am not in agreement with what Mr. Raj has said on 26th Nov 2007, we know Mohammed RaFi only as a very very very melodius singer and not as muslim or otherwise
November 27th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
I do not know how to make my comment more moderate, I feel rafi sahab’s greatness is\was above everything else,it is the Bharat Ratna award that will become more prestigeous if written with the name Mohammed Rafi, Rafi sahab ki awaz kisi award ki mohtaaz nahin.
November 27th, 2007 at 11:24 pm
Rafi sahab was sent by God to promote love between religions Hindus and Muslims, no wordly praise can do justice to the depth of emotions in bhajans sung by rafi sahab ..remember .. laut chalo more shyam … awadh mein… and ..tu hindu banega na musalaman banega, insaan ki aulad hai insaan banega….. sung by the great singer rafi sahab, Bharat ratna for rafi sahab a must
November 27th, 2007 at 11:25 pm
Rafi sahab was sent by God to promote love between religions Hindus and Muslims, no wordly praise can do justice to the depth of emotions in bhajans sung by rafi sahab ..remember .. laut chalo more shyam … awadh mein… and ..tu hindu banega na musalaman banega, insaan ki aulad hai insaan banega….. sung by the great singer rafi sahab, Bharat ratna for rafi sahab a must
November 27th, 2007 at 11:25 pm
Raj: are u trying out a ‘controversy’ again re : rafi saab; Post 32…
it won’t work here… The world loves rafi saab and he loved and
belonged to all religions of the world.
Please keep your ‘wicked poison’ away from this forum is a fervent
appeal to you….
And are you a rafi saab lover or a ‘confirmed trouble maker’.
u will be unmasked yet again..
binu nair…. the rafi foundation,…. mumai..
November 28th, 2007 at 12:16 am
Kavi Pradeep’s poetry, Hemant da’s music and Rafi saab’s voice in:
ham laaye hain toofaan se kashti nikaal ke
iss desh ko rakhana mere bachchon sambhaal ke
tum hi bhavishhya ho mere bhaarat vishaal ke
is desh ko rakhana mere bachchon sambhaal ke
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cGP0RTDbX4Y
In addition to the signature campaign, I suggest that we produce a CD of Rafi saab’s patriotic songs that our political leaders can listen to before going to sleep. If not anything, it will put so much guilt that they will confer the title that should have been rightfully awarded 40 years ago to this vishwa ratan.
November 28th, 2007 at 12:47 am
Bharath ratna is our prestigious national award and mohammed rafi was not only ratan of this great nation but entire world.
Government confered this great singer with this prestigious award or not.
We all indian have the previleage of being rafi born in india.
if he had born some other part of this world then definetly he would have gain so much that we cannot dream about.
not only his voice , but his character ,humbleness and simplicity that reflect in his heavenly voice thats makes every one with happyness and joy through entire phase of life,(let it sorrow or happiness time)
It seems that goverment has been doing baised against this singer by not conferring him with bharat ratna. becoz he belong to muslim.
but no other reasons or logic can be derived from the government part of view.
he has given so much for this country with his voice never we could imagine.
I would like to appeal from all part of indian particularly congress goverment who claim to be the champion of secularism to conferred this prestigiuos award to this great noble and patriot for the sake of god and humanity and love and sentiments of this great nation and great people
long live rafi . long live india.
November 28th, 2007 at 1:57 am
Hurry Up……
The Govt. of India generally announce Bharat Ratna Award at the end of the year & give on 26th January Republic Day.
If we miss this year & then wait for one year……
November 28th, 2007 at 2:11 am
What can the average person do to make the Govt. of India aware of the fairness in awarding Bharat Ratna award to Mohd Rafi, the greatest singer of all time? Any suggections?
Asif
November 28th, 2007 at 9:23 am
Haldar saab :
Very good suggestion. On 22nd dec. there is a press conference in
delhi for the issue of bharat ratna award to mohd rafi saab.
a c.d. of his patriotic songs will be handed over to the p.m, soniaji,
and other top ministers in the govt.
Mr. umesh makhija, mr narayan and myself will be attending the
press conference in delhi.
Please begin sending the appeal of raju korte to the govenment
leaders individually as rafi lovers and music lovers.
the tempo has to be built..
thanks every one for the support for our just appeal.
thankyou zorawar and vinod viplav of new delhi rafi foundation
for taking the initiative.
binu nair….. the rafi foundation..// sargam magazine.
November 28th, 2007 at 9:25 am
Mr. sayyed (post 44, nov 28,) please understan that all Mohd rafi fans consider rafi sahab a pure human being,always cheerful, having come straight from heaven, pure human being first, hindu or muslim later,please do not politicise the issue by mentioning religions
November 28th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
Great job Mr. Nair. Your efforts to have Mohd Rafi be awarded the Bharat Ratna are commendable. While most of us write, wish and hope that Rafi gets the Bharat Ratna, you are in the fore front taking action. I sure hope your efforts pay off. My hats off to you. I also agree with with Mr. Sharma to please not bring any religion into this issue, as Rafi himself never complained about it.
Asif
November 28th, 2007 at 10:09 pm
it will be dream come true for crores of rafisaab around the world if he honoured with bharat ratna award by the goverment of india crores of rafisaab fans is waiting for this news
November 28th, 2007 at 10:38 pm
bhumesh sharma ji: Post no. 48..
the culprit is a ‘behroopiya’ who changes his name and identity
often and creates ‘trouble’ here.
His latest name is raj : see post 32…
He has venom in his mind and blood and i wonder about the
torrid time he must be giving to his family members apart from
others.
Please comment….
Binu Nair.,
November 28th, 2007 at 11:19 pm
Ref post 47 binuji, very glad that a press conference is being held at delhi on the 22nd december and that a cd of all the patriotic songs will be distributed to the ministers etc. a step in the right direction. rafi sahab had rendered some of the best nationalist and patriotic songs ever and with full valour and zest. listening to them itself builds national fervour among masses and each year on the 26th jan and 15th aug, we listen to the same songs by rafi sahab at all street corners. rafi sahab who had spent his early years in lahore, chose to stay put in mumbai and in india after partition of the country and was a great patriot having given several performances for our armed forces, sometimes even in extreme conditions. His mesmerising voice unites the whole of india and transcends all religious/castes/languages barriers. he was above all these man-made divisions in society and was a man of the masses. do advise us how to write to different political parties, mps, mlas etc and to build up the pressure.
my request to the administrator of this site. Sir, please do not publish any comment that may lead to unwarranted debate on religious lines or result in any other controversy. we would like this site to remain concentrated on one subject alone - rafi sahab, the institution.
asmurty2@rediffmail.com
November 29th, 2007 at 1:33 am
Fifty or Hundred years from now – when future Indian generations look back to the 20th Century pillars of society who inspired a whole generation through the artistry of hindustani music (be it classical or film) and a voice that only the gods could have bestowed upon – the name of Mohammed Rafi will stand out like a shining diamond.
Not just for his enormous gifted voice – but for his humbleness, piety, dedication to his livelihood which was always music, trust-worthiness, sincerity, punctuality, very high levels of productivity, honour, love of family, friends and associates, and finally his grace in front of hundreds of thousands (millions) of fans all over India and abroad who just loved to hear him sing.
How many fellow Indians can we choose from the past 60 years who have all these attributes? It is mind-boggling to even comprehend that a very large group of educated individuals (be it men or women) spread all over India (North-South, East-West) holding high ranks in private life, art, music, politics, civilian and military, entrepreneurs, giants of industry, TV & printed media – the whole gamut, cannot get together to honour one of the greatest Indian achievers of the last half century.
It will be really shameful and a sinful act if this generation (post-independence to present) of leading Indians cannot honor late Sri. Mohammed Rafi with the highest civilian award, that can ever be bestowed to an individual of such high stature, by the Government of India to a fellow citizen of this illustrious country. Although belated and decades late, it will bring about the greatest joy to his close-knit family and thrill countless Rafi Saab fans spread all over the world.
It is the only true “way forward” for the people of India to collectively payback Mohammed Rafi for the legacy of treasures that he left behind for us to all share and enjoy for many generations to come.
December 1st, 2007 at 12:39 am
mr. saayed:
Please do not tar the image of rafi saab by bringing ‘in’ communal
feelings.
rafi saab is a ‘world citizen’ loved, adored and respected for his
great human qualities and his singing talents. Nothing more , Nothing
less…
Binu Nair.. the rafi foundation.. Mumbai..
December 1st, 2007 at 7:19 am
mr. sayyad : post 44…
actually rafi saab ‘never’ cared for any awards; he knew his worth.
nor did he care for money unlike others.
he did not visit producers houses for assignments nor made a
‘caucus’ to further his interests. he rarely attended parties.
according to him and told by mr. ahmed to me : rafi saheb gave all
credit to the gods and said he is ‘nothing’ in front of the creator.
while others canvassed themselves for favours and awards from
the government; rafi saab kept away from these acts.
he concentrated ‘only’ on his singing and was a tremendous
competitor and a perfectionist to the core.
please do not bring communal passions to this forum and lose
your sleep too - in the bargain is a sincere request.
binu nair. ….mumbai… binus2000@hotmail.com
December 1st, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Can any one forget the patriotic renditions as .
Aye Wathan aye Wathan (what a melody)
kar chale hum fida jaan wo than saathiyo
suno suno aye duniya waalo
ab koyee gulshan na ujde ab wathan aazaad hai
meri awaaz suno - pyaar ka raag suno
many many more - Rafi you are unparallel.
I really fail to understand - Nehru shedding tears for Lata - Aye mere wathan ke logo. possibly he would have appreciated the latter jewels if only he had been in a mood to do so. Specially the first number of Shaheed, it rises your emotions even today.
December 1st, 2007 at 7:20 pm
I am extremely sorry for not mentioning Lata’s Aye mere wathan ke logo which is another gem from the Indian nightingale
Regards
December 4th, 2007 at 2:46 am
Please do not forget “Watan ki raah mein watan ke naujawan shaheed ho…”, one of the best patriotic song by Rafi Saheb.
December 5th, 2007 at 10:39 pm
ref post 44
mr sayyad ji,
please note these following points.
1. rafi sahab is ( not was ) a universal person not confining to religion.
2. his love, passion, respiration is only ‘ music ‘ . in one of the interviews Mr Shahid rafi has explained that when ever any one praised rafi sahab for his renderings then immediately rafi sahab used to point his finger above & gave all credit to the almighty for this.
3. to us rafi sahab is not a normal person but a ‘ saint ‘ , question of religion does not come here at all.
4. and finally, melody begins with rafi sahab & ends with rafi sahab only.
please for heavens sake dont bring this ‘ religion ‘ factor here.
here please recall the english number rendered by rafi sahab, ‘
although we hail from different lands’
December 6th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
Dear Rafi lovers,
Bharat Ratna will surely gladden the hearts of music lovers in the world who are into film music.
But Rafi saab himself never cared for any award . For him God is the only one which he got associated in the physical world before 80 and now in the heaven.
So award depends on the govt who can be inconsiderate like in the past but let us put our best fforts.
Rafi saab thusi bemisal ho hamesha
December 6th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
I feel that this article should be sent by the rafi foundation to all the magazines, all the major newspapers, all the tv channels, all the political parties, all the cultural organizations, all major government bodies in the field of arts, culture, sports, etc. Likewise all the rafians can post it on their own blogs so that many more rafi fans and the general public are made aware of this holy task. I have posted a sample survey on www.surveymonkey.com and readers can access the survey by following the following link :
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=WGmVAAa8lnUjM2QQckvt_2bw_3d_3d
good writers amongst us should also pen similar articles and send to various websites, magazines, journals, newspapers and the electronic media. the momentum should grow day by day and no stone should be left unturned by any rafi-fan in this regard. each one of us should play a positive role and do whatever little that we can. if we think for a few cool moments, we do not have to go too far to search for new ideas. we will find them all within us and a little more effort from each one of us will do wonders. let the charity begin at home. asmurty2@rediffmail.com
December 6th, 2007 at 10:04 pm
i have also posted this very article by mr raju korti at the following link :
Someone commented on a Scribd document you commented on. Check it out here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/20262?from_email=97619
readers may go to the search column and type BHARAT RATNA to find this article there.
asmurty@rediffmail.com
December 7th, 2007 at 9:15 am
I honestly feel from bottom of my heart that Mohammed Rafi definitely desereved Bharat Ratna Award.
I will always support your views for such a geinus singer for receiving the highest Civilian Award .
Milind
December 7th, 2007 at 2:43 pm
I strongly support the cadidature of great Mohd. rafi for Bharat Ratna award. Indeed, a great and noble artist like him does not need any award for recognising his talent. In fact the award and we would be honoured to bestow this honour on him.
December 8th, 2007 at 10:24 am
I could not think of a more deserving candidate for India’s ultimate honour. I believe that there is a select group of people that are put on this earth for a specific reason: Don Bradman was sent down from the heavens to bat, Pele to play soccer, Shivaji Maharaj to rule, Eisenhower to command an army, Michelangelo to paint and sculpt, Einstein to perceive the imperceptible . Likewise, Rafi Saab was God’s gift to music and he was put amongst us all to singand we should feel fortunate for it. Like the other luminaries, he was so far ahead of anyone else in his field that it does not even merit discussion.
December 11th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
I totally agree with you all. He definitely deserves it. And God knows much more.
But Is it going to enhance His image? I dont think so. Because He has already reached a stage beyond these awards which are bestowed by politicians upon somone who towed them all along.
Subhash Chandra Bose doesnt have one. When offered recently, it was rejected by his family members, a noble gesture indeed. It says how much value this award or any award has in the eyes of true people.
Rafi Sahab is Duniya ki Ratna…Usko Bharat Ratna ab dene jaroorat kya hai?
Rafi Sahab would have said..in his divine voice ”
yeh mahalo, ye takhto, ye taajon ki duniya
yeh insaan ke dushman samaajon kee duniya
yeh daulat ke bhukhe rawaajon ki duniya
yeh duniya agar mil bhi jaye to kyaa hai ? ”
For the life of me I can never imagine Rafi Sahab getting this award after Rajiv gandhi..et al… Whew..
December 11th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
Legend Mohd. Rafi is Real Bharat Ratna.
December 11th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
Naeey Umr ki Nayee Fasal. The song is - Sapne jade bhool se, meeth chube shool se, lut chiraagh sabhi baagh ke babool ke, aur hum kahde khade bahaar dekthe rahe, kaarwaan guzar gaya, ghubaar dekthe rahe. Neeraj catapult himself near to Shailendar, Majrooh and Sahir. And Rafi’ rendition! I dont think any other singer could have brought such pathos into this pearly poetry.
Kaheen yeh Rafians ka kaarwaan bhi guzar na jaaey before it is delayed further
At least Bharat Ratan now for transcontinental Rathan
December 15th, 2007 at 2:02 am
Rafi saab is next only to Goddess Saraswati in music.
More than that, a perfect human being who believed that
humility and humanity go hand in hand.
This call of conferring the Bharat Ratna to Rafi saab has come
late, but nevertheless is a call for correction on the part of
the Indian polity not to have acclaimed this maestro.
Rafi saab is the rarest of rare gems, and for all of us Rafi
devotees is the de-facto Bharat Ratna.
Long Live Md.Rafi.
December 19th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
RAFI SAHAB IS A TRUE BHARAT KA RATAN AND AN ICON OF VISHWA RATAN.WHETHER GOVT MACHINERY WAKES UP OR NOT RAFI SAHAB IS LOVED BY ALL.
December 20th, 2007 at 10:56 pm
I sometimes wonder if someone like Mohammed Rafi really existed in this polluted and sinful world ,,….so pure,…..so much unpolluted……so much original…. then comes a proof …..a pure voice….voice of Mohammed Rafi…….it can be heard…..it can be felt….it occupies mind and soul completely, creats an image of extremely handsome,bold, truthful, upright patriotic saintlike man ……and …after that…I rediscover my self…a purified self, full of energy and with renewed faith in truth, goodness and decency of the world……it is all like ZADOO…..that is. Mohamed Rafi
December 21st, 2007 at 12:04 am
This article now finds a place in the www.indiademocracy.com too. One can see the ‘articles” or the “latest news” section.
December 30th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
rafians out there. please also visit www.rafi.co.in and join in on the same subject by posting your views and comments. the new site is adding these new features almost every other day and let the fragrance of rafi sahab spread to all corners, using all the available fora. asmurty2@rediffmail.com
December 31st, 2007 at 10:47 pm
even though rafi is passed away he must be awarded the bharat ratna for maximum and best songs
January 5th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Now that Devanand Sahab too has given a clarion call for conferrment of the Bharat Ratna on Rafi sahab, others too from bollywood those who matter and who have a sway, must join this honourable campaign. members of parliament from bollywood for e.g. hemamalini, shatrughna sinha, govinda, priyanka dutt, vyjayanti mala, rajesh khanna (if he is still a member of the rajya sabha) and all others should come forward to request their respective political parties and the government to do a honour for the country. the nation will have redeemed itself by this one announcement alone. rafians who are interested to read the full article on devanand sahab’s remarks are requested to follow these links :
http://www.hindimedia.in
and
http://rafimurty.blogspot.com/2007
on the 4th jan 2008 i had received an sms stating that on the ndtv news channel at 8.30 p.m. there would be a talk by mr zorawar on the subject and i immediately mailed to many of my contacts this information and sat through the entire period from 8.15 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. but while the programme “picture this” went on as scheduled from 8.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m., it only contained news of the latest gossip of bollywood rather than any references to the bharat ratna award, much less rafi sahab and the delhi chapter of rafi foundation and mr zorawar. perhaps it will be aired on a subsequent date. but the campaign should not halt even if we miss the bus this 26th jan 2008, instead with new vigour the campaign should manifest itself in all forms and reach out the multitude of people within and outside the country. so also, all political parties, the media and the music world should be made aware of this.
asmurty2@rediffmail.com
January 7th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Dear Mr. A.S.Murty
Ref. Post # 75
The message contained the specific information about the programme that it will be aired on NDTV Metro Nation channel at 8.30 PM, today (i.e. 04-01-08) in the programme Time Out. The programme carried the story at 2nd slot.
I don’t know which channel you were watching which aired the programme Picture This.
I am trying to get a copy of the programme. Once I get it, I will ask for your address and have couriered to you.
Long Live Rafi Sahab !
Regards,
Rafian Zorawar
January 14th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Glad to know that Shri Ram Vilas Paswan has pushed forward the name of our SHRI RAFI SAAB alongwith SHRI MAHATMA JYOTIBHA PHULE for Bharat Ratna Award. Today I saw him speaking in IBN and Sahara Samay saying that “if Lata Mangeshkar could be given the award, Rafi Saab should also have received the award and should get it.” Many of the patriotic songs have been sung by him. I was jumping from my seat on seeing the photo of RAFI SAAB flashed on my TV. Whether the Govt. okays or not, RAFI FOUNDATION SHOULD SHOW THEM THE WAY BY INSTITUTING “MOHD.RAFI AWARD”, FIRST by honouring the award to our DEAR PRIME MINISTER, FOLLOWED BY PRESIDENT AND LATA MANGESHKAR. This way we have to show our solidarity.
Ramaswamy
January 14th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
post 77…
ramaswamy ji…
good suggestion…
today friends called me up and reported the same news which is
rafi saab is in the list of bharat ratna probables this year too, as
reported in star and aaj tak news..
let s all rejoice at the events unfolding and wait for the d day..
binu nair .. the rafi foundation…. (celebrating the works of rafi saab)
mumbai.