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Rafi Sahab and Bharat Ratna

Written by Mr. Ramesh Narain Kurpad

My dearest rafi bhakt’s,

SCENE – SWARG LOK – MASS GATHERING – UPROAR – GOD PRESENT

RAFI  SAHAB – STILL NOT CONFERRED BHARAT RATNA

Rafi Sahab and Bharat Ratna

Rafi Sahab

Continuing from where I momentarily signed off, now I can see, a great congression of film personalities to all humans between 1924 to 1980 gathered around emotionally engaged into a hot and heated debate in the heavenly realms of the almighty. Swargiya Kundan lal Saigal, K.C.Dey, Punkaj Mullick, Founder of Prithvi theatres, New theatres, eminent film personalities of Bengal, Netaji Subhas Bose, Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai patel, – Mukesh, hemant kumar, talat mahmood, Raj Kapoor, Ashok kumar, kishore kumar, anoop kumar, s.d.burman, r.d.burman, madan mohan , sj, lp, and lastly kishore kumar  – he started crying vehemently, pointing an accusing finger at the Lord God himself.

God, then, stood up with a smile and pointing both his hands downwards towards mother earth, said authoritatively, thus – “ My dearest dearest dearest Rafi Bhakts, ( I was rafi sahab then ) it is the responsibility of the President and the Prime Minster of India. I have no role to play nor can I influence them, I am God, I cannot play politics. “

BHAKTON THAT WAS A – PRECURSOR OR PROLOGUE OR CURTAIN RAISER

This is more of a conversation with you all and my sincere love for the maestro that elevates me to write to you all and discuss the most sensitive matter, which has evaded history from recording.

Recently on the 29th of November 2009, I attended a musical show, which was mainly organized to felicitate and honor yet another legend Manna Daa, upon his having received the prestigious national award “ Dada Saheb Phalkey Award “.

Just before dada started belting out his usual manna songs, he just made a passing mention when asked about his feelings, as follows :- “ Awards don’t fascinate me “. I have forgotten when I received the Padma Bhushan. I know that I am a good student of music. “

I thought to my self, and could well summate what would have been going on in dada’s mind when he said those words ( I should have been conferred all these awards long long back – my dearest friend and legend of legends no doubt died an abrupt death – disillusioned and could not even say bye ).

Bhakton – at this very moment – an idea was born in my mind that, I should have a talk with my numerous rafi bhakts at this dedicated rafi forum, and in many ways than one – ponder over the one thought which would be uppermost in every mind “ rafi sahab and bharat ratna “

Mohd Rafi

Mohd Rafi

A great, historical Nation that India is, is known to take its own time to react to the amazing achievements of its great legends. At times, the authorities realized a certain award to be given after it reached a mass following or a unanimous voice.

Rafi bhakts like rafi sahab are too simple and humble and have always been found to be living in a world of trance and just floating in his songs and works. It suffices them that they once in a way write about their god, meet and sing a few songs, sing a few praises and call it a day.

This is simply because, they find it is naïve, to ask or tell people that, rafi sahab should be awarded the Bharat Ratna. Probably the question that comes to their simple humble mind through the heart is “ Are we begging ? “. If you ask me – an emphatic – NO.

Then, if,  I,  now through this letter, actually am doing a favour, to the govt by telling them that its time you went ahead and actually officially confer the highest civilian award ( posthumously ) to this great singing avatar of yester years. Billions of humans all over the globe have already given this award in their minds and hearts to him, then what is holding you back from converting it into a reality.

Are you waiting to convert yourself from a rafi fan to a rafi bhakt ?
Does it take 29 years for you to understand your responsibility ?
Do you want the NRI’s to remind you ?
Or are you waiting for the American President to prompt you ?

Bhakton, many such questions painfully come to the mind but one thing really surprises me most is the Indian Govt did confer the Bharat Ratna  upon  a living musical legend

( a human being even today laments and cries that rafi sahab – is actually the true “ratna” )

Bhakton, 24th December 2009, is a huge day for us, 29 years have elapsed, and each one of us have failed in our duties to have ensured that our maestro got his due.

Let us all get together and collectively write to all the National and Local News papers and also to the President and Prime Minister to set right this great oversight to put it modestly and do a favour to our own human existence.

My caution to the Government of India is – we are talking about an Avataar who will never ever come back to us.

Hence, lets do the needful and seek the maestro’s ( GOD’S ) blessings.

Jai ho rafi sahab – tussi great ho – tussi Bharat Kaa Ratna ho.

Ramesh narain Kurpad.

__________________________________________________________-

Bhakton,

An email could be sent to the President and Prime Minister of India, with all our names mentioned as a signature campaign – from various rafi fan clubs from all over India.

All this is definitely possible – its just a case of “ mind over matter “.

Adaab rafi.

I have put my signature with this letter through mohdrafi.com

Proclaim your love for Rafi Sahab on twitter

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158 Blog Comments to “Rafi Sahab and Bharat Ratna”

  1. Shylaja Prabhakar says:

    Dear Ramesh
    It was a great pleasure to read your soul searching article about Rafi Saab and the Bharat Ratna. Let me congrajulate you on the same. Eventhough it has been almost 26 yrs since i left India , not a day goes by without me singing bits and pieces of his songs. They were and will remain evergreen in my heart and mind , just like thousands of his fans and bhaktas. It is unfortunate that he was not officially awarded a Bharat Ratna but the very fact that we are talking about it thirty years after his death just proves the fact that somethings are above and beyond awards .
    The sheer melody and soul stirring songs are still so fresh and vivid that it is beyond comparison. I have recently lost respect and praise for such recognitions especially after OBAMA got the Nobel prize for peace.
    Nevertheless the article was very inspiring and true.

  2. Rafi Reborn says:

    with due respects to all fellow idiots (me included, of course)
    you can keep trying, but rest assured. they will never give a bharat ratna to Rafisaab. and i am not even venturing to talk about his religion and other peripherals. the whole world is conspiring against this god’s own child. i wouldn’t want my rafisaab to be bestowed with this decorative title thought about and conceived by some political buffoons. my god is a gem as he was, is, and will be. so please, for rafisaab’s own sake, stop this charade. a whole lifetime can be spent on listening to him and collecting his innumerable notes. why waste precious time of our chequered lives pleading with scoundrels to give our god something that he got during his astounding lifetime? my fellow idiots, a bharat ratna to him would just be another mantlepiece amidst scores of trophies, mementoes and memorabilia in his bandra house. god spent and expended much of his energies on making a rafisaab of a lifetime. you want to demean god by asking for a cosmetic that will make him a beautiful being on this mortal earth? dear passionate rafisaab lovers: there is no beauty accessory made, nor a title/trophy designed that can do justice to my almighty. nothing on this round ball of earth can succintly sum up this ogre who have us lesser mortals to cherish and revel a treasure trove that may take us an undefined number of births to aborb, appreciate and gloat over.
    rafi bhakts, devotees, admirers et al (as you pompously call yourselves), please do not exercise yourselves over a petty label that is not even a brand by marketing standards. years ago, i had read a fiction “my god died young” by an indian-born writer called sasthi brata. yes, my god did die young and wept for years, realising my tears would never die down. but one day, this angel god of mine blessed me in my dreams (believe it or not) and told me: “why you people are squandering away your precious tears? i lent my tonal gold for an unspecified (yes, unspecified because all rafi geetkosh’s are incomplete as far as i know) number songs. now please repay that debt by lending your ears. i have given you a property, a real estate of a lifetime. i was packed off to this earth to bless your hearing aids. be happy that i bequeathed to you sea of humanity so much.”
    fellow idiots, i have woken up. my clarion call, passionate request, earnest entreaty to all of you. let them or let them not give rafisaab anything. no one is so rich enough to give a god anything.
    my apologies if i have hurst your feelings.
    ps: please continue your campaign at your own risk. if you succeed, i shall celebrate with you. if you don’t, i won’t sympathise. symapthies are for the weak ones, not for someone eternally strong as rafisaab.

  3. Priya Sanyal says:

    why my posts r not published!!!???
    (post 20)J.K. Bhagchandani ji even if I would have missed ‘If Rafi had sung these songs’ (November 2009 archives) still I could feel cordial warmth n affection of all of u,,I`m in continous tears,,but this mositened eye is not of sadness but love for all those who love beloved Rafi…I`m not fanatic fan who consider his/her star as God,,,but I`ve investigated Rafi sahab from every angle,,from Hatred to Love,,,,,from him being genious extraordinary singer to humble n sainty human,,,,from his profession aaproch of being charitable n purly dedicated to work to his divotion for singing him doing riyaz n pedestaling tribute of his every raaga to God n his voice to all who loved his voice…n we have recently read that how he even said no to Nehruji for eating sour dish as to eat sour can harm voice n his voice is not his rather those of who love to listen him,the rafi who never say no always smile on face said no for the sake of love of his listeners,,,but in no way he disregard Pandit nehru…n his respect for him was so much that we can witness in the immortal song,,”meri awaz suno” that Rafi sahab dedicated to jawahar nehru….what a person rafi sahab was!!!! Amazing…..If we won`t say such person divine than whom we would say???

    Post 37) P. Haldarji….only those who don`t love Rafi sahab is either one who don`t know him or one who see him from the curtain enviness,jelousy or greed….Royality has to play a biggest role in it…..In 70s they tried it best to defame rafi sahab because rafi sahab was so superior with masses classes n film group than other singer that unless he was removed from highest order materialism couldn`t enter the film industry like cut throat business…..n yes many envy him too,so they dedicated their soul to say rafi time is over…n surly Rafi sahab missed many beautiful slow or sad composition in 70s that went to mukeshji or kishore da….. but they don`t know eternity can never end…Rafi sahab was n is eternal……..n yes many still misundertood him,,,ur friend n me n my family n so many like us r same,,,,but its only because we stayed distant from rafui sahab…if even if a person has a little feeling and a bit mind if come close to Rafi sahab can only feel divine singing being real….

    Post 47..Dear sid Its really our good karma that u r with us as a rafi-lover….i`ve already thanked u for ur contribution on other rafi forum like one orkut etc…..n Yes,,kaka…he tried his best to ruin rafi sahab career but he instead ruined himself,,I remember when Hrishi da(hrishikesh mukherji) Died,,he came on news channel..every one from film community was sad n even viewer were sad,,,suddenly kaka came n said on news” Hrishi da kya kahun unke liye,,,,main rajesh khanna,,indian film ka sabse pehla superstar,,” n forget hrsishi da he started talking of himself n wanted song of his film to be played on news channel..even with such sad news even news reader smiled at his words……Funny!!

  4. A S MURTY says:

    Rameshbhai, I did talk to Sanjeev Dixit two days back and understand they are preparing a draft of an appeal which they will forward to all of us. let us wait for the final draft from them and then we will all put in our own efforts too.

  5. rameshkurpad says:

    sanjeev kumar dixit jee,

    it is very good that you are planning a meeting in delhi. i am sure a lot of good things will be discussed in te meet. your main agenda would be the modalities of approach and the sure shot way to secure the bharat ratna to our dearest rafi sahab.

    please write in detail about the meeting and the discussions in this website so that all can read it and also give their opinions, to collectively form a strong approach.

    ramesh narain kurpad.

  6. Priya Sanyal says:

    (post 20)J.K. Bhagchandani ji even if I would have missed ‘If Rafi had sung these songs’ (November 2009 archives) still I could feel cordial warmth n affection of all of u,,I`m in continous tears,,but this mositened eye is not of sadness but love for all those who love beloved Rafi…I`m not fanatic fan who consider his/her star as God,,,but I`ve investigated Rafi sahab from every angle,,from Hatred to Love,,,,,from him being genious extraordinary singer to humble n sainty human,,,,from his profession aaproch of being charitable n purly dedicated to work to his divotion for singing him doing riyaz n pedestaling tribute of his every raaga to God n his voice to all who loved his voice…n we have recently read that how he even said no to Nehruji for eating sour dish as to eat sour can harm voice n his voice is not his rather those of who love to listen him,the rafi who never say no always smile on face said no for the sake of love of his listeners,,,but in no way he disregard Pandit nehru…n his respect for him was so much that we can witness in the immortal song,,”meri awaz suno” that Rafi sahab dedicated to jawahar nehru….what a person rafi sahab was!!!! Amazing…..If we won`t say such person divine than whom we would say???

    Post 37) P. Haldarji….only those who don`t love Rafi sahab is either one who don`t know him or one who see him from the curtain enviness,jelousy or greed….Royality has to play a biggest role in it…..In 70s they tried it best to defame rafi sahab because rafi sahab was so superior with masses classes n film group than other singer that unless he was removed from highest order materialism couldn`t enter the film industry like cut throat business…..n yes many envy him too,so they dedicated their soul to say rafi time is over…n surly Rafi sahab missed many beautiful slow or sad composition in 70s that went to mukeshji or kishore da….. but they don`t know eternity can never end…Rafi sahab was n is eternal……..n yes many still misundertood him,,,ur friend n me n my family n so many like us r same,,,,but its only because we stayed distant from rafui sahab…if even if a person has a little feeling and a bit mind if come close to Rafi sahab can only feel divine singing being real….

    Post 47..Dear sid Its really our good karma that u r with us as a rafi-lover….i`ve already thanked u for ur contribution on other rafi forum like one orkut etc…..n Yes,,kaka…he tried his best to ruin rafi sahab career but he instead ruined himself,,I remember when Hrishi da(hrishikesh mukherji) Died,,he came on news channel..every one from film community was sad n even viewer were sad,,,suddenly kaka came n said on news” Hrishi da kya kahun unke liye,,,,main rajesh khanna,,indian film ka sabse pehla superstar,,” n forget hrsishi da he started talking of himself n wanted song of his film to be played on news channel..even with such sad news even news reader smiled at his words……Funny!!

  7. Sanjeev Kumar Dixit says:

    Sure sir, I will be in touch with names mentioned by you. We are planning a meeting in Delhi, see what happen?we will try to our best for Rafi saab.
    -Sanjeev

  8. rameshkurpad says:

    krishnajee,

    zaroor – chalo dilli – rafi sahab key liye – duniya kaa aakhri konaa bhi manzoor.

    sanjeev kumar dixit jee – thanx a million – for you kind words – its hugely encouraging – we have to build up systems – and get the act right – and never apply a lacadaiical approach. please be in touch with all the names i mentioned in our telephnic talk.

    shall write to you again.

    ramesh narain kurpad.

  9. Sanjeev Kumar Dixit says:

    Respected sir,
    It was very nice talking with you yesterday.We will proceed under all of yours guidence on the matter of “bharat ratna for Rafi saab”.I will give yo the information after compiling the letter on this issue.
    Tanks & regards,
    -Sanjeev Kmar Dixit

  10. Krishna a Rafi Deewana says:

    Dear Mr.Ramesh,

    My all support for the movement. chalo dilli for bharat ratna for our beloved God of music.

    rgds..Krishna

  11. rameshkurpad says:

    mesbah aur habib sahab,

    mai aapki baatonsey sehmat hoon. yah toh hum aur aap rafi sahab ko bahut kareebi sey jaanaa hai mausiqui aur ik bhaut hee behtereen insaan key taur par. lekin joh sarmayedaar nahi jaantey hain wahi log – bharat ratna ko apni changul ley baith aisey rakkhey hai jaisey kee woh unki apni milkiyat hai.

    isliye unko yah baath samjhaani padh rahi hai – kee apni iss bewaquoofi ko sudhaaro aur rafi sahab sey aashirvaad lelo. dhanya hohaogey aur moksh bhee paogey apni baakee kukarmosey mukti paogey.

    ramesh narain kurpad.

  12. rameshkurpad says:

    mukundji,

    thanx for chipping in. please co-ordinate from your end and get in touch with the people in charge presently and help as far as collecting data of rafi bhakts and also furthering the process of official presentation of rafi sahab’s award being conferred.

    i feel the movement has gathered momentum and it is going to be a reality. i have only one thing in my mind – if our intentions are true – then the goal is a certainity. lets all be united and work towards it.

    094484 55164
    rameshkurpad@gmail.com

    ramesh narain kurpad

  13. rameshkurpad says:

    sanjeev kumar dixit jee, ( post 51 ),

    thanx a lot for responding. please co-ordinate with rafi foundation – hyderabad mr.murtygaru and narayan sahab from baar baar rafi bangalore – before you go ahead with any official correspondence in this matter – we have uniformity in thought but it ought to be presentable in language too. hence draft out your official correspondence and have it generally circulated to the names mentioned above – so that we have a good solid document for rafi sahab’s award.

    ramesh narain kurpad

    rameshkurpad@gmail.com

  14. habib al saqqaf says:

    Rafi Sahab , Agar Dekha jaye To Un ki hayat mein Hi Bharat Ratna Award

    Govt De Dena tha Keunke Ab Sari Dunya Mean Rafi Sahab Un Ki Awaz Ke

    Zarye Bharat Ka Naam Roshan Keye To Phir Dier Kis Bat Ki Hai Hum Tamam

    Bharatiyoon Ki Janeb Se jo Aaj Yahan U S A main Hain (Rafi Sahab Ko Bahrar

    Ratana Milna Chahiye,) Habib N,J USA

  15. Mesbah Uddin says:

    Bharat Ratna kis ki liye ho ti hai?
    Mohd Rafi jaisa awaj aur kalakar kowi janam me ek hoti hai uski liye nahin? Jo Bharat ki liye gaaye, bapuji ki liye gaaye, azadi ki liye gaaye, hindustaani logoki liye gaye, hindustan ki hawa jis ki awaj se lehraye aur avi bhi lehrate hai, jis ki gaana hindustani dil ko kareeb 70 saal bhehlate hai – usi ke liye nehin?
    Shahed, Bharat Ratna ko gana pachand nehin.
    Usch ko choro. o Hindustaani nehi.

  16. Mukund Pandurangi says:

    Dear Rameshbhai and everyone,

    What a fantastic campaign taking place. I am totally for it. Our farishta should get the award for the great works that only he can do. His works will be remembered for generations to come. I totally support the cause and will render whatever support possible.

    Mukund Pandurangi
    09886191462

  17. rameshkurpad says:

    narayan sahab,

    you are spot on and i fully agree on all points you have raised. the politicians have proved thus far that they never cared for rafi sahab, why should they now?
    yes we have to be doubly careful in our approach and our homework has to be puccaa and fool proof.

    i highly appreciate your views with the much required optimism when such a task is taken up.

    i am sure of things falling in place as our intentions are noble and we are not asking for the moon. infact we are not asking for anything.

    a task unfulfilled is ought to be done. period.

    ramesh narain kurpad.

  18. Narayan says:

    Rameshbhai, Murty garu, Binu and friends,
    Yes Iam ready for this campaign and will support the same till the end…
    Yet it is not easy as we will be dealing with politicians who may or may not show any interest..
    Let us first get our basics strong by collecting all the data base of Rafi fans all over the globe. I have some which will be forwarded to Murty garu asap which will contain their email ids and contact numbers..
    with melodious regards,
    Narayan

  19. rameshkurpad says:

    murtygaru,

    please take note of binujee’s comments, the padre’s eagerness with regard to rafi sahab being conferred the bharat ratna and also raju korti garu is an old war horse, he should be put right in front of all of us along with narayna sahab.

    murtygaru, mujhey aisaa lagta hai – iss baar, yah movement zaroor rang layega iss paar yaa uss paar. beech mey phuggey kaa havaa nahi nikal jaanaa chahiye.

    nahi toh sarkey bal girengey aur naak phat jayegaa.

    we have to get hold of raju korti’s draft. binujee where has he posted it. please copy paste and put it in this thread. so we all can see it have the final letter ready for action.

    ramesh narain kurpad.

  20. BINU NAIR says:

    A PRIEST WHO IS A MOHD RAFI LOVER CALLS FROM DISTANT TAMIL NADU ON JAN 1, 1010….

    MR JOY ORAVAN IS VERY MUCH CONCERNED LIKE COUNTLESS MEN AND WOMEN. he says : ” mohd rafi is the true voice of india. why the govt has not given him due honours???? he should be given the bharat ratna”…

    Mr Joy further says : “I will send letters to the p.m., collect signatures from noted men of music and build a campaign to realise my dream.”
    the movement has started once again. we must take it further to reach its logical conclusions.
    the draft of the b.r. written by raju korti on this site may be revisited. please see that “no” grammatical or butler english is used in the final appeal as i remember an innocent rafi fan drafting an appeal in broken english…….

    all the best for the bharat ratna campaign.

    binu nair

  21. rameshkurpad says:

    dr.jai,

    thanx a lot for your views and also glad to note that you are a musician and a teacher too. we require the blessings of such erstwhile seniors like you – writing to us from so far off. we carry your good wishes on this happy occassion of the new year 2010 to rafi sahab getting the honours.

    keep writing dr.jai sahab.

    ramesh narain kurpad.
    rameshkurpad@gmail.com

  22. Dr.Jai. Ketwrau says:

    Dearest friends, it is for me a great mistery that someone like Rafi sahab has not the Ratna award still yet.How is this possible?And this singing miracle has such a great tribute to many culture and educated with his song so many people in the world.His songs are going also about every item of human beiing,society,religion etc.Rafi sahab has singing about :Bhagwan,Allah,Prophet Mohamed,and even about Jesus Christ.If somebody not feeling well, you can make that person feeling well,afther listening a song of this great miracle. Rafi sahab is still leaving every place in the world were people from India is living.Every day they are enyoying his songs.,And many people and Televisie and radio stations are earning a lot of money with his songs . I am living 65 years in the West and I am also musician and teacher so I can know something ,and I was lucky to meet this great person twice in the Netherlands , when he was here for shows.For reactions:jai_netty@ hotmail.com

  23. rameshkurpad says:

    binujee, join the band wagon and chip in, into the movement from mumbai, nice last liner from you. keep it up and carry mumbai along with you towards the goal.

    murtygaru shall have a dedicated rafi email id for myself and pass it on to narayan sahab next year 2010 – ha ha ha – tomorrow. i have to think of a good email-id for my self.

    ramesh narain kurpad

  24. Vitthal says:

    Dear all music lovers,

    Happy New Year Wishes to all – 2010

  25. binu nair says:

    ABOUT BHARAT RATNA AWARD…. … RAFI SAAHEB HAS ALREADY GOT THE HIGHEST AWARD…. HE IS IN THE HEART OF COUNTLESS PEOPLE.
    PEOPLE WHO GOT THE BHARAT RATNA AWARD ARE FORGOTTEN. PLEASE SEE THE LIST IN GOOGLE FOR MORE ENLIGHTENMENT……..

    THE GOVERNMENT SAYS THAT BHARAT RATNA IS GIVEN TO LIVING PERSONS . THIS IS TO AVOID THE RUSH OF POLITICIANS RUSHING IN TO GET THIS AWARD.
    JAB TAK SANGEET CHALEGA, RAFI SAAHEB KA NAAM IS DHARTI PAR RAHEGA.
    NO. I HAVE NOT SAID THIS. IT WAS SAID BY MAHENDRA KAPOOR TO A WRETCHED LADY SINGER IN A RECORDING ROOM…….

    YES. ME MUST STRIVE TOWARDS THE RATNA AWARD FOR RAFI SAAHEB.

    BINU NAIR

  26. A S MURTY says:

    adabrafi to all !! rameshbhai, we all know the virtuous narayanan sahab and he will give us all the right direction in this campaign. dr aliuddin sahab ” what great words ” “god helps those who help themselves ” is what you have expressed so very well in urdu. with blessings of elders like you, we shall carry on our work. javed sayyed sahab, indeed we should first have a database of all rafi fans at one central place and we request all of us to write to narayanan sahab at his email id given by him in his post 71 above and request him to maintain this database. i had sometime back suggested that all rafi fans should create a new email id with the name ‘rafi’ in between the same. many of rafi fans already have such an email id and hence they need not create a new one. for those who still use other email ids, this request is repeated so that we have the largest database of rafi bhakts. once this task is accomplished, we can send emails in one stroke to this largest group of dedicated rafibhakts.

    a s murty
    rafi foundation,
    hyderabad chapter

  27. rameshkurpad says:

    murtygaru, nrpbhai, gurbeer singhjee, sanjeev kumar dixit – please take note of narayan sahab’s views and take him into confidence – he is one of the very few people i have found in my life time who has examplary qualities of selfless service, great acceptional qualities of a sound PRO. proven track record of pioneering causes with regarded to rafi sahab. a highly responsible and trustworthy soul who is in the fore through out the act and stays in the background with others when it comes to accolades.

    i know him personally too damm well, hence he is an asset and our goal will get its much needed fillip when we all ride together as one carriage.

    murtygaru – narayan sahab – please co-ordinate and lets move on – we are on a sound footing and shall never look back till we achieve our objective.

    ramesh narain kurpad.

  28. Khaja Aliuddin,MD says:

    I totally agree with Murty Sahib, Rameshkurpad sahib,Gurbeer singh sahib, Ramesh Sahib, sanjeeve sahib and Bhagchandani Sahib.
    “Himmate mardan madade khuda”
    With regards,
    Long live Rafi Sahab,
    Dr. Khaja Aliuddin

  29. Lt Col Javed Sayyed says:

    Dear All Rafi Bhakts/Lovers,
    This thought process has been disturbing me too all along these decades. Firstly, some of us in the mgt of Rafi foundation say Mumbai or delhi charter should initiate a recording of all rafi fans with their details. Then, we should collectively carryout the signature campaign! Simultaneously, we should make efforts with other country Dignatories, govt officials with the legends contribution to the music world & influence them to confer their countries highest awards. This will open the eyes of our govt.
    We are not begging for anything. Only asking for their rightful dues which will be the justified & rightful cause. Lets accept the fact-our govt like some other govts too work in a typical fashion wich requires them to be shaken up to such pressing realities. They are extremely busy in their individual roles with commitments increasing each day in their professional & social lives. Lets do our bit & in the required fashion. We must pursue things in the right way & relentlessly.
    Love & regards to all rafians.
    Do Well.

  30. Narayan says:

    Dear Samina,
    Adaab Rafi ! Fully agree with you.. but let us all resolve fully determined to write to the media. Infact i proudly proclaim that The Hindu, Hindustan Times, Telegraph, Statesman, Indian Express, Deccan Herald and all the regional papers have paid rich tributes to our icon. One newspaper very popular has missed it perhaps they will pay tribute only on the centenary birth anniversary or 50th death anniversary. They have ingored not only Rafi sahab but also KKda…
    I am very proud to share that we ordinary fans have popularised Rafi sahab’s music to the youngsters as all the shows of Rafi – nite are always full.Kindly email ur id to rafinarayan24@gmail.com and I can reveal the my ideas to urge the popular media.
    Dear Mohan Murdeshwar, Adaab Rafi !
    I agree with ur views … but have u noticed that during the birth anniversary of our legend common fans assemble near the Padmashree Mohd Rafi Chowk and distiribute sweets and cakes to all passerbys, bus/auto travellers etc..
    During the 31st July the Majhar where Rafi sahab’s mortal remains rest there is a flow of visitor from all over the country.
    What more we should expect ? You and me and all the bakts are always remembering the legend…
    For gaining attention of popular media a mass movement has to start which I can give details at rafinarayan24@gmail.com

    Narayan/ baar baar Rafi Fan Club
    9886779557
    Bangalore

  31. rameshkurpad says:

    murtygaru ( post 69 ),

    i am truly overjoyed at the positive developments and the zest and zeal already being displayed by gurbeer singhjee, sanjeev kumar dixitjee and yourself murty garu.

    with due respects to all the names mentioned above, i would wish to put up a very valid and positive suggestion and the same may be considered as it is very vital and important.

    1) all official correspondence being addressed to govt’ authorities and power vested with awards etc. to be drafted very carefully and the draft should be approved by you or nrpbhai and then the fair copy to be forwarded.
    this will help in zero mistakes and grammatical errors.

    2) if one of you takes up the lead – it is better he/she be named as the CEO or CHAIRMAN for only the movement with regard to bharat ratna.

    these are just my views, they may kindly be rejected and ignored outright if not found correct or practical.

    ramesh narain kurpad.

  32. A S MURTY says:

    adabrafi gurbeerji, sanjeevji, bhagchandaniji and rameshbhai. of the last six articles posted on this website, i was checking today and found that this article drew the maximum response, though all the other articles were also too good. it is the subject of this article, therefore, that has made this big difference in responses and i could gauge that most rafi bhakts would like this dream of ours to become a reality soon. already our friends from lucknow – gurbeer singh and sanjeev dixit – have devised a certain plan on how to go about this matter and soon they will forward to all of us the draft of a letter that is being readied. we all have to forward to many more of our friends who are all rafi bhakts in particular and also music lovers in general. and these letters must be sent by each one of us. friends, let us not bother now about the end result as too many aspects come into play for such a prestigious award to be announced on any single name. these are also matters which are in the hands of the top most corridors of power. we only should do our humble duty first of forwarding these appeals and then some of our friends will also try to pursue the matter. in case we meet with success, it will be a very joyous occasion for all of us, more so if we have all participated in this endeavor ourselves. even if it does not become a reality, we will all have the solace of having put in our efforts. gurbeer and sanjeev have already had a talk today with many rafi bhakts and let us all give them our support. rameshbhai, after i talked to gurbeer and sanjeev today, i too concurred with them that they should take up this job of drafting the suitable appeals/letters.

    A S MURTY
    RAFI FOUNDATION,
    Hyderabad Chapter.

  33. rameshkurpad says:

    mohan chandran sahab,

    thank you very much for recording your views. i highly respect all those who feel that rafi sahab is above any award. i fully agree with you when you say his talent is unfathomable, unmatchable and hence the award would be belittling his abilities.

    thanks once again for your valuable views.

    ramesh narain kurpad

  34. Kumar says:

    ramesh ji,

    It is the duty to do efforts by rafi fans. If rafi ji gets it then it will be great – Bharat ratna award. But one does not know whether directly the recommendation may be taken up or not, because bharat ratna is generally given after padmashri, padmabhushan and padmavibhushan awards are given and I think even plenty of padmavibhushan awardees also may lobby for the award. Many politicians, last time it was for Vajyapee ji, also are recommended these days for the award. Truly speaking rafi ji himself is an award to the film music.

  35. Dear Ramesh,

    The fact that Indian govt. did not confer Bharat Ratna to Mohd. Rafi proves the fact that he is above the award. Giving him the award in fact would belittle his unfathomable ability and great, god-gifted talent. Bharat Ratna is given only to those whose talent can be measured. Rafi’s talent is immeasurable, unfathomable, beyond what anyone could gauge. He is a legend forever. The very fact that we all still remember Rafi more than any other singer (even the one conferred with Bharat Ratna) speaks volumes of him. Rafi is truly incomparable, unmatchable and there cannot be another Rafi for centuries to come. Let us all cherish his songs and continue to perpetuate his legend.

  36. Rajkumar Akela says:

    It is the history of India that the rest of the world recognized great movie-maker late Styajit Roy first and honoured his films in international film festivals and then so did India.
    Mr. Ali seems quite right…it is possible that first Pakistan will honour Rafi Sahab with “nishan-e-pakistan” and then our Indian government will wake up.

  37. rameshkurpad says:

    bhagchandanijee,

    murtygaru and nrpbhai are in the process of making out the letter and also the furtherance of the move into initiation of the award. please keep following this thread and you shall get all the news and developments.

    gurbeer singhjee,

    thank you very much for all the hard work put in – please keep it up – you are doing a great job – the world will see the results soon.

    ramesh narain kurpad.

  38. Ali says:

    i hope that Indian gov’t will wake up before Pakistani Gov’t to give mohd rafi bharat ratna award..and i think Pakistan Gov’t should give mohd RAFI AWARD BECAUSE MOHD RAFI IS THE NUMBER 1 SINGER IN pAKISTAN

  39. GURBEER SINGH says:

    DEAR A S MURTI SIR !
    HERE IS A SMALL LIST OF AUTHORITIES TO WHOME WE CAN SEND
    OUR Grievances REGARDING BHARAT RATNA FOR RAFI SAHAB,AS WELL WE CAN ADDRESS TO NEWS PAPERS AND FAMOUS MEDIA CHANNELS .

    10, Janpath,
    New Delhi 110011 India
    PH: 91-11-23014161, 23014481
    E-Mail: soniagandhi@sansad.nic.in

    INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS
    24, Akbar Road,
    New Delhi – 110011 , INDIA
    TEL : 91-11-23019080
    FAX : 91-11-23017047

    Rahul Gandhi
    Indian Youth Congress, #5 Raisina Road, New Delhi – 110001, India.

    SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN
    Permanent Address Vill. & P.O. Shaharbanni, Tola Bellai,
    Distt. Khagaria,- 851 204 (Bihar)

    Present Address
    12, Janpath,
    New Delhi – 110 001
    Tel. (011) 23017681, 23794310,23015249

    PRESIDENT’S SECRETARIAT HELPLINE
    http://helpline.rb.nic.in/GrievanceNew.aspx

    RTI PORTAL OF GOVT OF INDIA
    http://rti.india.gov.in/index.php

    CHIDAMBARAM, SHRI PALANIAPPAN (Home Minister)
    Permanent Address 16, Pycrofts Garden Road,
    Chennai – 600 006 (Tamil Nadu)
    Tel./Fax (044)28279025

    Present Address 19, Safdarjung Road,
    New Delhi-110 011
    Tel. (011) 23792222

    Also see:-
    Coordination & Public Grievance Division

    An Internal Grievances Redressal Machinery (IGRM), functioning in this Ministry, attends to all grievances promptly. The Joint Secretary (Coordination and Public Grievances) has been nominated as Director of Public Grievances. The name, designation, room number, telephone number, etc. of Director of Public Grievances are as under:

    Shri K.C. Jain
    Joint Secretary (Coordination and Public Grievances)
    Room No. 9, North Block
    New Delhi-110001
    Telefax No.23092392
    E-Mail: jscpg-mha@nic.in
    dirpg-mha@nic.in

    For lodging Grievances centrally, Please click
    http://www.pgportal.gov.in

    2. A public Grievance Officer has been nominated in each Division of the Ministry as the Nodal Officer to monitor the progress of the redressal of Public Grievances relating to the respective Division.

    PRIME MINISTER
    Contact Address :

    Manmohan Singh,
    7, Race Course Road
    New Delhi – 110011
    Ph:23018939
    23018668
    23015470
    Fax-23015603

    read here more about BHARAT RATNA GOI PORTAL

    http://www.mha.nic.in/uniquepage.asp?Id_Pk=52

  40. Gurbeer Singh says:

    Dear Murti Sir !

    We have initiated coresspondence with the Govt of India in this connection ,I am very happy with the the statement of Mr Abid Khalil Ji that they are approaching to Govt of pakistan to award Nishane Pakistan to our Beloved Rafi Saab.and hope it will soon happen.
    It is a famous hindi proverb that ” GHAR KI MURGI DAAL BARABAR ”
    ,it fits over attitude of govt india .
    Becouse there is long list of names whose talent was rewarded by Govt of other countries or UN
    e.g Rajendra Pachauri(Noble Pr winner),Kiran Bedi, Rajendra singh(Magsey award winner,VS NaiPaul,Dr HarGovind Khuraana,Amartya Sen.

    Apart from this effort we must inspire the Rafians to set up Rafi
    Foundation in every city of India ,and make group of not less than 50 person in every city ,Who will regularly do the correspondence(along with referece of their Voter ID) with the Govt in this connection from there locations till the objective is not achieved.

  41. J.K. Bhagchandani says:

    Post 58:

    I fully endorse the views of Shri A.S. Murthy. I will be greatly obliged if someone sends me the e-mail ID or mailing address where the appeal (for conferring Bharat Ratna to our dearest Rafi saab) is to be sent. Also if anyeone who has prepared the draft of the letter may kindly circulate. My e-mail ID is jagdishkb@rediffmail.com

  42. Mohan S.Murdeshwar says:

    Dear Friends, I have read with keen interest the conflicting opinions expressed by many of you for and against honouring RAFI SAHAB with the coveted BHARAT RATNA by the Government of India. With my highest respect for each individual’s view on the matter, I am somehow inclined to agree with those of you who feel that this conferring such an award is not the be-all and end-all of the matter. RAFI SAHAB was a GLITTERING JEWEL OF INDA and not some ornamental piece of jewellery that one can wear on his body. We have come across so many cases of our valiant officers in the armed forces and from the sporting arena who had brought great laurels for their country by winning GOLD MEDALS andor GALLANTRY AWARDS for their courageous deeds but are left regretting their actions because they have lost their identity and the significance of their achievements due to apathy by the powers that be. Many of them are living in abject poverty without any recognition or support from Government or any organisation worth the name. RAFI SAHAB has won so many awards in his lifetime that one more, albeit the highest one in the country, would not have made any difference to him personally. It would be INCONSEQUENTIAL for a Great Human Being like him. Fans living in Mumbai would be left with their hearts bleeding when they see the memorial plaque located in a discreet corner of a busy road (Swami Vivekananda Road) in Bandra (W) when no one gives it a second look–not even the local corporators, much less people from the film industry which RAFI SAHAB served with so much devotion and sincerely for over 35 years of his life. What difference would it made if he were conferred the BHARAT RATNA ,albeit posthumously, and that too nearly 30 years after his death !!!!!

    Luckily, the Indian Post & Telegraph Department thought it fit to honour this Great Singer with a commemorative postal stamp along with his other contempories like Late Mukesh ji, Late Kishore Kumar ji and Late Hemant Kumar ji. This by itself, is no less an honour to this LEGEND and we his ardent fans must be thankful that RAFI SAHAB did not have to face any embarrassment from power brokers hankering for such a recognition on his behalf and being denied that privilege while he was alive. Some things happen for a good cause and we should accept it. Come to think of it, what difference has it made to those (except the politicians of our country) who have alreaey been conferred with the Bharat Ratna ? How many of us can honestly remember or recall them from memory and what is the benefit that they have derived from being the reciepients of this award ?? Let us all therefore put this matter to rest and continue to honour his contribution to mankind at large, in a different and more effective manner.

  43. A S MURTY says:

    Rameshbhai, your posts 55 and 57. Abid Khaleel is an ardent fan of Rafi Sahab and the news from him is very pleasant one. We hope our government also follows suit at the earliest. Let us now draft a suitable letter to the government, the president, the prime minister, all the political parties, media, etc to build up the momentum once again. all rafi fans can send such a letter by post and/or by email. let us gather the complete addresses and the email ids of all the above and circulate amongst all rafi-bhakts.

  44. abid khalil sahab,

    adaab rafi aur aapko bharat key rafi bhakton sey pyaar bhara namashkaar.
    aapney aapkey comment likhaa thaa :-

    quote:-

    “we the rafi fans from pakistan are approaching govt of pakistan
    to hounor mohammad rafi for life time achievement award
    alongwith Nishan e Pakistan.
    we are very optimistic and given hearty response from ministryof culture”

    unquote:

    iss baath kee sacchhayi par aap hee aur gaur pharmaa saktey hain.

    meri aur karodo lakhon hazaaron – rafi bhakton kee yeh dile khaawish hai kee aape joh kehrahey hain yaah jald sey jald sach hojaye.

    jitnaa jaldi hosakey ” nishaaney pakistan ” kaa khitaab – rafi sahab key naam key saath judkar ek tehelkaa hojaye.

    please pursue the matter with your various rafi fan groups in pakistan and ensure that it is a reality at the earliest.

    you fans from pakistan will become history and your names will be written in golden words, who had it in them to deliver justice atlast.

    i hope you read this comment of mine and give us the latest at your end.

    here’s wishing you the very best and a very happy and prosperous new year 2010 with a hope that 2010 becomes an year of tornado’s of awards for rafi sahab.

    ramesh narain kurpad.

  45. Veerinder Pratap says:

    Rafi saab is already a Bharat Ratna. what if he not honored by the Govt. He is a true BHARAT RATNA.

  46. my dearest rafi bhakts,

    i agree with each one of you and your views as they all have some truth in it but not the absolute truth.

    i should gleefully say that you all have proved one thing to be true rafi bhakts, otherwise, you would not have responded they you all have.

    ho na ho – kanhee kisi koney mey – ik aashaa zaroor hogi – key yah – bahut zaroori khitaab – ho hee jai – varnaa – aap sab likhtey hee nahi.

    i am glad – i am not alone – by responding – you all have signed the petition with regard to our rafi sahab and bharat ratna.

    we all know – he is above all awards – but how can our nation insult its own son and also itself by ignoring and delaying the process.

    i am stunned by the mail written by this gentleman ” abid khalil ” who is a huge huge huge fan of rafi sahab in pakistan and he goes on to say that our neighbouring nation may soon be honouring rafi sahab with the ” nihaane pakistan “. well bhakton – if that happens – even the congression of luminaries gathered in heaven will salute pakistan to a standing ovation.

    i fear – many more countriesd will follow suit and start conferring their highest civilian award to our dearest rafi sahab.

    qayaamat barsegi aur hamaarey sarmayedaar apni gandee khelon mey haar jayenge.

    pakistan should – without giving a whiff – do what they intend doing – otherwise – these conniving politicians – may overnight announce the dadasaheb for 2019 – over to you bhakton.

    ramesh narain kurpad

  47. sid says:

    Samina ,

    you said what needed to be said. 😀

  48. Srinivasan says:

    Rameshji, What a great write up.This is what I have been wondering for so many years, as to why Bharat Ratna has not been conferred on Rafi Sahab so far,but, you have put it so well in your article. Truly, Rafi sahab is a Vishwa Ratna and he prevails in the hearts of Billions of people across the global. Our Government will be doing their least by conferring Bharat Ratna on Rafi Sahab. I personally feel we must write to the honorable President of India reminding them to act upon this on priority. Rafi sahib Amar Rahen!!!

  49. abbas sadik masanvi says:

    dear ramesh ji,
    yaar itna kuch likhne ke baad bhi aap Rafi sahib ke bhik maang rehe hain un logo se,jo Rafi sahib ke bade mein kuch bhi nahi jante.na mere bhai aisa mat karo,jise khuda ne itna kuch de dia ho,us ko kisi aur cheez ki tammana nahi hoti,mere bhai Rafi kal bhi tha,aaj bhi hai aur kal bhi rehe ga.i always salute Rafi sahib,because he preserved his God gifted voice for us.kia khayal hai aap ka?
    with regards
    abbas sadik masanvi
    asmasanvi@hotmail.com

  50. Sanjeev Kumar Dixit says:

    Dear Ramesh ji,
    Very nice thought comes in your mind & we can share in the form of your nice article. I am totally agree with Mr. Gurbeer singh,Director Rafi foundation, Lucknow chapter, that govt. of India should be rewards to our beloved Rafi Sahab by Bharat Ratna before any other country rewards him. We should be unite at national level by making a RAFI FOUNDATION INDIA CHAPTER by taking 2 or more representatives from all the Rafi Foundations working in different cities in India.
    Thanks
    -Sanjeev Kumar Dixit
    Founder, Rafi Foundation Lucknow chapter
    rafisanjeev@yahoo.com
    ph- 09450092822 (Available after 3 pm)

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