Renowned Pakistani Maestro Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan mesmerized the Indian-American community in Boston with his Bollywood-infused musical brilliance. The evening was filled with soulful renditions of popular Bollywood songs, leaving the audience in awe. However, amidst the artistic brilliance, when Rahat Fateh Ali Khan addressed the audience only with "As-Salamu Alaykum", some attendees noted the absence of the traditional Indian greeting "Namaste".
Acknowledging the Indian Audience
At Jay-Ho! The Jay Kumar Show, we feel that Art, and Music especially, deserves our respect and comes from a place of cultural appreciation. Given that Boston's concert hall was predominantly filled with Indian-Americans, accounting for maximum of the audience, we feel that he could have also used "Namaste" which is a widely recognized greeting cutting across any social barriers.
The Positive Impact of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's Music
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has gained immense recognition in India through his soul-stirring Qawwali and sufi devotional music. His songs have touched the hearts of millions and have become an integral part of Bollywood's musical landscape. The artist's ability to bridge the gap between cultures through his music is commendable, as it has helped foster a sense of unity and appreciation for diverse artistic expressions.
As an artist with a significant following in India, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has the opportunity to strengthen cross-cultural ties through small gestures such as greeting his Indian audience with "Namaste." By doing so, he would showcase his respect for their culture and foster a sense of "Inclusivity". Such inclusive greetings demonstrate respect for the culture and and by embracing inclusive greetings, we promote respect and acceptance among individuals from diverse backgrounds, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and included.
By no means do we wish to cast aspersions or create needless controversies, but we are simply pointing out that what could have been a small gesture going a long way forward was missed.
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