Hundreds of people from different areas of Qatar flocked recently to Al Dana Driving School to see a rare musical programme organised by GEFONT.
The first GEFONT cultural dhamaka featured the performance of Nepali Film Actress Chanda Dahal, Folk Singer Puskal Sharma, Singer Tara Shreesh and Doha based Nepali local artistes.
The programme was hosted by Debika KC and Prabahat Tirpathi.
The cultural programme was hosted by Ujwal BK, acting president of G Front Trade Union Qatar. Binda Pandey, member of the International Labour Organisation ( ILO) governing body, was the chief guest. Nitesh Sapkota, Second Secretary of Embassy of Nepal, and RK Sharma, Gulf Co-ordinator of Non Resident Nepali organisation, was the guest of honour on the occasion.
Speaking at the programme, Pandey as the chief guest praised the new rules in Qatar to provide better facilities for the employees. She said that the Nepali revolution which was marked with special features had entered a new phase. She added that the poll outcome is expected to mark the end of Nepal’s transition to federal democracy, 11 years after the end of a brutal civil war in 2006. Since then the nation has seen 10 prime ministers.
Pandey is one of the 1,000 women who were recommended for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005. She was the first member of the 1st Nepali Constituent Assembly representing the Communist Party of Nepal. She was the driving force behind most of the publications brought out by GEFONT, one of the largest confederations of Nepali trade unions. Working in the trade union movement, she represented GEFONT in the Committee for Asian Women (CAW), a regional organisation working for women workers in 13 Asian countries.
The musical afternoon kicked off with a performance by Nepali Film Actress Chanda Dahal. Dahal performed two dances at the programme. Though performing for the first time in Qatar, Dahal said she felt as if the place was familiar to her. Chanda Dahal is a struggling actress and dancer from Nepal. She is known for her dancing.
The main attraction of the programme was Puskal Sharma. He was the one who was most cheered by the crowd. He performed 10 most popular songs from his own album. He appreciated the mixed audience and praised the Nepali community as culture-loving folks.
“Nepalis in Qatar love music and culture,” he said. He added that the Nepali music industry was looking for the warm support of Qatar-based Nepali community. After receiving applause, Sharma stepped down the stage to give a brief comment. “It was my second performance in Qatar but the response from the audience made me feel as if I werea regular performer.”
Singer Tara Shreesh performed two songs. she was performing for the first time in Qatar. Her songs dealt with common man’s melancholies. She also cracked jokes during her performance. She briefly commented that it was very special for her to perform in Qatar. It was better than other countries. “My audience in Qatar loves my music,” she said,” adding she was inspired to perform with great zeal.
Mohan Shah crooned a live song with the support of the Nepali musical instruments and Suresh BC performed the comic acts at the programme.
CHIEF GUEST: Binda Pandey making a speech; MELODIOUS: Tara Shreesh enthrals the audience; FOLK: Folk singer Puskal Sharma in action.
