Ustad Zakir Hussain's gesture at Sharma's death leaves people in awe

Story by  ATV | Posted by  Aasha Khosa • 1 Years ago
Ustad Zakir Hussain by the side of funeral pyre (Twitter)
Ustad Zakir Hussain by the side of funeral pyre (Twitter)

 

New Delhi 
 
Indian classical music became poorer with the passing away of Santoor maestro Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma and yet the somber occasion showcased the bonding of the Indian classical music exponents, who alsi hailed from the same place – Jammu in Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
The image of a lone mourner Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain Khan standing by the pyre of the late peer at a Mumbai crematorium has generated positive vibes about the unity of the Indians and the essence of Indianness amidst a largely divisive narrative.
 
Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma had suddenly passed away on May 10 in Mumbai and his body was cremated the next day by his family and friends.
 
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Zakir Hussain as pallbearer
 
Ustad Zakir Hussain was not only present throughout the post-death rituals and prayers for Santoor Maestro but also became one of his pallbearers as his body was taken to the crematorium. His image of a shell-shocked and deeply saddened friend staring at the pyre of his friend became viral on social media.
 
The photo from Samyukat Chaudhry's Twitter page has been shared copiously by the people and it has generated a lot of positive vibes about this picture depicting the spirit of India.
 
The post says Zakir Hussain attended the last rites of Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. He is saying goodbye to a friend with whom he shared relations for several decades. The two had performed together in several shown in India and abroad. You may have never seen such a touching picture.
Another picture in which Ustad Zakir Hussain is seen carrying the coffin of Pandit Shiv Kumar on his shoulder is also going viral.
 
People are making various comments on social media after seeing these pictures. Some are calling it a true picture of the country, while others are an example of secularism.
 
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Zakir Hussain holding the national flag close to his chest
 
One user commented that it is clear that religion has nothing to do with religion.
 
These scenes depict a deep bond between  Zakir Hussain and Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma. Yet another picture from the cremation ceremony going viral has Zakir Hussain holding the folded national flag close to his chest.
 
This flag was placed on the body of Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma during the State funeral and was removed before the cremation.
 
It may be recalled that the families of both the musicians hail from Jammu and are Dogri-speaking people. While renowned musician Allahrakha Khan, father of Zakir Hussain Khan, was born in Samba, a town in Jammu, Shiv Kumar Sharma was born in Jammu city.