Search the Internet          Tips

First Lady plays while President works

Seemingly, the busiest man in Agra these days is K K Mohammed -- who, for the uninitated, is the guide who will take Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and his wife Begum Sebha on a tour of the Taj Mahal.

Mohammed is no ordinary guide, but the superintending archaeologist of the Archaeological Survey of India -- and for weeks now, has been working round the clock to ensure that everything is shipshape for the VVIP visit.

“I am happy and thrilled that I have been chosen to show Gen Musharraf and his wife the Taj Mahal,” he told rediff.com, shrugging off veiled comments from his colleagues that he owes the honour to his religion, and not his qualifications.

“I am only one of four ASI officials who will guide the President and his wife around the monument," Mohammed points out.

But does anyone really need a guide to show them the Taj or explain its history? “Surely our esteemed guests know all about the Taj Mahal," Mohammed agrees. "Our job is to actually show them the small details, the interior of the monument," the ASI official says.

Though the VVIP visit is slated for late evening, the monument will remain closed to the public throughout Sunday for security reasons.

Though the Taj visit is the only opportunity President Musharraf will get to play tourist, his wife Begum Sebha Musharraf will spend the whole of Sunday criss-crossing the city, taking in the sights and sounds -- and shopping opportunities.

While her husband remains closeted in meetings with Prime Minister A B Vajpayee and later, with the Indian and Pakistani delegations, Begun Sebha will visit the Id-mad-uddaullah, a historical building which houses the tomb of Noor Jehan’s father Mirza Gyas Baig. She will then proceed to Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort.

Subsequently, the Pakistan First Lady will go on a shopping trip across the city.

In this, she will be assisted by IAS officer and Agra's chief development officer Rita Singh, who says that the administration has readied some 25 handicraft stalls.

President Musharraf will rejoin his begum this evening, for the visit to the Taj which will be followed by a cultural programme at Jaypee Palace Hotel. A 30-minute performance by vocalist Shubha Mudgal, and a Mohanaveena recital by India’s sole Grammy winner-Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, are the highlights.

The Jaipur-based Pandit Bhatt, who shot into the limelight when he invented the Mohanveena, said he was looking forward to the programme. "I have composed special music for the Pakistan President," Pandit Bhatt told rediff.com. "I am happy that I have been invited to perform before General Musharraf. I am sure he will enjoy the cultural evening.”

"The music I have created is in Raag Bihag, a late evening raga, and this particular creation is called Sadbhavana," Pandit Bhatt told rediff.com.

"It is very joyful, and has a very festive and excitement mood in it. Overall it has an elevating, positive mood. My attempt is to elevate the atmosphere to such a level where there is no tension, no conflict. Through my classical composition I am trying to create a pious atmosphere," the Grammy-winner said, adding that his attempt is to bring hearts together. "Overall, the composition is very positive, and I hope that I am able to infuse a positive mood in the two leaders."

Pandit Bhatt will be accompanied by his two sons, Salil (28) and Saurabh (22).

"We will play the composition on Mohan Veena, the 20-stringed instrument that I created. The composition has a duration of about 20-25 minutes, and it took me three days to create the composition," Pandit Bhatt said. "I have chosen fast movements and a fast rhythm. And it also has some alaap which unfolds slowly. The composition also has a lot of exciting crescendo bits.

"As I get ready to perform before President Pervez Musharaf, I have a regret," added the ace musician. "I hope the occasion would help me to over come that. I have performed in over 25 countries, but never in Pakistan. I hope they invite me there."

Indo-Pak Summit 2001: The Complete Coverage

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report