Talent hunt launched for young Hindko singers

PESHAWAR: A literary and cultural organization, Gandhara Hindko Board, has launched talent hunt for the Hindko language singers by arranging a singing completion for the youth.

The board a provided a platform to the amateur young singers as they were invited to perform at the Gandhara Hindko Academy.

A research assistant at the academy and young artiste, Zeeshan Ghanzani, had coordinated the event “Hindko Jhankaar” held on the main lawn of the academy. Broadcaster and singer, Ahmad Nadeem Awan, was the co-organiser. There was a panel of three judges that included a known lyricist, Syed Saeed Gillani, singer Saeed Paris, music teacher Zulfiqar Bhatti and another singer Sitara Younas.

A total of 30 youth from Peshawar, Kohat, Abbottabad, Mansehra and Islamabad took part in the competition. They rendered songs in Hindko and other languages and won praise for the talent.

The event was attended by noted cultural activist and Gandhara Hindko Board Vice-Chairman, Dr Salahuddin, senior bureaucrat, Syed Kamran Shah, business community representative, Ziaul Haq Sarhadi, senior lawyer, Tasleem Hussain, Muhammad Naeem, a literatus from Hazara division, senior television producer, Qazi Junaid and Nazeer Ahmad, a writer and author.

Muhammad Kashif of Islamabad was adjudged the best. Ali Abdullah from Kohat won the second position. Muhammad Aakif and Gopal of Peshawar claimed third and fourth slots. Ms Farah Wakeel from Peshawar received a special prize. The excelling ones were awarded cash prizes and certificates. The audience was excited when two judges — Zulfiqar Bhatti and Sitara Younas- and event organizer, Zeeshan Ghaznavi, rendered songs at the end of the competition. Ahmad Nadeem Awan announced that more such events would be arranged to encourage the youth to display the singing talent.