Friends and well-wishers gathered at the Residence of the New Zealand High Commissioner, HE Mrs Jan and Mr. David Henderson to intermingle amidst some music and dance on the evening of Friday, the 20th of July, 2013. The small gathering comprised the Japanese Ambassador, HE Mr. Takeshi Yagi, the Bangladesh High Commissioner, HE Mr. Tariq A Karim and Mrs. Naghma Karim, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Seychelles and Ms. Lise Grande, the UN resident Coordinator amongst others.
The evening began with HE Jan Henderson welcoming her guest. She spoke warmly of her long association with both Dr. Kiran and Dr. Navina Jafa. Dr. Kiran then mesmerized the audience with her ghazal (Urdu love poems set to music) recital along with Guru Vinod Kumar Ji, Principal of the Bhaatkhande Sangit Vidyalaya.
Dr. Kiran and Guru Vinod Kumar’s captivating ghazal performance
Dr. Navina Jafa, Heritage Educationist and renowned classical dancer took the evening forward with her riveting dance performance under the open skies of the Residence courtyard.
Dr. Navina Jafa’s Kathak recital
The two performances were interspersed with Akhlaq, a resident of Chanderpuri slum sharing his experience of interning with the New Zealand High Commission and the transformation that Asha has brought about in his life.
Akhlaq from Chanderpuri slum talks about his association with Asha and his internship experience at the New Zealand High Commission
With the notes of the melody still wafting in the air, the evening came to a happy closure with the guests interacting over dinner.
Guests mingling over drinks and dinner
