Correspondent,Bhavnagar

Saint and renowned katha vachak Morari Bapu today handed over awards to Pakistani Ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali, actress Hema Malini and other famed artists on the concluding day of the annual cultural festival ‘Asmita Parv’ (festival of Identity/pride) held under his guidance in his native village Talgajarda under Mahua taluka of Bhavnagar district in Gujarat.

Ghulam Ali, who could not perform in the event, was given Hanumant award under Ghazal gayan category. Olden days ‘Dream-Girl’, well known actress, dancer and BJP MP from Mathura, Hema Malini, who show-cased her dancing talent in Indian classic dance through nritya natika Meera last night, was also given the same award under classical dance category for Bharatnatyam.

Saint Morari Bapu also handed over Hanmant award to Ulhas Kashalkar (Classical music), Suresh Talvalkar (Tabla playing) and Debu Chaudhary (Classical instrumental).

He gave Kailash Lalitkala award to Nagji Patel.

Natraj award was given to the following artists-
Dharmendra – Film acting (received by Hema Malini in his absence)
P Barsani- Gujrati folk dance (received by son)
Yazdi Karanjia – Gujarati drama
Pankaj Dhir – TV artist

Several well know figures including Umrao Jan fame film director Padmshri Muzaffar Ali, Jnanpeeth awardee Raghuvir Chaudhary also participated in the four day festival meant to preserve the cultural identity of the country. The show is being held since 1998.

Mr. Ali gave a touching presentation on Sufi saint Amir Khusro while a similar presentation on great saint of Sufi tradition Jalaludding Rumi was also given.

The concluding session was however marred by a protest by Shiv sena opposing the presence of Ghulam Ali in the event.

– DeshGujarat