Hayat Ahmad Khan | |
|---|---|
| Born | 15 September 1921 |
| Died | 6 February 2005 (aged 83–84) |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Occupation(s) | Connoisseur and sponsor of classical music in Pakistan |
| Known for | Founder and secretary-general of All Pakistan Music Conference in 1959 Member of the Board of Governors of Alhamra Arts Council, Lahore and the Lok Virsa, Islamabad |
| Awards |
Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence) Award by the Government of Pakistan in 2000 |
Hayat Ahmad Khan (15 September 1921 – 6 February 2005) was a connoisseur and a sponsor of classical music in Pakistan. [1]
He founded the All Pakistan Music Conference (APMC) in 1959 and was its secretary-general for a long time. [1] [2] [3]
Hayat Ahmad Khan was born in Lahore, British India on 15 September 1921. [4] He received his basic education and graduated from Islamia College, Lahore. He then graduated from the University of Punjab, Lahore in 1942. [4] He later studied classical music at the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, New Delhi Academy of classical music. He completed his master's degree in music there. [1]
After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, there was definitely a need for a formal organization on a national level to encourage the classical musicians/vocalists living in obscurity and feeling neglected. In 1959, Pakistan's eminent classical singer Roshan Ara Begum was reportedly threatening to give up her Riyaz ( music practice) of classical music due to lack of interested listeners in Pakistan. [5]
So Hayat Ahmad Khan, along with several other music connoisseurs, laid the foundation of All Pakistan Music Conference back in 1959. [4] APMC started holding a six-day music festival starting in 1960 where classical, semi-classical, folk and light music events (including ghazal evenings) were held to promote the cause of music in Pakistan. And yes, Hayat Ahmad Khan and his music-loving friends also persuaded Roshan Ara Begum to continue singing classical music. [5] [6]
By 1992, All Pakistan Music Conference had become a huge society with over two thousand members and its annual festival was eagerly awaited by the music enthusiasts of Pakistan every year. [5]
Pakistan's Dawn (newspaper) comments in 2014, "The event has a huge contribution towards introducing new talent to music fanciers of the country and revitalizing classical and semi-classical music through seasoned musicians and singers." [6] This music festival has been held in Pakistan for more than last five decades now. "Ever since its inception, it has been a constant source of inspiration for thousands of music lovers nationwide." [6] [5]
- Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence) Award by the Government of Pakistan in 2000 for his contribution towards classical music [1] [4]
- Member of the National Commission on History and Culture of Pakistan since 1994 [4]
- President of the Japan Karate Association of Pakistan since 1970 [1]
- President of the Pakistan Japan Cultural Association in 1981 [4]
- Member of the Board of Governors of Lahore Arts Council [4]
Hayat Ahmad Khan was hospitalized on 1 February 2005 and later died on 6 February 2005 at age 83 at Lahore, Pakistan. [1]
- ^ a b c d e f "Hayat Ahmad Khan's services eulogized". Dawn newspaper. 9 February 2005. Archived from the original on 18 April 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ Sher Khan (11 February 2012). "Tribute: APMC (All Pakistan Music Conference) remembers Hayat Ahmad Khan". The Express Tribune newspaper. Archived from the original on 2 September 2018. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ "Entertainment: 59th Music Festival to start from Nov 21". The Express Tribune newspaper. Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) news agency. 2 November 2017. Archived from the original on 30 June 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Hayat Ahmad Khan profile". All Pakistan Music Conference website. Archived from the original on 4 May 2009. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ a b c d Moni Mohsin. "Patron Saint of Musicians (Hayat Ahmad Khan) (This article was originally printed in the Dec.26 - Jan 1, 1992 issue of The Friday Times)". All Pakistan Music Conference website. Archived from the original on 5 January 2009. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ a b c Shoaib Ahmed (2 October 2014). "All Pakistan Music Conference from 13 October 2014". Dawn newspaper. Archived from the original on 19 April 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
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