Katrak’s Kabir kirtan

Kirtankar Parvez Katrak regaled the lady members of the Rajasthani Mahila Mandal for over two hours with his rendering of Sant Kabir’s dohas (couplets) and bhajans in Hindi at the Mandal’s premises at Kemp’s Corner in Bombay on November 20, 2008. There were only two males present at the ladies’ club that day, Katrak and the photographer, as per a write-up sent to Parsiana by the spry 84-year-old performer. Urmila Roongta, the Mandal’s president, while introducing Katrak informed those present that he had received blessings and inspiration of seva (service) from Mahatma Gandhi and had learned the true meaning of bhakti from his study of the saint-poet Kabir.

Parvez Katrak flanked by Urmila Roongta (l) and Madhuri Nivetia

Scholarly lady Madhuri Nivetia who proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of the Mandal commented that though Katrak is a Parsi his command over Hindi is fantastic. With his sonorous voice and rendition the works of Kabir were made even more interesting. She stated that she was proud to see that there are Parsis like Katrak who embody the spirit of national integration which enhances the prestige of the community in our minds, reveals the write-up.

Katrak, who has presented over 2,000 programs of kirtans (devotional chanting) in India and abroad has, in addition to Kabir, also performed on other themes including Zarathushtra, the Shahnameh, the holy fire and saint-poetess Mirabai, the write-up mentions.