I had the privilege to attend the concert with my family. Seeing so many people from different origins in the audience and well as participants in the UN General Assembly hall for the IDPs of Swat gave me a new meaning for global connectedness. While some aspects of globalization are causing problems, being globally connected in charity in a very visible way wiil hopefully offset the negatives. What was also very evident is that artists and celebrities with global recognition can be equally powerful as politicians in bringing about a change in which we do things. We need more of Salmans, Bonos, Jeffs and Stings to bring about awareness and action against irresponsible behaviors by state and non state actors. UN General Assembly and similar forums can easily be used to facilitate such events.

So often we are taught that to be emotional is a weakness. The concert that I attended recently showed the opposite; emotional responses are what inspire human beings to act, most often impulsively. The Concert for Pakistan was a result of this impulse being channeled in a positive way.
The catalyst in this case was a saddening and disturbing cell phone video from Pakistan, showing the public beating of a teenage girl. Musician Salman Ahmad was so disturbed by this video that he was compelled to act, and the eventual result was the Concert for Pakistan. On Sept 12, 2009, several well-known musicians and distinguished speakers came together under the armored dome of the United Nations General Assembly hall, to deliver their message to a receptive audience.

Musicians have a unique advantage in delivering a message; they can transcend culture and language in ways that speakers or poets cannot. This could be felt most strongly in Sussan Deyham’s powerfully moving performance; she sang in Farsi, yet her music spoke for itself and I am sure that most people could identify the pain that was being expressed.
A completely different kind of performance by Danish band Outlandish was effective for different reasons. They sang and rapped mostly in English and Spanish. War and its effect on people, especially women and children, was a common theme in their songs.Although they do work with melody, as in the song Aicha, as a hip-hop group they place a high importance on their words being understood.
Salman Ahmad’s band Junoon showed true fusion of cultures. Their music is influenced by heavy rock from the Western hemisphere and also by the rhythms and folk tunes of South Asia. Electric guitars and tabla shared the stage…that says it all. The audience, mostly of South Asians but with a fair number of non South Asians, were encouraged by Junoon to dance in the aisles to their bhangra-inspired song. This was enthusiastically taken up by almost everyone, regardless of cultural background and familiarity with bhangra style. To feel music is to understand music…it engages the most primal responses within us and helps us realize that beyond our differences, we are all human beings with the same basic needs and responses.

I left the concert with many questions tossing around in my head…it was overwhelming. As a female musician with freedom to decide my own future, it occurred to me that in Pakistan, I would be horribly oppressed because of the very nature of who I am. As someone who has many choices for her life, I am unsure of which ones to make so that those without choices can someday have them. I hope that the answer will appear.

I have attended the concert for Pakistan; the experience and knowledge I have received was empowering and my empathy goes out to all the displaced people over in Pakistan. The event touched us in many aspects of our lives. Personally the message encourages us as individuals have the right to can take control of our own lives to make a difference in the world. It also pulled on our heartstrings when it touched the emotional aspect of our lives. We all have people we dearly love whether it is friends or family. Although we have different colored skin, look different and the situations that occur in our world and theirs may be different; we are all connected and feel the same emotions. The stories told by the guest speakers brought us into thinking a lot of our own life morals that we believe and also question, “What if that was my blood or what if that was my mother or sister.” Living in this one world together, to care for their well being it is also caring for my well being and vice versa. We are all brothers and sisters, it is so important to lend a hand when needed and love one another for humanity as a whole. Overall, the message I received in the event which I feel is most important and would like to stress the most is to simply, take action. No matter how small you think your voice is or how minor you think the ripples of your actions may be, you are still making an action; a change. You keep pushing onward and persevere in any action, you will meet the mark. It is great to know all the things and ways to make a difference but without action, even the greatest minds will fail to deliver the transformation this world so desperately needs. It was truly a blessing to have been able to be apart of this educational and eye opening event.

I had recently had privilege of attending a concert at UN for the awareness of displaced refugees of Pakistan. On first look at invitation to attend I was hesitant to attend as I am not from Pakistan and not familiar with the culture. After some debate I decide to go at best I could learn something about the culture and people that I did not know much about. To my surprise the concert was not only native Pakistani artist but artist and speakers from the entire world. The music was effortlessly great. Performances from Outlandish and Junoon encompassed the general assembly hall with empowering spirit. There were many speakers informing the audiences about the hard ships and horrific acts that have been committed by the Talban to the Pakistani people, which have now been displaced it to refugee camps. Bobby Sager gave a speech which stayed with me. His messages of how we are all people and we all pretty much have the same basic goal in life is powerful and true. Many times it has been forgotten that we all are people just trying to live our lives and provide for our love ones. That people are all capable of good and for most that is what we strive for.

I arrived late to the concert, because I had been waiting, and waiting for my boyfriend to arrive. Even so, we were in a comical mood that night. However, when we arrived to the U.N., I felt the coldness and wondered how a concert could brighten up gates and security guards that seemed to want to keep the public from uniting with it.

As I walked into the elevator with well dressed people, while I, only adorned with jeans and a jean jacket wondered how can I make a difference? I am just there to see, and be a part of this, just like everyone else, but what difference are we making by being here? And of course I was clutching my boyfriend because I hate elevators. lol

This wasn’t an ordinary concert. It had a message, a purpose, not just to rock out or get high off of melodies. It had the vibrations of the collective group resounding the need for peace. It was political without politics.

Performers I got to see:

Outlandish- They were real, and raw in some cases. Some might say they were for woman power with the song Aicha. But I believe they were expressing the universal mother earth that is reflected in every real woman.

Junoon- I couldn’t understand the words, but I felt it. I understood them with my soul that knows all dialects (this may sound too prose-y but it’s true). The man in front of my boyfriend and I told us that this is not Sufi music! He was not impressed until the last two songs that represented Sufi music.

Overall, I felt that this concert brought awareness to all. Everything has a start and this is the starting point for the future help and recognition that Pakistan will receive.

Music provides a sense of feeling that all people can relate to. It allows us to come into unison, no matter what race you are, because its a sensation that reaches out to all. I come from a hispanic background and I’m not very familiar with the muslim music. Yet, having the passion to dance, I am open to all kinds of sounds and rhythms. Two main apects of this concert that caught my attention was the mixture of many people in one place and of course the meassge behind the music. The United Nations is a huge place and being packed with a whole bunch of nationalites made it seem like if something powerful was about to go down. The artists, Outlandish, Susan, Gabin Rossdale, and Junoon really had the audience get the sense of their music. It was a great idea to put this concert for Pakistan together because music promotes alot about ones culture. Also, it definaltely brought out awareness to many about the disasters and tragedies going on in Pakistan. We may be surrounded by many nationalites, but, we all live in one world, where we all should have the freedom of culture and ability to learn from each other. It was definately a concert I learned from and a great motivation. -melissa feliz

I was not able to make it to the concert because of reasons beyond my controll, but from what i heard from my other classmated there was a true purpose and meaning to the concert. Everyone was there for the same reason to make a change which i think was fantastic. The fact that the concert took place at the United Nation building sets the pace of bringing everyone together.

The message of the concert was to get people aware of what is happening in pakiston because often times we hear stories on the news about what is happening in pakiston but how many how many of us are willing to do something to change the situation there. Its for us as individuals to take a minute and think about what each and every one of us can do to make a change because if we all do our part then this world would be a better world.

Music is a powerful tool which can be used to send powerful messages and to also bring people together. The quote “if you follow the music it will show you the way signifies that music is the way and it indeed brings unity. The way everyone unite together to share different jauners of music and get a taste of one anothers culture is the same way in which we should all unite and live together as one because we are indeed one nation.

Unfortunately, I didn’t go to the concert but what I heard from my classmates I know it was a great experience. Entering the United Nations, I’m sure is a magnificent feeling and moment. There was a reason for having the concert in the UN which brings everyone together, and have the opportunity to share the distinct cultures, music and traditions. Of course everyone was there for the same reason, of what is currently occuring in Pakistan. The UN is a symbol of peace and unity which is what Pakistan needs right now, but this concert will definitely have a huge impact on each individual towards the situation in Pakistan.

The music at the concert was touching and also different from what I’m used to listening to. From the performances I made a connection with Outlandish’s songs and Sting’s Fragile, even thou he did get a chance to make it to the United Nation. I would recommend you to find them on YouTube and listen to a couple of their songs you definitely like them.
It’s clear that the organizers message was one of calling out to the global community to come together and help the Pakistani refugees. And we should step out of comfort and give a helping hand to the refugees.
This concert was spectacular and it surpassed my own expectation of it, I will leave a lasting impression on me to see the need of the children in Pakistan. The concert gave me a better understanding of what is happening to the innocent families in the refugee camps. We must help by contributing in any way or form to help, whether it may be blogging, financially or by spreading the word. Thank you for reading my blog.

Show Parent Post
Hide Parent Post

Author: Emmanuela Corrielus
Date: Monday, September 21, 2009 7:13:35 PM EDT
Subject: Concert for Pakistan

I arrived late to the concert, because I had been waiting, and waiting for my boyfriend to arrive. Even so, we were in a comical mood that night. However, when we arrived to the U.N., I felt the coldness and wondered how a concert could brighten up gates and security guards that seemed to want to keep the public from uniting with it.

As I walked into the elevator with well dressed people, while I, only adorned with jeans and a jean jacket wondered how can I make a difference? I am just there to see, and be a part of this, just like everyone else, but what difference are we making by being here? And of course I was clutching my boyfriend because I hate elevators. lol

This wasn’t an ordinary concert. It had a message, a purpose, not just to rock out or get high off of melodies. It had the vibrations of the collective group resounding the need for peace. It was political without politics.

Performers I got to see:

Outlandish- They were real, and raw in some cases. Some might say they were for woman power with the song Aicha. But I believe they were expressing the universal mother earth that is reflected in every real woman.

Junoon- I couldn’t understand the words, but I felt it. I understood them with my soul that knows all dialects (this may sound too prose-y but it’s true). The man in front of my boyfriend and I told us that this is not Sufi music! He was not impressed until the last two songs that represented Sufi music.

Overall, I felt that this concert brought awareness to all. Everything has a start and this is the starting point for the future help and recognition that Pakistan will receive.

I was quite not sure if I wanted to go, but I went. From the beginning to the end of the event it was a rollercoaster ride. When Bobby showed the clip of the pictures of those children, I could not hold myself back from crying. It reminded me of the thousands of children who has been in a battle ground for the last 30 years in Afghanistan. Very little is probably done for them. It was to inform and to act upon the awareness through the language of music. What made this experience more magical was the power of music. The music was a fusion of all music around the world in opening awareness for a cause. It was not about who was powerful but a matter of coming together for one night where music was being captured from different angles.

I was quite not sure if I wanted to go, but I went. From the beginning to the end of the event it was a rollercoaster ride. When Bobby showed the clip of the pictures of those children, I could not hold myself back from crying. It reminded me of the thousands of children who has been in a battle ground for the last 30 years in Afghanistan. Very little is probably done for them. It was to inform and to act upon the awareness through the language of music. What made this experience more magical was the power of music. The music was a fusion of all music around the world in opening awareness for a cause. It was not about who was powerful but a matter of coming together for one night where music was being captured from different angles.

When I heard about the concert, I didn’t want to go because I was fasting and it was around the time I had to break my fast; but I was curious to see how it would be like to have a concert at the UN, so I went there ( broke my fast with a chocolate and a juice). When I came back from the concert, it was clear to me that having a concert at UN was tremendous idea that anyone can ever have. The concert was organized to spread awareness of displaced people of Swat valley, so it heavily focused on Pakistan and its relationships with the U.S. As a Muslim, I was always concerned about Pakistan and its image around the world, and this concert has given me inner satisfaction, showing that there are people spreading awareness about real Islam, not the one that Taliban follow. I think awareness was important after 9/11 because people started thinking that all Muslims are terrorists and Pakistan is the root of that, which is (as said in the concert) not true. Besides this personal connection, I loved to see unity and collision of different cultures which we seldom get to see. I was also happy to see sparkly clothes and dressed up people. When I arrived there, the scene was like a South Asian wedding ceremony and was delighted to see different people. I loved outlandish and junoon performances. Two messages that I thought were the heart of the concert were by doctor Naif Al-Mutawa and Bobby Sager. Doctor Naif sent a message that religion can be used for both good and evil, as it is obvious from the Taliban’s interpretations of Islam. Bobby Sager, the guy who went against his friends/everyone to help people in affected areas of Pakistan, stunned me by saying “we can’t leave interpretations of Jihad or woman’s role in Islam to Fox channel or to Islamic extremists”, which makes it clear to anyone who was at the UN that they need to have their own knowledge and interpretations of the world around them. I think it was a big step towards getting people to know about the real Islam and real Pakistan. It was also so brave of Professor Ahmad to show the video (were the Taliban were flogging a woman) and condemn it. The message I received from the concert was that it is the time to leave aside our biases, prejudices and act for the betterment of the world. This concert has inspired me to get involved into helping these people in any way I can and I tried telling my friends/family about the concert and where they can donate money. I think every individual should do something to help these people and first step towards that is to spread awareness of Islam/Muslims because this awareness would lessen people’s biases and they would start caring for the people they don’t belong to, and would act just for the sake of humanity.

I must confess, it was the first time that I attended a concert for Pakistan. I still remember it was raining. Even though it was not a nice day, the conert was full of audience. I am an international student, so I could not understand exactly what they wanted to say. Fortunatly, the music is an universual language. Though the music, I really could feel they want the word peace. What’s more, from the viedo, I saw a lot of refugees, but they were very happy. Therefore, after attending this concert I also understand no matter how hard the life is, you just use your happy heart to face.Because if you follow the music, I awill show you the way. And I also understand some religions and culture about Pakistan.

The Taliban, which is a Muslim extremist group, has been torching the individuals of Pakistan and the country as a whole. These people decided to ban all forms of art and music because of their radical believes and abuse women since they misinterpret the Koran and its actual morals. The Pakistani government is doing the best job that they can to suppress these radical terrorist but it is almost impossible to fully stop them. Many innocent people have been displaced from their homes with no place to go due to the fighting between the Pakistani government and the Taliban.
On Saturday night, September 12, a concert was held in support for these suffering people at the United Nations building. That night many famous artist and people were there to perform and speak on behave of the tragic scene that is currently taking place in Pakistan. The concert was a hit, coming from a person who had the privilege to attend such an event at such a place free of charge. Music and social advocacy can work well with each other to target certain age groups, spread important news, and help cause an actual change. Things will not change overnight, but if more and more people push for a cause and help with as much support as they can possibly afford to give then change is definitely attainable. The suffering people in Pakistan need our help, just as the Jews in the Holocaust needed our help. We should not stand by and let these Muslim extremist do what they want, it’s just not moral. With a little help from a lot of people we can stop this situation before it becomes too late.

Saturday, September 12. It was a rainy day. I finished working at 6 pm. I took a taxi and went to UN general Assembly Hall. I was very tired and had no idea what to expect from the concert since that was going to be some new experience for me. When I entered the hall, I saw a lot people: men and women wearing beautiful clothes showing how important the event was for them.
When the concert started I realized how miserable all my problems were. I realized there are more important things out there, there are more serious problems. I think that was the magic of music… Different music: the mixture of modern tendencies and old traditions. Different musicians: younger generation and older one. However, in spite of the differences the message was the same: we are all equal, people from different parts of the world, men and women, children and adults. We all belong to this planet. We are part of it. We share common problems. And we all should care…
The most memorable moment for me is a slide show of children’s pictures. When I was looking at them I saw little persons but when I saw their eyes, I saw pain, fear and life experience of an adult. I saw children without childhood. That’s not the way it’s supposed to be.
The speakers’ speeches were inspiring as well musical performances. They gave a personal example of how we all could help. When I was listening to them I realized there were still kind, caring people in the world and I could become one of them. Because if each one of us does something helpful, the world will become a better place with more peace, understanding, friendship and love.

At First I didn’t want to go to the concert due to Prof. Ahmad making it seem as if it was a rockband. After the details I wanted to go with many of my friends but I was busy because I had to go to my mosque due to an event. When the professor played Aicha it touched me because the music was very touchy. The concert was for the people of pakistan who are in trouble due to the taliban and their ridiculous beavior. The music was inspirational and it was for the CAUSE OF HUMANITY. Doctor Naif was an amazing speaker who brought up many points that people will remember for the rest of their lives. The concert also mentioned Global Warming, Hunger, Violence, Education and many other important topics which relates to our lives. The music brought many different cultures together as well and I regret not going to the concert. I wish there would be another concert in this semester so I would get an opportunity to attend and learn and enjoy from it.

On September 12, 2009 one of the most important peacemaking efforts occurred at the UN General Assembly Hall. This event brilliantly portrayed how music, even for a moment, can merge people of different demographic backgrounds together for a lifetime. The concert was a night to remember and just like me, everyone walked away with something to hold on to. To some it was new and to some it was familiar, but the experience was unifying.
The music featured different types of genres from around the globe. There were artists from Iran to Denmark to the U.S. Under that roof they sang for one cause and that cause was to enlighten the audience. The music genre varied from hip-hop sang by Outlandish band from Denmark, Sussan Deyhim who performed orchestra, Sufi music performed by Salman Ahmad, pop music by Gaven Degraw and Sting. There were also many powerful speakers. Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa said something that I know I will carry with me and I hope others will too. He told the story about Mark David Chapman’s shooting of John Lennon, John Hinckley, Jr.’s assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan which have been associated with the novel, The Catcher in the Rye. When asked, they both replied that the book told them to murder. He connected this to the Quran. When terrorists commit terrorism and say the Quran told them to do so, Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa said blame the person, not the book. That was a powerful statement because somewhere among the madness, people have begun to link Islam with terrorism. They’ve begun to blame the Muslim people as a whole instead of the terrorists.
To me, this concert triumphed over many stereotypes that may have occupied anyone’s mind. There have been stereotypes that have been spreading like a disease about Pakistan. It’s been portrayed as this place of violence and terrorism ever since the Taliban have occupied areas in Pakistan. I’m pretty sure before all these events, many had not even heard of the South Asian country Pakistan. The media has done a dazzling job at exposing Pakistan as a dangerous place where no one is safe and everyone that comes from or lives in that country must be a terrorist. This event, through music and harmony, the audience saw a different side. We saw a peace, loving, artistic, and rich side of Pakistan. We saw that instead of dangerous people, these Pakistanis in Swat are victims of terrorism. This concert made me walk away realizing how blessed I am and how much I have to offer the world. They need help and if we are fortunate enough to help them, then why shouldn’t we? I did not think that so many people would come out and show support for Pakistan but when I entered the hall and saw thousands of people glowing with harmony and peace, which I have forgotten existed in our world today, warmth overtook me and I too became unified with the audience in hope of bringing peace to Pakistan and every other country in the world.

i did not go to this concert but from what i hear I really wish I could have been there. I was very happy to hear that so many people from so many different backgrounds were able to come together with such a wonderful cause. It also made me happy to see that the stereotypying of muslims has died down since attack on the World Trade Center. People need to be more aware of what is going on in other parts of the world. This concert was a great way of heading in that diretion and it excites me that music led the way.

It’s of course one of the great chance for me to see the concert of Junoon as well as others’ in the United Nations Assembly Hall. It’s beyond of worthiness that Professor as well as singer Mr Salman Ahmad arranged all of the materials within short period of time. There I was familiar with new band Outlandish which Hip Hop songs were really charming and enjoyable. Not only this, there I saw some of the popular singers and renowned public figures such as Bones,Jeffs, Stings whose participation in concert and telling about Global Awareness as well as action against the bad things going on this world really put a remarkable meaning in the earth. Although some of their songs not easily understood by all kinds of audiences, but instead their participation in the music as a audience proved the truth that music doesn’t discriminate anybody, a true music is above all and it’s one of the weapons that can make everybody awareness of the ongoing Global situations. I think the main purpose of the concert is to help the refugees on the northern province of Pakistan, Swaat, dominated by Taliban, which I think it may be succeeded because I saw One of the Celebrity may be Mr. Jeffs Scoll, the film maker and producer donated $50,000 as an aid. The speech of noble prize winner Anand Patwardhan, Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa and other celebrities are also valuable in the concert. At last it can bew told that the whole program is held in the UN Hall because it is one of the places to establish the peaces and harmony by discussing and showing the main problems in the world.