Mukhi Itmadi Hussain H.M. Mohammad, Kamadia Itmadi Mehrali Alarakhia and community leaders and members had organized a mammoth gathering of spectators. Bugles, Drums and Flutes were the instruments used for playing the first tune which was rendered superbly. It proved that the community had a potential force of top class musicians. The Band earned praise from those present.
Hence, H.H. Prince Aga Khan Band came into existance at kharadhar on August 17, 1927 which was the first Civilian Band of Karachi. The newly formed Band comprised of the 14 members viz: Vazir Hussain Teja Mukhi Ramzan (Captain), Rai Hussain Vazir Karim (Vice Captain), Vazir Abbas Ali Mohammad, Rai Rajab Ali Ghulam Hussain, Alijah Hussain Cumber, Itmadi Mussa Jaffer Bhimji, Rahim Datto, Alijah Ghulamali Jaffer, Ghulam Hussain Rashid. Hussain Vali Mohammad, Hasanali Gagoo Ramal, Rajabali Shahaban, Hussain Jaffer Damji and Jaffarali Gangi. While celebrating the present Diamond Jubilee of Band in 1987-88, only one founder member is alive, namely Mr. Hasanali Gagoo Ramal. May God give Him longer life and health, Ameen.
The establishment of H.H. Prince Aga Khan Band in 1927 witnessed fury of activities in Europe, where the early composers of the band's music were actively composing their works. For instance, Gabriel Faure (1845-1928), Erno Dohananyi (1851-1937), Edward Elgar (1857-1934), Alban Berg (1885-1935), Paul Hindemith (1895-1963) and Auton Von Webern (1883-1945), The greatest Edwin Franko Goldman, who founded his own band in USA in 1911 was busy performing at Newyork during 1927 to 1928. John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) was the greatest bandman of U.S. Marine band, which he left in 1892 and formed a band of his own. It was the biggest band in the history of America from 1893-1928.
After an official performance on August 17, 1927 another performance was rendered during the Salgirah of Hazrat Imam Sultan Mohammad Shah Aga Khan III Kharadar Jamatkhana, Which further enhanced the reputation and fame of the Band both within and outside the community. Band succeeded in getting the first office in old Jamatkhana building in 1928. Henceforth Rs. 5/- for admission fee and Rs. 15/- for New Uniform were charged from the members. Rules were formed and strictly followed.
The trip to Talhar in Sind during 1929 was the first out of town performance when Vazir Fadhoo Piroo invited the Band at his own expense. The year 1930 opened another field when bagpipes were introduced in the Band. Rai Ismail Mohammad Jaffer of Bombay invited the Band to make tour of Bombay in 1932 to play during the visit of Prince Aly. S. Khan. Twenty members accordingly, sailed for Bombay on 1st December 1932 which was the unique trip of the Band. They presented guard of honour to Prince Aly. S. Khan at Walkeshwar and had a group photograph with him which was the first photo of the Band with any member of nooranin family. The Second visit to Bombay was undertaken by Band in 1946 during Diamond Jubilee of Hazrat Imam Sultan Mohammad Shah. On this memorable occasion the Band had the privilege to greet Hazrat Imam Sultan Mohammad Shah at his arrival at the Brabourne Stadium, Bombay and led him in procession to the weighing stage and scale where he was to be weighed. The Band's tour of 64 days in East Africa in 1957 was a record trip of 18 cities and towns. Another record tour was made to Europe in 1979 when His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan-IV visited London. The Band secured chance to visit Paris, Brussels and Amsterdan as well.
The H.H. Prince Aga Khan Band from the time of its formation has been serving the community in particular and country in general. It has travelled both inside and outside Pakistan and has earned global recognization. By the grace of Almighty Allah this Band has the good fortune to reach the height of its service and decided to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee during 1987-88 in a befitting manner.
While rejoicing the six sterling decades we most humbly pay our homage to the revered memory of our 48th Imam Hazrat Sultan Mohammad Shah Aga Khan III whose most sagacious patronage and benign blessings from time to time were a great source of inspiration to all the members of the Band. It is equally fortunate of always being patronized by our beloved Imam Shahh Karim Al-Hussainy Aga Khan-IV with affection and love.
It is remarkable that during its long span of service the officers and members have always rendered devoted and selfless service and few of them were fortunate enough to be graciously recognized and have been bestowed with various titles by our beloved Imam. Further it is gratifying to mention that since its inception the Band Has trained 130 members out of which 17 members have already completed 25 years or more of meritorious service. Some of them even after leaving the Band have performed leading roles in other institutions affiliated to the Ismaili Councils all over the world. Our Drum Major Alijah Noorali J. Alladina is "CROWN" among all the members who is serving dedicatly since 1946 as member and 23 years as Drum Major and has an unparallel record of 42 years service to his credit. Likewise our Assistant Drum Major H.M. Akbarali Rajabali Valliani also possesses record of 38 years service of the Band. We therefore take his opportunity to pay our revered tribute to both of them for uplifting the institutions to see this memorable day of its history. The present strenght of our members vice.is 31 of which 11 members including officers who have com pleted Silver Jubilee of their honorary service. Six or our recruits have completed their traning and are on the waiting list. It will not be out of place to mention that besides its usual services, Band has always made valuable contributions towards social as well as welfare organizations and also responded to invitations recieved from Government, Semi Government and other non-community organizations to the best of its ability and service. We feel proud that the Band has brought honour to the Jamat and has always been appreciated.
The celebrations Committee of the Band had originally planned a host of celebrations throughout its Diamond Jubilee Years 1987-88, but due to abnormal circumstances the celebration were curtailed to some extent. On this Red Letter Day, we the present members reaffirm our dedication to selfless service and earnestly pray to Almighty Allah that by His gracious blessings our Band may continue to prosper and Inshallah celebrate its Platinum, Centenary and many more Jubilees, Ameen <<back |
