Harmony in Helping Hands held its 10th anniversary concert at a Karachi hotel to support education and vocational guidance in Khuda Ki Basti. Pianist and philanthropist Rashna Gazder led the event, the group’s tenth successive fundraiser under its “Music for a Cause” banner. The group began the series in 2015.
The concert supported “Empowering Communities for Change”, an initiative led by social workers Onaissa Abbasi and Dilnaz Avari. Their work focuses on helping residents pursue education and vocational training. In her closing remarks, Avari spoke about the urgent need to improve living conditions. She also shared her hope of opening a shelter for street children.
Khuda Ki Basti began as an incremental housing project in northern Karachi’s Taiser Town. The scheme helped low-income families secure plots and build homes in stages. Gazder’s group has supported other causes in Karachi, including a 2024 concert for children receiving cancer care at Indus Hospital.
Karachi concert puts Khuda Ki Basti residents in the spotlight
A woman from Khuda Ki Basti told the audience how she had managed to get by without a steady income. Janelle Dias followed her account with a song dedicated to the community. Brendon Emmanuel performed a tribute to Gazder and the group. Azad Iqbal, a grandson of Allama Iqbal, sang Sweet Caroline and Delilah.
Gazder traced the group’s history and reaffirmed her commitment to using music for social change. Her son, Dr. Darayus Gazder, designed and arranged the visuals that accompanied the performances. He had also organised online concerts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gazder thanked her husband and both sons, who are doctors, for supporting her fundraising work.
Performers aged 8 to 80 take the stage
Fatima Gardezi opened the concert with Ballade pour Adeline. Gazder singled her out as the only pianist to perform at all ten fundraisers. Afshad Sidhwa played Fleurs Sauvages, and Alizeh Fatimi performed Ludovico Einaudi’s Nuvole Bianche. Zehra Zonash opened the second half with Yanni’s Nostalgia.
Senior pupil Fariha Dar performed A Time for Us, with her son Umair accompanying her on guitar. The audience watched a recording from Umair’s studio. Their duet illustrated a point the programme made through its wide age range: people can take up music at any age.
Dea Umrigar performed See You Again in memory of her dogs. Faryal Iqbal played Chopin’s Waltz in B Minor. The programme also featured themes from The Lion King and James Bond films, alongside hits by ABBA. Performers ranged in age from eight to 80.
Parent Dr. Raza Gardezi closed the evening with a tribute to Gazder. He praised her for teaching her pupils music and helping them develop empathy through their work for others.
