To all my friends and well wishers at HF,

"Bhalaa Gardish Falak Ki Chain Deti Hai Kise Inshaa
Ganimat Hai Ke Ham Soorat Yahaan Do Chaar Baithe Hain"

My Felicitations to you all!

Kabhi Jo Bhule Se Unkaa Kisi Ne Naam Liyaa
To Ham Ne Dil Bardhi Muskil Se Thaam Thaam Liyaa (S.D. Batish)

It is a great surprise to me to see such dedication and verve that you are displaying in carrying on and re sparking interest in songs and personalities of past generations.

I would like to present you with a ghazal I used to sing often from All Indian Radio. It is from my "Lahore" days, I wrote this in the Mratak Chand (Rhymeless sher or Aazaad Shairee)

Bhool Kar Yaad Meri Aayi Tujhe
Dil Men Kyaa Fitnaa Jagaayaa Tu Ne

Is Naye Daur Ke Baagiche Se
Husne Masroof Ko Fursat Naa Milee

Ek Gulhaaye Rangaa Range Chaman
Aur Phir Nargasee Aankhon Vale

Khainchti Rehti Thi Har Phool Ki Dheemi Si Kashish
Bosaaye Har Labe Gul Leke Guzar Jaati Thi

Naagahaan Nargasi Aankhon Ki Bajaaye
Shauke Paamaal Ki Khoyi Si Nazar Aayi Nazar

Bhool Kar Yaad Meri Aayi Tujhe .....

I give you all my blessings and thanks for your efforts. I am sure this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship between us all.

S.D. Batish

(posted by Ashwin Batish)

Thank you Mr. Batish for your kind words and blessings. A letter from a legendary personality like you means a lot to all of us here at HF

Thanks Ashwin for posting it for all of us