How a performance at SKICC went from stage fright and a samosa mishap to a moment of pride, unity, and connection.
Some moments don’t just happen; they just tend to stay with you. My performance at SKICC Srinagar with my music band was one of them. The venue itself felt surreal: the crisp mountainous air, the calm of Dal Lake lying nearby, and the quiet humming of excitement before the show began.
Before our turn, I had the privilege of listening to Masrat un Nissa, one of Kashmir’s most soulful voices. She is known for her breathtaking performances in “Songs of Paradise,” where she brings the beauty of Kashmiri music alive. The moment she started singing, pure, almost spiritual music filled the hall. I remember being in the audience and going backstage, just listening and thinking, how are we supposed to go on after that? Frankly speaking, I was afraid to compete with her because she sang so well. Nevertheless, later I went up to her and told her how much I admired her performance, and I even got a photo with her backstage. She was warm, kind, and encouraging-the kind of artist who lifts others instead of intimidating them.
Then it was our turn. We opened with “Ae Watan.” The hall fell silent — not the kind of silence that feels empty but the kind that feels alive. Each strum of my guitar seemed to echo in the air. Then came “Vande Mataram.” The crowd rose to its feet, and started singing along with us. The energy in the room was electric — a mix of pride and emotion and unity that sent goosebumps down my spine. And as the final chord rang out, we raised our voices together and shouted, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai!” The hall erupted in the same cry — loud, fearless, unforgettable.
Afterwards, we went to get refreshments and were still laughing and shaking from the adrenaline. That is when I bit into a samosa and realized it had no filling whatsoever. Just an empty shell! We couldn’t stop laughing; it was such a small, ridiculous moment, but somehow, it made the whole night feel even more real.
And all the credit goes to our school, Army Public School, Srinagar; our principal, our teachers and all the staff members. They do everything to ensure that our hidden talents remain no more hidden. A big thank you to all of them.
Later, outside under the star-filled Kashmiri night sky, I knew one thing for certain: music isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection.
So, here’s my message to every young artist: Play with honesty, sing with heart, and never forget that when your art is true, it echoes far beyond the stage.
- The writer is studying in 7th class at APS, Srinagar.
