Mumbai, July 31: Rafi Foundation set up last year
to honour the memory of legendary playback singer Mohammad
Rafi has appealed to the Centre to confer upon him the
country`s highest civilian award ‘Bharat Ratna’.

Binoo Nair, founder of the Rafi Foundation told reporters
here Thursday that Rafi is the symbol of national
integration. "Rafisaab should be honoured with Bharat Ratna
as awareness about national integration was the need of
the hour," he said.

Fans and admirers of the late singer visited his
"mazaar" in suburban Santacruz today to pay their respects on
his 28th death anniversary.

Nair said that the Foundation was set up by him last year.

"We have branches all over the country. Due to the website set
up by the Foundation, over 2,000 members the worldover are in
touch to honour Rafi`s memory," he added.

The Foundation organised several musical programmes in
Mumbai to mark Rafi`s death anniversary today. Mubarak Begum
was the chief guest at the function in suburban Mulund.

Rafi died on July 31, 1980 in Mumbai at the age of 56.
Rafi started his singing career in 1940 in a Punjabi film
called `Gul Baloch`. In his 40 year career in the film
industry, Rafi lent his voice to all genre of singing and
carved a niche for himself.

When Mahatma Gandhi was assasinated, he sang "Suno
Suno Ay Duniya Walon, Bapu Ki Yeh Amar Kahani" written by
Rajinder Krishan and the music was composed by Hunslal
Bhagatram, which touched everyone`s heart.

Naushad`s music, Shakeel Badayuni`s lyrics and Rafi`s
voice was a success team in the industry.

Bureau Report