BRUSHING aside repeated threats from the Right-wing Hindutva forces, the people of Kerala wholeheartedly welcomed Gazal maestro Ghulam Ali to the state. The Pakistani singer held a concert in the state capital on January 15 and in Calicut on January 15.

The programmes were organised by Swaralaya, a socio-cultural organisation. DYFI activists gathered at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to extend a warm welcome to the renowned singer. Tourism Minister A P Anilkumar, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member M A Baby and city mayor V K Prasanth received Ghulam Ali at the airport. In the evening, an event was organised to present him the Swaralaya Global Legendary Award. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan jointly presented the award. Oppostion leader V S Achuthanandan, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, Mayor V K Prasant addressed the gathering. Earlier, Shiv Sena leaders had threatened to disrupt the concert in both cities.