Delhi Grooves to Support Building a Permanent Home for Abandoned Elders at Jashn-e-Qawwali

Over 650 Delhiites came together for a soulful music, dance, and compassion at Jashn-e-Qawwali 2025, a fundraising concert organized by Wishes and Blessings, NGO at Kamani Auditorium on 12th September evening. What began as a traditional qawwali event quickly turned into a lively celebration, as attendees joined in, clapping, singing, and dancing in support of building a permanent Mann ka Tilak, a home for neglected, abandoned and abused elders.

The spotlight was on the world-renowned Niazi Nizami Brothers, torchbearers of the Hapur Gharana and resident qawwals of the Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah. Their soulful renditions such as - Chaap tilak, Khwaja mere Khwaja, Kali Kali Zulfon Ke, Hasta hua Noorani chehra, and Dama Dam Mast Kalandar, that filled the auditorium with energy, creating a “Dance Qawwali” experience that blurred the line between performers and audience. Cheers of “once more” and thunderous applause brought them back on stage for a spirited encore.

Amid the joy, the evening never lost sight of its purpose. Since 2018, Mann ka Tilak has provided shelter, food, medicine, and counselling to abandoned senior citizens who have been neglected, abused and later abandoned by their own family. Limited space, however, restricts the number of elders the home can serve. All funds raised during the event will help establish a larger, permanent facility, ensuring that every elder can live with dignity, care, and love.

Dr. Geetanjali Chopra, Founder of Wishes and Blessings, shared a heartfelt message with the residents, who were special guests, “It doesn’t matter if your own blood has abandoned you—we will never abandon you.”

“As we complete the fourth edition of this fundraiser, the proceeds will directly contribute towards building a permanent home for the elderly residents of our old age home-Mann Ka Tilak. We are deeply grateful to the Niazi Nizami Brothers for their support and to everyone who attended and contributed to this cause” added Dr. Geetanjali.

The success of Jashn-e-Qawwali underscores Wishes and Blessings NGO's unwavering commitment to creating a meaningful difference in the lives of marginalized communities and exemplifies the power of music to inspire social change.

“Music has the power to bring people together, and it gives us immense joy to know that our music performance is contributing to a meaningful initiative.” shares Niazi Nizami Brothers troupe.

By the end of the evening, one message resonated throughout the auditorium: Together, we can create a home that will outlast us all and will serve the elders for generations to come.

The event was supported by - District by Zomato platform, Uniparts India, Mark Exhaust Systems Limited, PowerSpack Automotives, AIMIL ltd., Roadzen Technologies, Ena J Singh fine jewellery.

About Wishes and Blessings

Wishes and Blessings is a registered NGO based in Delhi, with a presence in eight states across India. Set up under the aegis of Dr. Geetanjali Chopra in 2014, the organization cuts across the spectrum of gender and age to help those who need it. The NGO is a unique platform to connect donors and beneficiaries; to bring together those who are blessed to help those who have unfulfilled wishes. They believe that happiness is not just an end, but a means to an end as well and therefore do not have one focus area but 6 causes among which are education, nutrition, care for elders, relief, customizable charity and the overall cause of happiness.

About Mann Ka Tilak

Mann Ka Tilak is the old age home, inaugurated in 2018, providing free care, shelter, and dignity to abandoned and neglected elderly. Wishes and Blessings’ Mann Ka Tilak has supported over 280 seniors, offering them a safe heaven and a second chance at life.