This Article is From Dec 20, 2013

'Delhi gang-rape pained me': Salman Khurshid dedicates poems to the braveheart

'Delhi gang-rape pained me': Salman Khurshid dedicates poems to the braveheart

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid

New Delhi: Pained at the brutal assault and gang-rape of a young paramedic student in Delhi last year, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid has penned some poems to pay "tribute to her soul and to her parents".

The incident - on December 16 - shook the nation and led to widespread protests across the country, led especially by young women.

"I felt the pain. I felt the alienation young people felt. This is a tribute to her soul and to her parents," Mr Khurshid told IANS.

"The tragedy inspired me. I was dying to say this," he said.

NGOs Zakir Husain Trust and Ustaadgah organised a musical tribute to Indian women in the national capital on Thursday evening.

The event featured video clips of Mr Khurshid's tribute to the Delhi Braveheart through his poems and rendition of his poetry in the form of songs, sung and composed by Ustaad Maa Zila Khan.

"I thank Zila, she sang so well," Mr Khurshid said.

Pakistani singer Adnan Sami also paid tribute to the student by performing some of his popular songs.

"She will always remain in our hearts," said Mr Sami.

Vice President Hamid Ansari attended the event along with his wife.

Delhi's Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung, Rajya Sabha member Amar Singh and Lok Sabha member Jaya Prada were also present.

"She fought death, we salute her guts," said Amar Singh.

The parents of the young woman were also present.
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