Lucknow: In a heartfelt confluence of art, memory, and public homage, the historic Dilkusha Kothi in Lucknow hosted the Rang-e-Kamal Festival, an evocative cultural initiative organized in memory of the late veteran journalist Kamal Khan. The event drew thousands, reaffirming Khan’s indelible mark on Indian journalism and public discourse.
Among the notable guests was acclaimed stand-up comedian Zakir Khan, whose presence at the festival introduced a rare and poignant blend of levity and solemn reflection. Participating in a conversation with noted dastango Himanshu Bajpai, Zakir Khan expressed deep admiration for Kamal Khan, acknowledging him as a journalist whose integrity and grace had left an enduring impression. “I have long been a fan of Kamal Khan’s journalism,” he remarked, addressing the audience with reverence. “You are fortunate not only to have seen him, but to have known and met him.”
In a moving tribute, Zakir recited a couplet by poet Wasim Barelvi—“Kaun si baat kahaan, kaise kahi jaati hai, yeh saleeqa ho to har baat suni jaati hai”—underscoring Kamal Khan’s eloquence and the finesse with which he delivered truth to power. Reflecting on Khan’s profound relationship with the city of Lucknow, Zakir emphasized that one’s affection for their city often reveals a great deal about their character and ethos.
The evening featured a range of cultural offerings, including a classical dance performance based on the bhajans of Kabir, presented under the aegis of the Department of Culture. Additionally, in a gesture aimed at nurturing future generations, scholarships were awarded to four meritorious students—two each by the Kamal Khan Foundation and the Aaghaz Foundation. The latter has been conferring scholarships annually since 2022 in the late journalist’s memory.
Kamal Khan, known for his principled and dignified approach to journalism, was one of the few figures in Indian media to gain widespread respect across ideological divides. His journalistic career spanned over three decades and was recognized with multiple national honours, including the Ramnath Goenka Award, the Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Award, and the NT Award.
The Rang-e-Kamal Festival is the latest in a series of commemorative events celebrating Khan’s legacy. Previous editions have seen the participation of distinguished intellectuals and artists such as lyricist Javed Akhtar, playwright Atul Tiwari, academic Professor Purushottam Agrawal, and musicians Prahlad Singh Tipaniya, Harpreet, Vedanth Bharadwaj, and Madhup Mudgal.
As Lucknow continues to honour one of its most illustrious voices, the festival not only commemorates a life well-lived but also reinforces the enduring value of ethical journalism in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
