At a cultural evening in Patna, CJI Surya Kant shared a deeply emotional exchange with BJP MLA and folk singer Maithili Thakur after her rendition of Amir Khusrau. His words on Khusrau and “Chhap Tilak Sab Chhini” turned the moment into a rare blend of music, spirituality and judicial sensitivity.
A cultural evening organised at the official residence of the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court turned into a memorable moment where art, music and the spirit of justice came together in a rare and emotional way.
The programme was attended by Justice Surya Kant, who was present in the audience, while the stage was graced by popular folk singer and BJP MLA from Alinagar, Maithili Thakur.
As Maithili Thakur began her performance, the evening slowly moved beyond a musical show and transformed into an experience filled with emotion and depth.
When she sang the timeless composition of Amir Khusrau, “Chhap Tilak Sab Chhini Re”, the performance felt less like a song and more like a spiritual journey. The audience experienced not just music, but a sense of devotion and feeling that touched everyone present.
After the performance concluded, Chief Justice Surya Kant felicitated Maithili Thakur on stage. His words reflected the mood of the evening and stayed with everyone who witnessed the moment.
Referring to the song, he remarked,
“All the symbols and tilaks were snatched away.”
This was not just a compliment but an acknowledgment of the emotional depth with which Khusrau’s composition was presented.
He especially congratulated Maithili Thakur for “Chhap Tilak Sab Chhini” and blessed her by saying,
“God bless you.”
On Saturday, Maithili Thakur shared photographs from this special evening on her X (formerly Twitter) account.
The pictures captured both respect and warmth, showing a quiet connection created through music between the artist and the audience. The moments reflected how music can build an emotional bridge even in formal and dignified spaces.
Chief Justice Surya Kant is currently on a two-day visit to Bihar. During this visit, he laid the foundation stone for several important infrastructure projects within the Patna High Court premises.
These include the ADR Building, an Auditorium, Administrative Block, Multi-Storey Parking, IT Building, Residential Complex, Annex Building of the Advocate General’s Office and Hospital Buildings. In addition, the e-inauguration of the Judges’ Guest House in Gaya is also scheduled to be conducted from Patna.
He is also set to participate in the foundation stone laying ceremony of the new campus of the proposed Bihar Judicial Academy at Pothahi village in Punpun block.
Several senior judges from the Supreme Court and the Patna High Court are taking part in these official programmes, underlining their importance for the judicial system in the state.
Speaking of Amir Khusrau, it would not be an overstatement to describe him as one of the strongest pillars of India’s cultural heritage. Known as “Tuti-e-Hind”, the 13th–14th century Sufi poet played a major role in connecting Persian and Hindavi traditions. By doing so, he made poetry and music accessible to ordinary people.
His contributions to musical forms like Qawwali, Khayal and Tarana continue to influence Indian music even today.
In Maithili Thakur’s singing, Khusrau’s compositions take on a special form because emotion speaks even before the words. Whether it is “Chhap Tilak Sab Chhini” or “Ae Ri Sakhi More Piya Ghar Aaye,” her voice seems to carry a conversation with the spirit of Khusrau himself.
Perhaps this is why the most powerful moment of the evening did not come from a question about technique or performance quality. Instead, the person holding the highest judicial office present that evening posed a deeper thought not how well she sang Khusrau, but whether she truly sang to Khusrau.
That reflection became the most meaningful achievement of the cultural evening, leaving behind an example of how law, culture and sensitivity can beautifully meet.
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