TCF’s Obhartay Sitaray finale to be held Jan 27

Annual singing competition organised to raise funds for TCF schools

The Citizen’s Foundation (TCF) hosts Obhartay Sitaray every year, showcasing the talent of young schoolchildren. Obhartay Sitaray 2018 will kick off from mid-January with a finale scheduled on January 27.

In previous years, the panel of judges included musical maestros like Tina Sani, Salman Alvi, Afshan Ahmed, Khalid Anum and Zoe Viccaji.

"It is heartening to see such young students sing these difficult songs. These are children who are singing well without any training at such a young age,” said Sani. “With the right kind of mentorship, they could easily make a name for themselves in the music industry. At the same time they develop a philanthropic spirit to raise funds and realise that education is the right of every child," she explained.

Obhartay Sitaray has, in a short time, turned into an annual singing programme that youngsters of Karachi look forward to being a part of. A signature musical platform for students of top schools of Karachi, the event helps young students showcase their singing talent in front of famous Pakistani singers and a large audience.

Hosted by Supporters of The Citizens Foundation (STCF), Obharaty Sitaray has become TCF’s flagship singing competition that celebrates music alongside the spirit of giving. Apart from taking part in the competition, the students raise funds for TCF so more underprivileged children can get educated.



STCF is a group of volunteers assisting TCF in raising funds and spreading awareness about the mission and ultimate goal of TCF. STCF works tirelessly to engage students and management of private schools to take part in raising funds. Obhartay Sitaray is a singing programme where the leaders of tomorrow are engaged to start thinking about the future of the under-served children of Pakistan.

"Obhartay Sitaray, as the name suggests, is a platform for the young generation to prove their singing mettle. We came up with this idea because we felt that there should be an activity that is entertaining yet raises awareness for the education issue and TCF's contribution in this regard,
said Obhartay Sitaray coordinator Biba Basir. “This event is for our new generation to celebrate music and stand side by side with TCF students to understand that with a good education in place, there are no barriers of class and privilege. We are trying to help these children break the stereotypes so they can build a stronger, more positive future together.”

Participating students are required to sing Pakistani songs only, in order to help youngsters support and appreciate local music.

Obhartay Sitaray began in 2012 and in 2016-17, over 60,000 students raised funds for TCF students and 635 students participated in the singing competition from 130 schools. Four of the last year's winners were selected by Salman Ahmed for further training and after forming their own band, they were able to perform in Coke Studio.