Aseem Asha Foundation

16/02/2026

From Frames to Flavors: A Journey Reunited with Flying Bird Nazreen

After 13 years, I had the joy of meeting Nazreen Hayat Khan, my student from Jafrabad Seelampur—fondly known as Flying Bird Nazreen—at Dori Cafe, Sunder Nursery, Nizamuddin.

I had guided her toward a career in media back then, teaching her the art of short filmmaking, and she went on to hone her craft at a conventional film institute in Delhi.

Over the years, she made her mark—working across media agencies, TV channels, and now excelling with the prestigious Hindi magazine as a social media marketing professional.

Sitting amidst elegant wooden interiors and soft, aesthetic lights, we exchanged stories, celebrated our journeys, and relished delightful Italian bites, making the reunion both nostalgic and inspiring.

Italian Soul on a Plate at Dori Cafe

At Dori Cafe, the Linguine Puttanesca brings classic Italian comfort to the table.

Sweet tomatoes, olives, and capers simmer into a rich, garlicky sauce full of Mediterranean soul.
Each strand of linguine carries a gentle warmth, balanced with that signature briny depth.
A simple, heartfelt taste of Italy enjoyed in the serene ambience of Dori Cafe.

Creamy Avocado Croffle at Dori Cafe

At Dori Cafe , the Avocado Croffle is a delightful blend of buttery crisp and green creaminess.
Golden, flaky croissant-waffle layers offer a light crunch with every bite.

Fresh avocado spread brings cool, velvety richness, brightened with zesty notes.
A refreshing, modern treat to enjoy in the peaceful charm of the cafe. 🥑✨

15/02/2026

Flower Day celebration with Flying Birds of Aseem Asha

09/02/2026

Through Minu Bakshi ji’s Sur, My Mother Returned to Me

Respected Minu Bakshi ji,

Thank you for inviting me into an evening where music became memory and melody turned into prayer. Your concert at the India Islamic Cultural Centre on 8th February 2026 did not merely entertain—it awakened a lifetime.

As you sang, I found myself returning to my childhood, to my late mother, Ms. Asha Rani, whose voice once filled our home with Lata ji’s “Ayega Aane Wala,” Meena Kumari’s “Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh,” and Geeta Dutt’s haunting “Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam.” Born of Amroha, with my Nani, Mrs. B. Y. Massey, closely connected to Kamal Amrohi’s family, your musical selections felt uncannily intimate—like pages from my own past being sung back to me.

The voices you carried—Shamshad Begum, Noor Jehan, Jagjit Kaur, Reshma—were the voices of my growing years, my silences, my becoming.
Each note felt like a bridge between then and now.

Knowing that you chose not to cancel the concert despite singing with a fever speaks volumes of your devotion to art and audience. Such commitment is rare, such grace even rarer.

Beyond the stage, your compassion sings louder still—your support to my student Zama in Japan, your generosity towards underprivileged children in Noor Nagar and Okhla, and your warmth extended to street dwellers during the harsh winter.

Your heart recognizes no boundaries of class, caste, creed, or gender—only humanity.

May the Almighty continue to bless us through you. Some souls are not just artists; they are offerings.

With deep gratitude and reverence,

Aseem Asha Usman
Minu Bakshi

07/02/2026

Echoes of Dagarvani: A Tribute to Ustad Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar

By Aseem Asha Usman

The Dagar Brothers Memorial Trust paid a heartfelt homage to Ustad Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar on his 37th death anniversary at the India International Centre on 7 February 2026. The commemorative evening brought together admirers of the Dagarvani tradition to remember one of the towering figures of the Dhrupad lineage.

A special segment titled *Musical Utterance* was presented, in which recordings of masterpieces by the past Dagar masters were played, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in the profound depth and meditative beauty of their music. Many long-time listeners fondly remembered and deeply missed the presence of the late Laurence Bastit, a great connoisseur of the arts and a devoted supporter of the Dagar tradition, whose absence was felt throughout the evening.

Padma Shri awardee and renowned Dhrupad exponent Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar reflected on the distinct styles, philosophies, and unique contributions of the Dagar Bandhus, highlighting their enduring influence on Indian classical music. The evening concluded with Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar’s own performance, in which he rendered a couple of evocative Dhrupad compositions, leaving the audience deeply moved and contemplative.

Aseem Asha Usman

06/02/2026

The Aseem Asha Foundation’s community kitchen, Inayat Khana, is a living expression of compassion inspired by the Sufi teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan. Rooted in the belief that service to humanity is service to the Divine, Inayat Khana offers food as an act of love, equality, and remembrance. Here, nourishment goes beyond the body—meals are shared without distinction, honoring dignity, humility, and oneness. Guided by Sufi values of generosity and universal brotherhood, Inayat Khana stands as a quiet yet powerful space where kindness is practiced daily and humanity is served with grace.

Aseem Asha Usman
Aseem Asha Foundation

05/02/2026

In Love, Harmony, and Unity: 99th Urs of Hazrat Inayat Khan

The 99th Urs of Sufi Hazrat Inayat Khan was observed at Nizamuddin Basti with devotion and spiritual grace, in the presence of Pir Zia Inayat Khan. Rooted in the principle of Universal Worship, the Urs reflected Hazrat Inayat Khan’s vision of bringing together people of all faiths to celebrate the joy of divine oneness.

A special Ceremony of Universal Worship was held, where sacred readings from different religious traditions were offered side by side, affirming the unity of all spiritual paths. The ceremony stood as a living expression of harmony, reverence, and mutual respect, reminding all present that truth is one and wisdom shines through many forms.

The three-day celebration unfolded as a confluence of music and mysticism. Padma Shri awardee and renowned Dhrupad vina exponent Ustad Bahauddin Dagar, acclaimed Santoor maestro Pt. Abhay Rustum Sopori with his disciples, and celebrated Bollywood singer Rekha Bharadwaj enriched the gathering with soulful Sufi and classical compositions, leaving listeners immersed in a transcendent experience.

About Hazrat Inayat Khan

Hazrat Inayat Khan (1882–1927) was a Sufi mystic and musician who carried the message of universal Sufism to the West. He emphasized love, harmony, and unity beyond religious boundaries, teaching that all faiths lead to the same divine source. His vision of Universal Worship continues to inspire interfaith understanding across the world.

Attached some glimpses

Aseem Asha Usman
Aseem Asha Foundation

01/02/2026

Beauty Courses begin at Aseem Asha

27/01/2026

Glimpses from the wedding ceremony of Syeda Aliba Nizami, daughter of Afsar Ali Nizami, Chairperson of Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah. Sharing some cherished memories.

24/01/2026

Basant Celebration 26 🎉

11/01/2026

03/01/2026