SPEECH DELIVERED BY HON'BLE GOVERNOR AND ADMINISTRATOR, UT CHANDIGARH, SHRI BANWARILAL PUROHIT ON THE OCCASION OF LAUNCHING OF ARCHIVAL DOCUMENTARY CREATED BY THE SAPTA SINDHU FORUM COMMEMORATING THE LIFE & WORK OF PADAMSHREE SURINDER KAUR, THE KOEL OF PU
- PRB
- 2021-11-15 19:20
I am honoured to launch yet another Archival documentary on the life and works of Padmshree Surinder Kaur Ji created by the Sapt Sindhu forum. It is only a few days back that I launched a similar Archival documentary on the life and works of the renowned Music Composer Sh. Kesar Singh Narula.
I am so happy to learn that behind both these exceptional works there are the daughters who themselves are great singers. I do not belong to Punjab but have always fascinated by the rich cultural ethos of this magnificent State.
The versatile and highly decorated artist Surinder Kaur whose birth anniversary falls in November only was an Indian singer and songwriter. While she mainly sang Punjabi folk songs, where she is credited for pioneering and poularising the genre, Kaur also recorded songs as a playback singer for Hindi films between 1948 and 1952. For her contributions to Punjabi music, she earned the sobriquet Nightingale of Punjab, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1984, and the Padma Shree in 2006.
In this current technology driven globalisation, integration of societies provides millions of people with new opportunities, but for traditional societies such as India it may also bring with it a loss of uniqueness of local cultures, which in turn can lead to loss of identity, exclusion and even conflict. This is especially true for traditional societies and communities, which are exposed to rapid 'modernisation' based on models imported from outside and not adapted to their context.
Balancing the benefits of integrating into a globalised world against protecting the uniqueness of local culture requires a careful approach. Placing culture at the heart of development policies leads to investment in the potential of local resources, knowledge, skills and materials to foster creativity and sustainable progress.
We in India are the inheritors of a great historical experience in organising a multi-lingual, multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-caste and multi-regional society. India has always been considered a culturally rich country in the world because of its unity in diversity.
I must also compliment the dotting daughter of late smt. Surinder Kaur, Dolly Guleria who herself is a well known Punjabi folk singer from India for keeping the memories of her mother alive not only in Punjab but in the hearts of millions of Punjabi loving people. She had a musical background in her family. She confined not only to Punjabi culture alone, but learnt Indian art forms such as Bharatanatyam and Manipuri from Triveni Kala Sangam in Delhi.She was just 5 years old at that time. She had taken lessons for Kathak from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in Delhi. When she was 7 years old, she began her formal training in voice music at Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Delhi. Patiala Gharana's Kundan Lal Sharma taught her music. Later she learned music from Panna Lal Kathak Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan Khalifa and Shri Chotey Lal. She gave her first solo performance in Punjabi in 1967. Rightly following in her mother's footsteps Dolly is keeping the legacy of the family rich & alive.
I also congratulate the Sapta Sindhu, the Center of Excellence in Culture & Heritage for creating this documentary, the First of a Series of Documentaries on the Musical Legends of Punjabi. Sapta Sindhu has taken up the task of brining to the fore names and works of such legends which may help revive the true Punjabi Music and Culture. It is a unqiue endeavour in the Arts & Cultural realm of India with a focus on Rejuvenate and promote the Arts & Cultural Biotope and Ethos of the Nation.
Punjab, the Land of Five Rivers, is known for the vibrant Culture and Jovial nature of its residents. Punjab & Punjabis are famous across the world for their rich culture, traditions, delicious food and extravagant lifestyle.
I am sure I am going to enjoy my tenure as the Government of a vibrant and ethnically rich State of Punjab. Punjabis are immensely proud of their religion, culture & tradition.
Thank you,
Jai Hind.