An Interview
As an acclaimed cultural activist and promoter of Punjabi folklore culture, do you feel it is losing its dynamism and vitality ?
The pristine Punjabi folklore tradition is much more than just the ‘dhol’ beats as the people view it. Ours is a rich heritage of ethical values and social relevance which constitutes a bond of mutual harmony, love and compassion between people of different levels.
Do you feel that the pop musical culture has influenced the Punjabi folklore?
See, all fine arts like poetry and music are always an eternal bliss , be it Punjabi or Western. Our aim is to check the intent of the music promoters who are all out to induce vulgarity through cheap lyricism and video visuals in the name of Punjabi pop. As a legal luminary and social activist, I feel the people must be awakened about it first.
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As a lone crusader for revitalising the folk art forms, do you have any patronage or the government support, especially for organising the historic Mohan Singh Yadgari Melas?
“Mein toh akela hi chala tha zanibe mazil magr log milte gye aur caravan banta gya...” Absolutely no support from the government for the last 28 years. Our Punjabi virsa melas aimed at bringing cultural renaissance are a big draw now in the UK, Canada, USA and Denmark, besides in all cities in Punjab. Through exhibitions, seminars and cultural performances we are bringing back the art lovers to our fold. Four MPs from Pakistan attended our mela at Moga with a promise to hold it in Lahore. Believe me, the response in alien countries is encouraging
[Courtesy: The Tribune, Chandigarh]
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