“It is a matter of utmost importance of today’s era to help take forward the genre of singing espousing causes of people especially the one without even a tinge of vulgarity and folk singer Amarjit Gurdaspuri is a living embodiment of that. The singers of modern era can derive inspiration from his life and further contribute in enriching the culture and traditions of Punjab. The singer’s unique achievements in the Punjabi singing scenario are acting as a guiding light for scores of people.” This was disclosed by the Cooperation and Jails Minister, Punjab, S. Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa at the Punjab Kala Bhawan during the ‘Udeekan Saoun Diyan Sangeet Tey Naat Utsav’ program organized by the Punjab Sangeet Natak Akademi while honouring famous folk singer Amarjit Gurdaspuri.S. Randhawa also said that Gurdaspur District can boast of bestowing gems like Shiv Batalvi and Amarjit Gurdaspuri to the art and literary world. He also recalled his old association with the family of the singer besides outlining the fact that he has landholding at village Udowali the village to which the singer belongs. He also added that whereas the singing and politics are witnessing a decline today the Punjabi folk singing has been able to survive only due to the commitment of singers such as Amarjit Gurdaspuri.The minister also honoured Amarjit Gurdaspuri and announced a grant of Rs. 3 lakh to the Punjab Sangeet Natak Akademi out of his discretionary quota.
Out of this, Rs. 1 lakh would be given for the recreation of the documentary made by Ninder Ghugianvi on the life of Amarjit Gurdaspuri. The famed singer also graced the occasion with his presence and sang ‘Heer Di Kali’ in his mesmerizing voice.On the occasion, Ninder Ghugianvi also showcased a documentary made courtesy the inspiration of Prof. Gurbhajan Gill depicting the singing as well as life of Amarjit Gurdaspuri which was greatly appreciated by the art lovers. The other famous singers of yore such as Gurcharan Singh Boparai, Swaran Singh and Yudhvir Singh also kept the audience spellbound by their soulful renditions. Another famous singer Gurinder Gary rendered ‘Jadon Yaad Sajjna Vey Teri Aave’ penned by late Inderjit Hassanpuri and singer Pink Shendy sang ‘Dulla Bhatti’ which was applauded by the audience a great deal.The Secretary, Punjab Sangeet Natak Akademi Mr. Pritam Rupal thanked all those present while Dr. Surinder Gill, Shamsher Sandhu, Navdeep Singh Gill recalled their close bond with Amarjit Gurdaspuri and praised the latter’s contribution towards singing genre. The Punjab Sangeet Natak Akademi on the occasion also felicitated S. Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and the Media Coordinator if the Punjab Kala Parishad writer Ninder Ghugianvi.Among others present included writer Sabdeesh, Subhash Bhaskar, Actress & Director Anita Sabdeesh, Theatre Personality and Director Sanjeevan Singh, J.S. Khushdil, Gurdarshan Singh Bahia, Gurmail Singh Sidhu, Darshan Patli and Advocate Kulbir Singh Sekhon. The compeering was very ably done by Bhupinder Singh Malik.