"The robustness of a country is measured by the cultural and historical awakening of its people and that is possible only when the conducive atmosphere for the cultural renaissance is created and I assure you all that the goals envisioned by Dr. M.S. Randhawa would be fulfilled by ushering in that era."These views were expressed by the Cultural Affairs and Tourism Minister, Punjab, Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu on the occasion of inaugurating Dr. M.S. Randhawa memorial art and literary festival here at Punjab Kala Bhawan. He said that Dr. M.S. Randhawa was a multifaceted personality but his most significant legacy lies in his pioneering work in popularizing Punjabi art and culture throughout the corners of globe. The minister further said that in order to carry forward the dreams of Dr. M.S. Randhawa, the Punjab Kala Parishad would take Punjabi art, culture and music to every nook and corner of the state so as to enable all the sections especially youth to connect with their roots and take pride as the inheritors of a great civilization.Addressing on the occasion, the Chairman of Punjab Kala Parishad Dr. Surjit Patar described Dr. Randhawa as the shining beacon for entire punjabiat who is still alive through his immensely rich legacy that he has left for Punjabis the world over to feel proud about. Dr. Surjit Patar in a philosophical vein said that Dr. Randhawa lives on in the natural beauty, museums, and historical as well as artists of Punjab.
On the occasion eminent litterateur and journalist Gulzar Singh Sandhu regaled the audience with many interesting anecdotes about the life and administrative acumen of Dr. Randhawa which was well received by the audience. He described Dr. Randhawa as an able administrator as well as a quick witted person.Eminent story writer Waryam Singh Sandhu and theatre actress Jatinder Kaur were honoured with 'Punjab Da Gaurav' Puraskar and another prominent story writer connected deeply with depicting lives of common people, Joginder Singh Kairon was bestowed with 'Life Time Achievement' award. On the occasion Satinder Randhawa (grandson of Dr. Randhawa) and singer Sukhi Brar were also honoured.The Secretary General of Punjab Kala Parishad Dr. Lakhwinder Singh Johal revealed that B.N. Goswami would be honoured with 'Punjab Da Gaurav' Puraskar during the festival in the coming days. Similarly, famous novelist Jaswant Singh Kanwal, Krishan Khanna, Satish Gujral and Harbhajan Singh Hundal would also be bestowed 'Punjab Da Gaurav' Puraskar at their residences itself for their 'Life Time Achievements'.The girl students of Ramgarhia College Ludhiana presented 2 group songs 'Saadi Shaan Punjabi, Saadi Pehchaan Punjabi, Saadi Jind Jaan Punjabi, Saadi Maan Punjabi' and 'Toon Rani Punj Daryawan Di, Kyon Rahein Goli Bann Ke' with excellence.Others present on the occasion included Vice Chairperson Dr. Neelam Maan Singh Chowdhary, President Punjab Sahit Academy Dr. Sarabjit Kaur Sohal, President Punjab Lalit Kala Academy Diwan Manna, President Punjab Sangeet Natak Academy Kewal Dhaliwal and Secretary Pritam Rupal, Folk Singer Pammi Bai, Dr. Surinder Gill, Dr. Deepak Sharma and Dr. Sahib Singh.