UK-based Punjabi singer Malkit Singh “Golden Star” was honoured by Lok Virasat Academy for his contribution and efforts being one of the first singers promoting Punjabi music on foreign shores, during a function held here last evening. Lok Virasat Academy Chairman Prof Gurbhajan Gill, legendary Punjabi folk singer Surinder Shinda and singer Maninder Shinda were also present on the occasion.While speaking on the occasion, Malkit Singh Golden Star said that in the changing music scene around us these days, Punjabis should make sincere efforts to save our folk music from extinction. He called upon all Punjabi singers, lyricists, music directors, literary organisations and all those who love Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiat to come forward and work in this direction.He said that he had left for UK around 33 years ago and since then has been working for the promotion of Punjabi culture across the globe. He said that even today, his music includes major chunk of folk and is truly inspired by Punjabi singers Lal Chand Yamla Jatt, Mohd Sadiq, Kuldeep Manak and Surinder Shinda to name a few. He said that its sad that these days, the true essence of Punjabiat is missing from our music as some singers and lyricists are merely promoting drugs, weapons etc, which might help them earn money, but would ultimately affect our culture and music.
On this occasion, Prof Gurbhajan Gill gifted book titled “Shagna Vela” which comprises our traditional folk songs such as Suhaag, Ghorian etc.Surinder Shinda said that Malkit Singh is a world renowned singer who is known globally for his singing, turban and good thoughts. He said that Malkit Singh has never fallen prey to the rat race of singing songs on drugs and weapons, but has always created his own genre, which is well acclaimed by the audiences for more than three decades.Lok Virasat Academy Chairman Prof Gurbhajan Gill said that in the month of February, they would organise seminars on topics relating to challenges to Punjabi folk music across the state so that the masses can be made aware. He said that all stakeholders would be invited to join these seminars so that the ongoing “pollution” in Punjabi music can be checked.Jaswinder Kaur Gill was also present on the occasion.