Punjabi pop a threat to folk music

THIS refers to the article "Punjabi Pop hits the jackpot" (February 19) by Nonika Singh. Punjabi pop music has a good market at present, especially in India and West Asian countries. Popular Punjabi pop singers are earning a lot of money through their shows in India as well as abroad. Most of the producers and directors of Hindi films prefer Punjabi songs in their film. Music directors also try to incorporate Punjabi beats in their songs. Hans Raj Hans, Harbhajan Mann, Daler Mehndi, Jassi, Sukhvir, Bhupinder Bhupi, Gurdas Mann, Sardul and Mika are a few Punjabi pop stars of today.

However, Punjabi pop poses a threat to Punjabi folk music. The rise of Punjabi pop has had an adverse impact on the popularity of folk music. Sufiana kalam is almost dead in Punjab. Almost all popular singers have switched over to singing a mixture of bhangra pop and some crude form of music in the name of folk songs. Pakistan had promoted singers of Sufiana kalam like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Abida Parveen and Tufail Niyazi to preserve this rich tradition, but in India Punjabis are ignorant about their own tradition. Efforts should be made to save the traditional Punjabi folk music.

SUNIL GULERIA
Chandigarh

Samjhauta Express

This refers to the article "Samjhauta Express — on a dangerous track " by Virinder Walia and Ashok Sethi (February 26 ). It is rather sad to learn that the Samjhauta Express which started as an attempt to bring the people of India and Pakistan closer to each other, is now being used for nefarious activities by the ISI. The misuse of the train is a betrayal of trust by the Pak regime. I support those who advocate that instead of snapping rail or road links, the Government of India should resort to screening of officials of all agencies working at the Attari station.

ONKAR CHOPRA
New Delhi

Drive safely

This refers to H. Kishie Singh’s write-up ‘Beware of killers on the road’ (March 11). The writer is doing a great service, through the weekly column, by giving technical tips/advice to drivers for safe and accident-free driving. Rash drivers make the roads unsafe for others. It is the duty of the drivers to think of safety and drive safely.

O.P. SHARMA
Faridabad

Welthy Fisher

This refers to Illa Vij’s article "Welthy Fisher" (March 11, 2000). Welthy Fisher was India’s lamp of learning. She was called the world’s first lady of literacy. Welthy Fisher devoted her life to the uplift of society. After her husband’s death, Fisher tried to find a new way to channelise her talent and energy. She began her work of spreading literacy in India. Her heart went out to the millions of illiterate and poverty stricken people of India. She was presented the Magsaysay Award in 1964.

RAJDEEP SINGH
Phagwara