CULTURE

A seminar on challenges to Punjabi culture
By Asha Ahuja

LUDHIANA, Jan 11 — Malwa Sabhyacharak Manch (Punjab), organised a seminar on ‘Challenges to Punjabi Culture due to globalisation and liberalisation-some new possibilities,’ on the occasion of Lohri at Punjabi Bhavan. Papers were presented by Dr Nahar Singh, Punjab University; Dr P.S. Sohi, Government College and Mr A.S. Grewal, Mayor, Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana.

Dr Nahar Singh held the views that society is associated with civilisation. Culture is linked not only with singing and dancing, but is something much deeper. About 90 per cent of culture has undergone recycling since centuries. By the time it has come down to us, it has already undergone a change.

He said, “Punjabis have great mobility and that is why it is often said ‘Potatoes and Punjabis are found every where’. Punjabis love to live life king size. During the ‘green revolution’ in Punjab, the cultural structure changed and people became more materialistic. With globalisation, competition has toughened, people are placing more premium on materialism. Our youngsters are not prepared to face such tough competition. There is a lot of frustration among youth. They have become emotionally hollow. We will have to give them new dreams. NRIs are becoming the heroes as they are perpetuating Punjab’s culture. They will have a big hand in promoting culture in this time of globalisation and liberalisation when ideas are flowing free.”

Dr P.S. Sohi said, “Culture is preserved by family and value pattern of society. In the past 50 years, we have seen more changes in our cultural activities than in past two centuries. It is sad that we did not take care of our cultural heritage like our songs, historical buildings, our dances. Whenever some economic changes take place, culture will change too. Information and technology have brought a lot of change in our old culture and at present our culture seems to be disintegrating. But this is not so. I feel Punjabi culture can adapt itself to new changes, because Punjabis have open minds and a liberal outlook.

“Punjabi will be able to face the onslaught of globalisation. I feel the future is not bleak. A new culture will evolve and the intelligentia has to show a new path to the young people.”

The Mayor, Mr Apinder Singh Grewal, also advised people to accept good things like computerisation and new technology. Mr K.K. Bawa, the president of Malwa Sabhyacharak Society honoured the speakers.

Distinguished personalities honoured
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, Jan 11 — Malwa Sabhyacharak Manch honoured 11 personalities from the fields of art, culture, sports, business and literature. An entertaining cultural programme was organised by the manch where anchors, Kirpal Singh and Kamal honoured the audience in the backdrop of an ‘ethnic setting’.

The function started with Pali Jaitwalia, who sang Jiyo te jeen diyo and Ludhiana dil Punjab da, which the Ludhianvis enjoyed. He was followed by Romi Gill, who has become famous for his album Chadiyan di ag na bale. Ajay Deol and Suman Dutta sang d duet. Ajay also sang a devotional song Dhan Nanak. Later, both of them regaled the audience with songs, after Ajay explained the situations that led to the song.

In an effort to illustrate to the younger generation, a type of conversation between two people in a sing-song way with a moral called Kavishree, a sample talk was held by two elderly gentlemen. The poetry had humour, wit and lot of common sense and was highly appreciated by the crowd. Even the performers were surprised at their huge success specially when the audience chanted, once more. A young girl, Hema Sharma, winner of 1st prize of Sa Re Ga Ma sang delightfully, a beautiful worded song ‘Zindgi tamasha bani, duniya da haasa bani’.

Persons who were honoured with a shawl and a plaque were Dr T.S. Cheema, who has been serving as a doctor for last 46 years. Presently, he is the in charge of B.L. Kapoor Memorial Hospital. He was given a prize to perpetuate the memory of Dr Edith Brown. Mr Sohan Lal Pahwa, MD of Avon Cycles accepted the award in lieu of his brother, Mr Hans Raj Pahwa in remembrance of Mr Rajesh Pilot. Hans Raj Hans, who was also presented with an award, was lustily cheered by the audience. He is known for his Sufi and pop music. He was given a prize in honour of his favourite singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Mr Rakesh Bharti Mittal, MD, Bharti Telecom who has done Ludhiana proud by making his own place in the business world was given an award in the memory of Gulshan Kumar of T-Series.

Sirdool Sikander and Amar Noori, a great singing couple, who had made folk singing and art popular, were honoured in memory of Mohammad Rafi and Noor Jahan of Pakistan. The ex Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University, Dr S.S. Johal, who has worked in World Bank and was Director of Reserve Bank, was honoured to perpetuate the memory of Dr B. K. Madan.

Mr Avtar Singh Dhingra, a floriculturist, who exports seeds to foreign countries, received honour in the memory of Mr M.S. Randhawa. Mr Maninder Gill, who is instrumental in promoting Punjabi culture received honours and so did Mr Mahil Singh Bhullar, a distinguished police officer.

Unfortunately, William Mark Tully, who worked with BBC and even after leaving his services with BBC chose to stay back in India could not make it. He was in Allahabad to cover the Kumbh and sent his best wishes to the audience for Lohri.

Ramandeep Singh Grewal, ex-Hockey captain, could also not make it. These two great personalities were sorely missed by crowds.

The piece-de-resistance was Malwai gidha, performed by a young team with great vigour and enthusiasm. Mr M.S. Cheema, one of the organisers, informed that there would be a healthy baby contest. Besides this, the judges also went round to check the best tied turban.

SPORT

Athletics meet at SHCS
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, Jan 11 — The Tagore House lifted the title of best house in the 18th annual athletics meet of Sacred Heart Convent School, Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar. In the tug-of-war competition students outclassed the teachers.

The Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mr S.R. Kaler, inaugurated the meet. The other present on the occasion were Father Davis and Sister Sobel, Director and Principal of the school respectively.

The other results are as follows: 200m (Class XI and XII): Summy Kochar 1, Harsh Sehgal 2, Bharat Arora 3; 100m (Class XI and XII): Summy Kochar 1, Pradeep 2, Manpreet 2; 200m (Class XI and XII): Harsh Sehgal 1, Gurjasbir 2, Bharat Arora 3; 1500m (Class XI and XII): Amarbir Singh 1, Jais Jacob 2, Sumit Jagota 3.

800m boys (Class X): Ankur 1, Varun 2, Gagandeep 3; 100m (Class X) Kamal 1, Diljot Singh 2, Sarandeep 3; 100m (Class VIII and IX) Puneet 1, Jugraj 2, Amanpreet 3; 100m (Class IV and V): Rajbeer 1, Harmeet 2, Harbeer 3; 200m (Class IV and V): Harmeet 1, Saurab 2, Rajbir 3; 400m (class Vi and VII): Pranav 1, Gurpreet 2, Jagmeet 3; 400m (Class VIII and X): Jatson 1, Gurmehar Singh 2, Amandeep and Prabhjot 3; 400m (Class X) Sarabhjeep 1, Diljot 2, Agamdeep 3; 100m (Class VIII and IX): Puneet Sidhu 1, Jugraj 2, Amanpreet 3.

100m girls (Class X): Divya 1, Shiveta 2, Neha 3; 100m (Class X): Aakshi 1, Divya 2, Neha 3; 100m (Class VII and IX): Harmeet 1, Samranjeet 2, Shaffie 3; 100m (Class IV and V): Vaishaly 1, Jaskirandeep 2, Jasleen 3; 200m (Class IV and V): Nithiya 1, Jasleet 2, Jaskirandeep 3; 400m (Class VI and VII): Heena Dhir 1, Kiran Sikka 2, Jammal Kalsi 3; 100m (Class VIII and IX): Sheffi 1, Rasleen 2, Cheonu walia 3; 400m (Class X): Shweta Chug 1, Aaskshi Sareen 2; 100m (Class VI and VIII): Kirandeep 1, Anubhooti 2, Ridhima 3.