May 1, 2025
To help preserve Punjab’s musical heritage, Guru Kashi University in Talwandi Sabo has announced the establishing of the Sufi and Folk Music Heritage Chair under its Faculty of Visual and Performing Arts. As part of the announcement the university formally welcomed Padma Shri Hans Raj Hans, a celebrated singer, as the Chair’s chairman during a press conference held today at the Press Club in Chandigarh.
The Chair seeks to advance Punjab’s rich tradition of Sufi and folk music through research, education, documentation, and public engagement. Prof. Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, Dean of the Faculty, has been appointed Executive Director, alongside Hans Raj Hans. Dr. Aman Sufi will be the Project Coordinator.
During the press conference, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, Vice Chancellor of Guru Kashi University, shared:
“We are very proud to create this Chair that will serve as a link to our cultural heritage and potential at the developing university. This Chair will preserve our wonderful musical traditions and also contribute academic strength to the study and practice of Sufi and folk music.”
He also introduced an Advisory Board with esteemed people from across the world who will be guiding the work of the Chair.
- Chief Patron: Sardar Gurlabh Singh Sidhu, Chancellor, Guru Kashi University
- Puran Shah Koti, respected Sufi Guru and mentor to Hans Raj Hans
- Sardar Charanjit Singh Batth, USA
- Dr. Dalbir Singh Kathuria, Canada
- Preet Inder Dhillon, UK
- Prof. D.N. Jauhar, former Vice Chancellor, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Agra
- Prof. Dr. Jaspal Kaur Kaang, former Chairperson, Guru Nanak Sikh Studies, Panjab University
- Prof. Dr. Hukum Chand, former Dean, Faculty of Music, MDU Rohtak
- Prof. Dr. Neelam Paul, former Chairperson, Department of Music, Panjab University
During his address, Padma Shri Hans Raj Hans expressed his appreciation and stated:
“I have spent a lifetime singing the verses of Sufi saints and singing the songs of Punjab’s soil. This Chair is my way of giving back; my dream is to document, preserve and pass on this treasure to generations to come, through the academic world.”
Prof. Dr. Gurpreet Kaur explained the Chair’s future activities, including workshops, documentation of oral tradition, partnership with international institutions, and national-level cultural festivals to reach out to students and the community at large.
Mrs. Usha Singh, the Lady Vice Chancellor of Guru Kashi University, attended the event and congratulated Padma Shri Hans Raj Hans on his appointment just before Mrs. Singh thanked Hans Raj Hans for his continued life’s contribution to Punjabi music and cultural heritage.
Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, Er. Sukhwinder Singh Sidhu (General Secretary, Balaji Education Trust), Dr. Dalbir Singh Kathuria, Prof. D.N. Jauhar (former Vice Chancellor, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Agra), and Prof. Dr. Neelam Paul from Panjab University, Chandigarh were present at the event.
Prof. Dr. Neelam Paul and other advisory members congratulated him virtually and acknowledged the impact of the university’s efforts and the leadership behind the Chair.
Er. Sukhwinder Singh Sidhu proposed the vote of thanks, recognizing the efforts of the University team and faculty as well as all the dignitaries for their support of the cultural milestone. The press conference wrapped up with a networking lunch for the media and guests.
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