Release of Dr Labh Singh Kheewas Book on the Malwai Singing Tradition

CHANDIGARH, September 13:- An impressive event was organised today by Punjabi Lekhak Sabha Chandigarh at Punjab Kala Bhavan, where the book ‘Malwai Gaun: Adhiyan ate Sampadan’ by eminent writer, critic and thinker Dr. Labh Singh Kheewa was formally released with the support of Punjab Kala Parishad. The event was presided over by Dr. Sarabjit Singh, President of Punjabi Sahitya Akademi Ludhiana. Renowned litterateur Jung Bahadur Goyal was the chief guest, while Dr. Jalour Singh Kheewa and Dr. Davinder Singh Boha participated as speakers.
Gurnam Kanwar and Sachpreet Kheewa represented Punjabi Lekhak Sabha Chandigarh at the book release. While conducting the proceedings, the Sabha’s General Secretary Bhupinder Singh Malik said that the Malwai singing tradition represents a rich heritage. In his welcome address, Gurnam Kanwar said that such initiatives provide further inspiration for the distinctive work of Punjabi Lekhak Sabha Chandigarh. Amarjit Kaur and Harpreet Kaur won widespread appreciation from the audience by presenting two traditional long-vocal songs. Labh Singh Lehli also presented a song.
Dr. Jalour Singh Kheewa said that the folk tradition of the Malwa region is very strong. He said that the region is closely connected with nature and has witnessed the creation of a large body of folk sayings, narrative poetry and traditional ballad singing. Dr. Davinder Singh Boha said that the geographical and linguistic features of the area stretching from the Ghaggar to the Sutlej had contributed to the development of its remarkable singing styles. Storyteller Paramjit Maan said that Malwai literature can be understood by studying it through social, economic, historical and religious perspectives. Speaking about his creative process, writer Dr. Labh Singh Kheewa said that the mentality of a region is reflected in its songs and traditions, which possess significant heritage value. Jung Bahadur Goyal said that the region’s singing heritage extends from lullabies to mourning songs and represents the fundamental identity of the Malwai people.
Dr. Sarabjit Singh said that the folk tradition can contribute to a better understanding and documentation of the history of Punjab, particularly the Malwa region. In his vote of thanks, Dr. Gurmel Singh, Vice President of Punjabi Lekhak Sabha Chandigarh, said that such events are highly beneficial for all those who wish to remain connected with this folk tradition. Among those who attended and thoroughly enjoyed the event were Balkar Sidhu, Captain Narinder Singh, Dr. Avtar Singh Patang, Davinder Daman, Jaswant Daman, Usha Kanwar, Manjit Kaur Meet, Sukhwinder Sidhu, Harminder Kalra, Dhian Singh Kahlon, Gurmel Singh Mojowal, Harinder Singh Sohal, Harpreet Singh Channu, Dildar Singh, Ameer Sultana, Mandeep Singh, Dr. Gurdev Singh Gill, Dr. Harbans Kaur Gill, Amrao Gill, Teja Singh Thuha, Sanjeet Kumar, Paramjit Param, Sardara Singh Cheema, Raman Sandhu, Varinder Chattha, Dr. Surinder Gill, Kamaljit Singh Banwait, Vinder Majhi, Dr. Rekha Mittal, Pooja Kamboj, Komal, Rajveer Kaur, Beant Kaur, Sarabjit Singh Padda, Dr. Richpal Kaur, Iqbal Singh Bhakar, Shamshil Singh Sodhi, Charanjit Kaur Bath, Sukhwinder Singh, Surinder Kumar, Kuldeep Kaur, Gurwinder Singh Bhullar, Deepak Mehta, Sukhraj Kaur, Seema Sharma, Pratap Paras Gurdaspuri, Baldev Singh Bindra, Dilbag Bag, Gurmeet Singh Singal, Kanwaldeep Kaur, Sarup Sialvi, Surjit Suman, Gurlal Singh, Raj Samaddar, Gurcharan Singh, Narinder Kaur Matharu, Nirvair Kaur, Harnam Singh Dalla, Gurjant Singh, Mohan Lal Rahi, Roop Singh Deol, Kamaljit Kaur, Sarvjit Singh, Gurpreet Khokhar, Rani Sunita Singh, Rabinder Sharma, Inderjit Premi, Parminder Singh Madan, Balraj Sahota, Rector Kathuria, Kartika Singh, Tarlok Singh, Balwinder Singh Dhillon, Anuradha Vashisht and Sarabjit Singh.