Patiala, 20 August:- Under leadership of Dr. Rajwant Kaur Punjabi, Head of Punjabi Department, Punjabi University, Patiala, special lecture on topic 'Collection, Editing and Cultural Anthropological Study of Folk Songs' was organized in Seminar Hall by Sahit Sabha of Department. On this occasion renowned scholar of Punjabi folklore Prof. Nahar Singh while addressing as chief speaker threw detailed light on importance of scientific collection, authentic editing and cultural study of folk songs.
Function started with welcome speech by Prof. Surjit Singh, Dean Languages. He said that contribution of Prof. Nahar Singh in field of folk literature is extremely important in preserving folk heritage of Punjab and establishing it at academic level. He stressed that in changing social and cultural context scientific collection and study of folk literature and folklore is main need of hour.
During his speech Prof. Nahar Singh said that folk songs are living documents of collective memory, cultural identity, folk beliefs, social relations and historical consciousness of any society. He said that study of folk songs should be done not only from literary point of view, but also in interdisciplinary context of cultural anthropology, sociology, history and linguistics. Sharing his long research experience he said that authentic collection of folk literature is possible only through regional survey, oral sources and direct contact with folk society. Inspiring new students and researchers he appealed that they should do research work with fact-based, scientific and interdisciplinary perspective by connecting with original sources, so that rich folk heritage of Punjab can be preserved for coming generations. After lecture students, researchers and teachers asked many important questions related to folk literature and research methodology, to which Prof. Nahar Singh gave factual and analytical answers.
Role of stage conduct of this main lecture was performed by Dr. Gursevak Singh Lambi, Incharge Sahit Sabha. Former Professor of Punjabi Department Rajinderpal Singh Brar also addressed. On this occasion Prof. Charanjit Kaur Brar, Daljit Ami along with teachers, researchers and large number of students of Punjabi Department participated enthusiastically.
Photo caption: Dr. Nahar Singh delivering special lecture at Punjabi Department. Sitting along are Head of Department Dr. Rajwant Kaur Punjabi, Prof. Surjit Singh and Dr. Sarabjit Kaur.