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Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rupe@panindia.com
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   Article sent to me by Punjab monitor. This is concluding paragraph.
Kartarpur is the first ever Sikh shrine situated on the right bank of river Ravi just 2 Kms. from the Indo-Pak border.
Guru Nanak the founder of religion was always on the move but here he stayed for 18 years to demonstrate and practise his theory thus it became first laboratory of Sikhism. It is a unique place which is revered by all the three communities. It is the last abode of the Founder where his Islamic tomb and Hindu smadh exist side by side. Interestingly one smadh (third)exist in the Indian side as well. The Pakistan Govt has agreed to grant a free passage to the Indian Sikhs to pay their obeisance. Every Amavas day the Sikhs gather at border from where the shrine the miraculous place is visible, and pray for international peace and opening .
Sir, even Sir Ceril Radcliffe who drew boundary-line between India and Pakistan in 1947 could not divide Kartarpur. People know that as per June 3, 1947 declaration the whole of Gurdaspur distt. was given to Pakistan which meant that Kartarpur had gone deep in Pakistan territory. But the division didnt work and had to be revised. Radcliffe bisected Gurdaspur in such a way that Kartarpur was exactly on the borderline.
The Pakistan Govt has agreed to grant a free passage to the Indian Sikhs to pay their obeisance. That means no passport or visa is required. But the Govt of India has not so far favourably reacted to the Pak proposal.
B.S.Goraya
Secretary (Press Relations)
Tel: 0183-2421915


Name: Atamjit Singh -
E-mail: atam84@hotmail.com
Location: San Jose,      USA
Comments:   Dear Atamjit,
Thank you very much for your support and faith. When I was
born the only language I heard was Punjabi, but from
nursery onwards I spoke English. My generation fully
understand Punjabi, but can never be Theth. Like
American English slihjtly differs from British, we are
like a new Punjab. I belive Diaspora is like a new
Punjabi region with its Dual anglo-Punjabi nature. I only taught myself to write this fall, so errors are

expected, but I can not change my style too much,
as like all Diaspora children who can still speak
Punjabi, I think in English. This will effect my
writing style.
I hope people in India and Pakistan are ready and open to
us Diapora Born Punjabis.
Regards
Rupinder Dhillon
-----Original Message-----
From: Atamjit Singh [mailto:atam84@hotmail.com]
Sent: 21 January 2004 16:09
To: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Subject: RE: British Born Punjabi who is writing book in
Punjabi
Dear Rup,
I read with great interest your writing in Punjabi. It is
quite informative and written in an expressive style.
It has an impact of British English grammar and stylistic devices which is quite natural.
In fact it is a specimen of British variety of Punjabi, which needs to be preserved perpatuated.
This adds to the richness of Punjabi language and strengthens its power of communication.
There is obviously some problem of spelling and syntax which need to be taken care of.
I think you can overcome it by getting your writing proofread from some expert of Punjabi language.
Love and best wishes,
Sincerely
Atamjit Singh
Professor of Punjabi
Department of Foreign Languages
San Jose State University


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rupe@panindia.com
My URL: http://www.blackmask.com/books102c/7pnjbdex.htm
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   Tales from the Punjab See link


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Sharing this song from Noor Jahan's early days (1939)movie "Gul-e-Bakawli"
Shala JawaniaN maanay
Enjoy....


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Sajjno maiN aik geet labh raya aaN kisay kol hovay te meherbani kar kay dasso.
Film Bhaaiyaa Ji (Year 1950)
Singer Lata & Minal Wagh
Geet "O Ni maiN le kay jana"
Mairay kol aih geet hai tey sahi per baRi koshish day baad vi sound quality bohat poor ay. Any help??????


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   Dear Mr. Rup Dhillon ji 250 is the pound sterling. With the advent of visual and audio media the readers response to books and print media is declining. The amount of Pound 250 taken towards 100 copies will contribute towards a fraction of costs of production/publicity etc. In first go we shall publish only 1000 copies out of which 100-150 will be distributed free as complimentary copies for publicity and reviews in press. Remaining copies will be put in marketing channel through different booksellers of Punjab and other sources interested in Punjabi books. The cost of 96 pp. book will be around Rs. 75.00 Only and on this price we will have to allow trade discounts and other costs. So the return will be less than 50% on sold copies. In case we are able to sell the edition then the second edition will be printed by us at our own costs and we shall pay royalty of 10% of cost price. Regarding other enquiry about quality, we assure the book will be produced on good quality paper and fine production in paperback. You can send the text material by email as attached file, but don't forget to attach a copy of font in ttf or other window format. After getting material we shall convert it into book form and send you for final proofs. Thanking you Anil
I am new to writing in Punjabi. Does this seem correct?


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   Good article Sajid Ji, but racist towards Dasas. What is wrong with dark skin?
Rupe


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   An interesting Artical i found interesting....
Punjabi Heroes that History Forgot

Punjab is one of the earliest civilizations (Indus valley 4-5000 BC) which had well planned streets and a drainage systems. The Aryan (1500 BC) are said to have destroyed this civilization. But the Caucasian Aryans did improve the pigment of the dark skinned local Dasas and introduced horse and chariot to Punjab. Except for the elephant, we still continue to have all those possession in our villages intact till today - churkha, dhol, earthen ware and ox-cart. Those were the days of the Mahabharta and Ramayana.

Punjab has always been a place of small independent principalities and villages living quietly in their own agrarian way of life. The waters of five rivers irrigated its fertile lands providing a stable means of livelihood. But this prosperity invariably proved to be a liability when its peace was broken by the outside invaders – both from the East and from the West. While the rulers often did cave in easily, brave Punjabis did rise and fight for their land. This is the story of those heroes whom our history has forgotten.

When Alexander (325 BC) wanted to cross river Jhelum, he had to face Poros from Mandi Bahauddin. Poros fought bravely. But eventually, Alexander’s horses won against the Poros’s elephants. Thereafter, they became friends. Alexander finally crossed Jhelum hundreds of miles South at Athara Hazari. For some reason, while the Punjabis still name their sons after Alexander, I have yet to hear some one called Poros. Thereafter, Punjab became a part of the Eastern empires of Chandra Gupta and Ashoka with Taxila becoming a center of Buddhism.

As centuries roll by, we hear about the two folk heroes of Punjab - Raja Rasalu and Puran Bhagat, sons of the Raja of Sialkot (100-200 AD). Raja Rasalu was a handsome prince who dallied with the pretty maidens, went hunting, killed giants, robbed the rich and gave it to the poor. He had a horse ``fauladi’’ and a parrot ``Shadi’’ always resting on his shoulder. Puran, the younger brother was more saintly. He rebuffs the advances of his mother-in-law, Leena, and leaves home. He becomes a symbol of goodness and is called Puran Bhagat. And so as the history moves on, Punjab is again broken up into small principalities until conquered by the Gupta empire around 400 AD. This is time of the Puranas.

The next intruders are the Iraqi Arabs (Ommayeds and Abbasis (712 AD) who capture Southern Punjab upto Multan. They rule for 150 years; but Islam comes to Punjab much later through the non-Arab Sufi saints of Turk, Persian and Afghan origin.

After the Arabs, Mahmud of Ghazni (1018 AD) descends from the North West. Raja Jaypal of Shahi Dynasty faces him at Attock. Mahmud has 1500 horses and Jaypal has 300 elephants. It is a bloody fight where Jaypal loses. But Jaypal’s sense of honour and pride is such that instead of returning to Attock, he chooses to burn himself at the funeral pyre. As Mahmood advances, he shows no mercy even the Muslim states of Multan and Talamba. His Turko-Afghan successors like Qutbudin Aiback, Altimush and Razia Sultana are better; and during their time, art and literature flourishes. These are the times of Guru Nanak and Kabir. Data Gunj Bakhsh comes to Lahore with Mahmud Ghazni’s son, who was governor of Lahore.

The next invader Taimur (1370 AD) is held by Shaikha Ghakkar, the Chiefton of Salt Range. Shaikha fights bravely but Taimur prevails. The moment Taimur leaves for Dehli to end the Tughlaq dynasty, Shaikha again captures Lahore. On the way back, Taimur again takes back Lahore but takes with him Shaika’s son Jasrat. On the way to Farghana, Jasrat escapes, returns through the arduous terrain and again re-captures Lahore. During this period, we hear of a peasant revolt led by Sarang (1419).

Then after a 100 years, Babar (1526) comes to defeat the Afghan ruler Ibrahim Lodhi. In his Babar Nama, Babar describes the bravery of the Jats and Gujjars who had fiercely resisted him at Sialkot. Then Dulla Bhatti of Pindi Bhattian revolts and holds against Akbar for ten years. The peasants are asked not to pay the tax and revenue. Finally, Akbar agrees to let the land be a hereditary right, a departure from past where all land belonged to the king.

At the time of petering out of the Mughal empire, Nadir Shah (1736 AD), the Persian ruler, moves into Punjab on his way to Dehli. At the Indus-Jhelum Doab, the Khattars, Ghaebas and Gakkhars fight him. After he crosses Jhelum, the Gondal Rajputs take him on. Najabat, a poet of the time, writes about the accounts of velour by Dhilloo and Saidoo. After crossing Gujrat, when he reaches Chenab, Mirza Qalandar was waiting for him. When he reaches Ravi, Khoja Yaqub is there to fight him. He spares Lahore from rampage. But when he reaches Dehli to put an end the reign of Muhammad Shah Rangeela, he goes to the Jamia Mosque and takes out his sword – a signal for pillage of Dehli. 20,000 are killed and the booty includes the Peacock throne and Koh-e-Nur. Mir Taqi Mir, who was then 16, explains this gruesome brutality in his verses.

Ahmed Shah Abdali (1747), founder of the first Pashtoon state, is the next pesky visitor. Mir Manu fights him and repels him though he manages to capture Sialkot and Pasrur. Finally, Abdali ends the reign of Azuddin Alamgir.

The Punjabis go on aggression only once – when they have their very own empire for forty years under the efficient rule by Ranjit Singh 1799-1839) and the empire extends upto Kabul and Kandhar. After the death of Ranjit Singh, the British find an opportunity to capture Punjab. Ahmed Khan Kharal of Rai Nathoo (Neeli bar between Sahiwal and Multan) at the age of 80 takes up arms against the British in the 1857 mutiny. Then Bhagat Singh (1926) is instrumental in beginning a labour and peasant movement in Lahore. Lala Lajpat Rai, Sher-e-Punjab, loses his life in this struggle. The British radically transform the landscape of Punjab by introducing a canal system, railways and cantonments. They set up seminaries and churches and introduce a new faith in the area.

Punjab became a part of the Western Empires about six times – Greeks, Arabs, Afghans, Turks, Persians and Pashtoons. And it became a part of the Eastern empires about four times – Chandra Gupta, Ashoka, Mughals and British.

Punjab produced brave soldiers like Poros, Jaypal, Ranjit Singh, Shaikha, Jasrat, Dilloo, Saidoo, Ahmed Khan Kharal, Bhagat Singh, Lala Lajpat Rai and Mirza Qalandar. Its romantic heroes like Raja Rasalu, Puran Bhagat, Sarang and Dulla Bhatti live even today in the memory of village folk. Its Sufi saints and poets, who preached a message of love, include Amir Khusrao, Guru Nanak, Kabir, Data Gunj Baksh, Baba Fareed, Bahaudin Zakaria, Bulleh Shah, Sultan Bahu, Mian Mohammad and Shah Hussain. Not only great men but the Punjabi folk lore has strong willed women who dominated their beloveds – in the tales of Heer Ranjha, Sassi Punnu, Mirza Sahiban and Sohni Mahiwal.

All invaders who came to this land had one basic human failing – a greed for wealth. And their wrath was indiscriminate – irrespective of religion, race or creed. The attacks and occupation by the foreign rulers has had a deep impact on the psyche of the Punjabis – their threshold for subjugation has increased. They continue to readily accept a man on the horse back the moment he appears on the horizon.


Name: Amit Chauhan -
E-mail: amit4web@yahoo.com
My URL: http://www.punjab4u.tk
Location: Jalandhar, Punjab     India
Comments:   Sat Shiri Akal Sare Punjabi Veera nu, See my new Punjabi Web Site, http://www.punjab4u.tk and give me your response ! ! ! Ok Byeeee Tuhada veer Amit


Name: Anil Dawar -
E-mail: Anil.dawar@excite.com
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   Hi, I am a journalist researching the history of the Punjab during partition. I was wondering if anyone on this forum could help me. I would like to talk to people of any faith who lived in the Punjabi areas affected by Partition at that time. I know it was a painful period for everyone but I am trying to unearth some stories of friendship and bravery across the religious divide. The focus of my research is on the Pakistani cities of Kamalia, Faisalabad and Lahore, and Amritsar and Jalandhar in India. But that does not exclude any other areas affected. Please feel free to contact me on my e-mail address if you would like to share your memories of that time. Anil Dawar


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: Rawalpindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Punjabi Mitro, www.google.com da page Punjabi wich vee aa geyaa je. Eh namoonaa wekho. Rup paa jee tusi google waaliyaaN nooN koee slaah (mat) diyaa jey. Saeed Uchh koti di talash lehaaj Bhasha Auzaar labhan de nukte Khojo: webjaal pwiksqwn to varke Web/Zaal Tasveraan Gutt Directory web dee Choolistan laye khoj karo. Nateeja 13 da Results 1 - 10 . khoj ne 0.19 seconds sama liya Totka: browser wich tusi search da button daban di jagah aapne keyboard te return dabao ji

ik khoj keetee taaN eh Punjabi wich jawaab aayaa. Tuhadi khoj - Choolistan dey qiley -- de naal milda koi panna nahi he ji ਸੁਝਾਵ - Eah Dhian rahe ki sare shabd de akkhar sahi hon - Hor koi shabad vartoo - koee hore aam shabad warto - Thorhae shabad wart kae koshish karo Prem Singh KahloN Jee, sawaad aa geyaa.


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: Rawalpindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Punjabi Mitro, www.google.com da page Punjabi wich vee aa geyaa je. Eh namoonaa wekho. Rup paa jee tusi google waaliyaaN nooN koee slaah (mat) diyaa jey. Saeed Uchh koti di talash lehaaj Bhasha Auzaar labhan de nukte Khojo: webjaal pwiksqwn to varke Web/Zaal Tasveraan Gutt Directory web dee Choolistan laye khoj karo. Nateeja 13 da Results 1 - 10 . khoj ne 0.19 seconds sama liya Totka: browser wich tusi search da button daban di jagah aapne keyboard te return dabao ji


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   london, uk
Comments: Where can I order quickly Paviter Papi - by Nanak singh
and Pinjar by Amrita Pritum, both in Gurumukhi?
Thanks
rupe
Bush - Ek Kavita : ANomolip ( Source 5abi.com)
pRIq nIqpur
10/04/03
qwkq dw nSw
pu`q-kupu`q qW AsW ny bhuq vyKy,
nhIN vyiKAw buS ijhw kupu`q mIAW[
Awtw gunHdI dw isr ikauN ihldw hY,
iesy g`loN hY p`tdw gu`q mIAW[
dlIl-ApIl auh iksy dI nhIN suxdw
hoieAY qwkq dy nSy iv`c Du`q mIAW[
bhuqw icr nhIN c`lxI A`qcu`kI
bUQw dyxgy Bn ibgwny pu`q mIAW[
pRIq nIqpur


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
My URL: http://www.5abi.com/5ratan/
Comments:   http://www.5abi.com/5ratan/
Rashid Ji try these
Rammha Ji, I do not mind providing the orginal transcripts for apna if you are interested?
Rupe


Name: Rashid Chaudhry -
E-mail: rashid313@yahoo.com
Location: Pindi,      Pak
Comments:   Sajid Ji and Akhelish Ji Thanks for guiding me in learning Gurmukhi. Sajid ji your lessons are worth acknowledgin. i have commenced to take them as a serious student. i think (by going through the alphabets and vowels of Gurmukhi) that Gurmukhi would not remain alien for me. However, I think that apnaorg and Punjabi organisation should kick off a comprehensive campaign equipped with books and all learning tools to facilitate Punjabis of both sides to get acquinted with both the 'scripts'. 'Bi-scriptural' Punjabis would better able to enjoy the richness of this great language.


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Lo SajjnoN 2 Gurmukhi Lesson ban gaey ne jinni der tusi aih yaad karo gey maiN baki vibana diaN ga... Happy Learning
I hope these lessons will be helpful in learning both gurmukhi and shahmukhi..
Gurmukhi Lessons


Name: Budhu -
E-mail: budhuno1@hotmail.com
Location: leicester,      UK
Comments:   SAT SRI AKAL JI MAIN EK GEET LABHDA AJJ KAL ... NARINDER BIBA DI AWAAZ TE GEET DE BOL NE.... CHITTIA KAPAH DIYA FUTIYA TE PATT HARE HARE..... J TUHADE KOL HOVE TA MAINU BIJLIKHAT PA DENA DHANVADI HOVANGA. CHANGA JI SAT SRI AKAL BUDHU


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.lokpunjab.com/
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal

Dear Rashid Ji, you may find this link usefull:

http://www.punjabonline.com/servlet/library.language?Action=Main

Dear friends of APNA, just wanted to share this comparision of Landa and Gurmukhi with you. I hope that none of you mind me pasting this here:
_______________________________________________

http://www.ancientscripts.com/landa.html
The Landa script derives from a variant of the Sarada script, becoming graphically distinct by the 10th century CE. It was primarily used in Punjab and Sind to write the Punjabi language, but it was not well suited as due to additional sounds present in the Punjabi language. As a consequence, during the 16th century CE, the Landa script became the template for the Gurmukhi script, which was created to better represent the Punjabi language.

In the mid 19th century, the Landa script was adopted to write the Sindhi language. However, this proved to be short-lived, as Sindhi eventually came to be written in either Devanagari or an Arabic-derived script by the middle of the 20th century CE.

The following is the basic set of signs in the early Landa script.

http://www.ancientscripts.com/gurmukhi.html
The Gurmukhi script is tightly associated with the Sikh religion, as the words guru-mukh literally mean "from the mouth of the guru". It was created in the 16th century CE by the second Sikh guru, Guru Angad, to write the Punjabi language. Stylistically, Gurmukhi derives its letter shapes from Landa, but considerable influence from Nagari is evident from the top horizontal bar present in most letters.

Punjabi has three tones, but they are not represented in the writing system except for sporadic use of the ha letter (reduced to a subscript) to indicate a high tone.


Vowels and other attachments:


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Rashid Chaudhry Jee The best way to learn Gurmukhi is ("Gurmukhi Quaida" Punjabi PaRhaai Likhai by Dr. Seeta Ram Bahiri). It is very simple and easy.Available in lahore at Suchet Kitab Gher or Kitab Tarinjan.(Don't know about Pindi however you can ask Saeed Farani Jee to check if it is available at his bookstore).With this, it will take a day or two to learn Gurmukhi(In my case it was 3 days).I'll also try to prepare some simple and easy Lessons for it like shahmukhi Lessons.


Name: Rashid Chaudhry -
E-mail: rashid313@yahoo.com
Location: Pindi,      Pak
Comments:   Apna friends! Can anybody knows a site or link, which can help in learning Gurmukhi script. I (at least) did'nt find such link at apnaorg, as a link is available for learning Shahmukhi. i will be grateful.


Name: rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: london,      uk
Comments:   Where can I order quickly Paviter Papi - by Nanak singh
and Pinjar by Amrita Pritum, both in Gurumukhi?
Thanks
rupe


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Rajeev Jee I'll try to Mansoor Malangi's songs very soon. I've some more on tape.
Lo jee Sajjno "Manzoor Jhalla" da likhya te Muhammad Hussain da gaya hoya aik hor geet suno...
Hun Pyala Rakh De Ek Passay
Kisay sajjan kol Manzoor Jhallay baray koi information hovay te zuroor post kerna.Jinna menoo pata ay Oh lahore de rehen walay si te mashoor filmi geet writers si.1967 vich Masood Rana di film "YaaraN naal baharaN" vich Manzoor day 2 geet si.Te hor vi baRay achay songs likhay ne ohna naiN.


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.desiradio.org.uk/
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal

Couple more recent news items which may be of interest to APNA members and Punjabis in general:

World Punjabi conference from January 23
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040114/main6.htm

Punjabi will jostle with Hindi on signboards (In Delhi)
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040114/ncr1.htm#4

BTW, i would have thought that the 'Tribune' would be one of the highest ranking regional newspapers considering how long its been around for. Oh well, never mind.

Ps, Happy Lohri everyone. Was very pleased to read that some villages in Punjab where celebrating Lohri for the birth of baby girls!


Name: rajeev -
E-mail: fakeemail@donotspam.com
Comments:   sajid veer ji..
meri valoon ik farmaish...can you please share mansoor malangi's song "ve kukraa dhammi deya, koo vailey ditti aayi baang".. i am not sure if i got the words right... in fact if you don't have this song, can you please play something else by mansoor malangi which is currently not on apnaorg site..

tuhaadae geet sun sun kae taan bahut mazaa aa rehaa hai... keep up the good work...
rab raakha


Name: rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Comments:   Leonard, K. I. (1992). Making ethnic choices California's Punjabi Mexican Americans (Asian American history and culture series: Asian American history and culture . Philadelphia: Temple University Press. Keywords: Panjabi Americans -- California/ Mexican Americans -- California/ Interracial marriage -- California/ California -- Social conditions
Strange but true


Name: Rupinder Dhillon -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   Sorry Suman Ji, I apolozise


Name: P S Kahlon -
E-mail: pkahlon@tnstate.edu
Comments:   Rupe:

You probably misundrstood Suman Jee's comment. You have done excellent job on your efforts to express yourself in Gurmukhi. I happened to have your first draft and every body will tell you that the final draft was truly remarkable considering the short time you had. I am not computer savy and therefore cannot be of much help otherwise I would have volunteered to help. Keep up your efforts and good luck.


Name: Jay -
E-mail: rupe@panindia.com
My URL: http://www.punjabi.net/punjab/literature.htm
Location: New York,      USA
Comments:   PUNJABI Literature LIteary Figures Guru Gobind SinghWaris ShahBhai Vir SinghNanak SinghMohan Singh 'Mahir'Amrita Pritam Kartar Singh DuggalGurdial SinghAjeet CourDalip Kaur TiwanaShiv Kumar Batalvi Guru Gobind Singh (17th century), legendary saint, soldier and poet was a prolific writer. He spent his youth in studying Sanskrit, Persian and other Indian scriptures. Guru Gobind Singh compiled the final version of the Adi Granth. His own writings were collected by his disciple Mani Singh thirty years after his demise.The compilation, comprising over two thousand hymns, is known as the Dasm Granth-the Granth of the tenth Guru. His ballad, Chandi Di Var (Ode to the Divine Sword), is a unique composition in Punjabi. Neither before nor after it, has martial poetry of such a fine calibre been produced in the language. Chandi Di Var is the dual vehicle of spirituality and heroism. It also epitomised Punjabi identity and in a wider context, the Indian ethos. The Guru had risen against Mughal oppression, and felt the need for an image that could stimulate the entire nation which the var (martial ode) answered. It occupies a special niche in the tradition of martial poetry, because of its allegorical nature and archetypal expression. The Sikh soldiery is said to recite this var before attacking the enemy. Waris Shah (c. 1736-90) was a consummate artiste, deeply learned in Islamic and Indian lore. His verse is a treasure-trove of Punjabi phrases, idioms and sayings. His minute and realistic depiction of each detail of Punjabi life remains unique. Of all his works, his version of the legendary romance of Heer is the most outstanding. Heer Waris Shah (or The Romance of Heer Ranjha) is believed to be based on the true account of two star-crossed lovers, who lived during the times of Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is also said that Waris Shah sublimated his own unrequited love for a girl in writing the romance. The amazing poetic mould that he worked within has not been bettered by any of his successors to date.Waris Shah's mausoleum in Pakistan is today a pilgrimage site, especially for those in love. Bhai Vir Singh (1872-1957), Sikh writer and theologian who was chiefly responsible for raising the Punjabi language to a literary level never before attained. He wrote at a time when Sikh religion and politics and the Punjabi language were under such strong attack by the English that the Sikhs had begun to doubt the value of their way of life. With his versatile pen, he extolled Sikh courage, philosophy, and ideals, gathering respect for the Punjabi language as a literary vehicle. The core of his philosophy is that man must overcome his pride or ego before he can realize God. Once the battle of self is won, man can then know God in all of his manifestations. Bhai Vir Singh founded the weekly paper Khalsa Samacar ("News of the Khalsa") in Amritsar (1899), where it is still published. Among his novels are Kalgidlur Camathar (1935), a novel on the life of the 17th-century guru Gobind Singh, and Guru Nanak Camathar, 2 vol. (1936; "Stories of Guru Nanak"), a biography of the originator of the Sikhism. Other novels on Sikh philosophy and martial excellence include Sundari (1943), Bijai Singh (1899), and Baba Noudh Singh (1946). He used poetical and literary forms never before known to Punjabi, such as short metre and blank verse. His poem "The Vigil" was published posthumously. The Punjab University recognized his contribution by awarding him an honorary doctorate. the father of modern Punjabi poetry, penned Rana Surat Singh, his epic poem of over 14, 000 lines, over the span of two years. Steeped in the spiritual mysteries of the Sikh faith, this epic, an allegorical fantasy, handles realms beyond the physical. A member of the coterie that ushered the Singh Sabha movement in Punjab, Bhai Vir Singh used his epic to propagate the cardinal features of the Sikh religion. It was also the first time that verse libre, called Sirkhandi Chhand was tried in Punjabi verse. The epic is the odyssey of a soul in quest of self-knowledge, and has often been compared with John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and Dante's Divine Comedy. It brought about a radical change in Punjabi poetry lending it new dimensions, new idiom and new potentialities of expression. Nanak Singh (1897-1971), a prolific writer, has been called the father of the Punjabi novel. He made significant contributions to various literary genres. For him character was the determination of incident and incident the illustration of character. His greatest contribution to Punjabi fiction is its secularisation. He depicted excerpts from contemporary life, cloaked with a veil of romantic idealism. His great historical novel, Ik Mian Do Talwaran (One Sheath and Two Swords, 1959) won him the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1962. Mohan Singh 'Mahir' (1905-78) is believed by many to be the greatest Punjabi poet of recent times. He earned this distinction after writing his great epic, Nankayan ( Life of Nanak, 1971). He was also responsible for introducing modernism in Punjabi poetry. Experimenting boldly with form, Freudian and Marxian overtones, 'Mahir' died with a deep commitment to 'Punjabiat' - the Punjabi identity. Nankayan is a commissioned work penned at the request of Punjabi University to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Guru Nanak. He had also successfully translated Edwin Arnold's The Light of Asia into Punjabi verse, depicting the life of the Buddha. Amrita Pritam (b. 1917) and Mohan Singh are the most celebrated poets of Punjabi literature. The period immediately after Independence, marred by the bloody Partition, is rightfully known as the 'Amrita Pritam-Mohan Singh Era' of Punjabi poetry. Pritam's poetry is a wonderful blend of earthiness and the unfathomable depths of the psyche of a woman shackled by small-town orthodox ideas in which she grew up, and later an emancipated woman who broke free in cosmopolitan Lahore and then Delhi. Her immortal poem on the tragedy of the Partition, Ajj Akhan Waris Shah Noo (Waris Shah Today) virtually became a legend, sung with great pathos allover the Punjabi-speaking areas on both sides of the border. With her first novel Doctor Dev in the late sixties, Amrita Pritam branched off into prose. Pinjar (The Skeleton, 1970), her second novel is one of her most powerful works - a intensely poignant account of the Partition. Her prose has a distinct poetic and lyrical quality about it which endeared her not only to her Punjabi readers but also her Hindi audience. Kartar Singh Duggal (b. 1917) is a brilliant Punjabi writer. A master craftsman, Duggal has penned several novels, short stories, plays and poems. He remains unparalleled in Punjabi literature for having fictionalised landmark events in the contemporary history of India. Among his works is the celebrated trilogy covering a volatile period of Punjab, starting with the freedom struggle and ending with the declaration of general elections by Mrs. Indira Gandhi after the Emergency. The first novel is called Haal Mureedan Da (The Plight of the Devotees), the second Ab Na Bason Eh Gaon (No More Will I Live in This Village), and the last Jal Ki Pyaas Na Jaaye (The Thirst for Water Never Dies). Gurdial Singh (b. 1933) is a realist and one who knows his craft. As a writer he depicts life in all its sombre hues. He believes that heredity and environment determine the fate of man, and his characters are drawn from the fringes of rural society, seething with passion, but longing for the touch of compassion. His first novel, Marhi Da Diva (A Lamp in the Cremation Ground, 1964) is regarded as his magnum opus. In this novel, Gurdial Singh has succeeded in delineating a startlingly realistic portrait of the people forming an integral part of the rural landscape.The author focuses on the psychological tensions and social misgivings of a much neglected class. Ajeet Cour (b. 1934), primarily a fiction writer, has nine collections of short stories and two novels to her credit. She got the Sahitya Akademi Award for her fine autobiographical work titled Khanabadosh (The Gypsy, 1982). The fact remains that the thin line dividing her autobiographical work and her fiction is rather flimsy. While Khanabadosh is admittedly an autobiography, her collection of short stories, Savian Chidian (Sea-green Sparrows) houses on some key episodes of her own life. Amongst all the biographical writings in Punjabi, Ajeet Cour's work is distinct in its highlighting the various contours of her career. Dalip Kaur Tiwana (b. 1935) is a prominent novelist of contemporary Punjabi literature. Her works focus on the mindscape of the oppressed woman and the lowly position society accords to her. Another major theme running through her writings is the naive rural folk and their suppressed ambitions and desires. Tragedy and irony are the hallmarks of her fiction. The complex inner duality of the female psyche is Tiwana's principal concern. Her finest work, by far, is the novel Langh Gaye Darya (The Waters Flows down the Rivers, 1990). She emerges as the highly potent narrator of the life and times of the royalty of Patiala, and of those who work for them. Shiv Kumar Batalvi (1936-73) is called the Keats of Punjabi poetry. His urban upbringing in a brahminical environment proved to be his greatest asset which he exploited to the best of his poetic genius. It is a culture exclusive to Shiv Batalvi, amongst his peers. His great play in verse, Loona (1965), which won him the Sahitya Akademi Award, gives a new interpretation to the legend of Pooran Bhagat which had been dealt with by other luminaries like Qadir Yar and Professor Puran Singh. Batalvi's conception and treatment of the story is unique and brilliant, wherein he identifies himself with the female character Loona, and portrays the plight of the downtrodden Indian woman.


Name: suman -
E-mail: skashy@yahoo.com
Comments:   Rupe, I assume you did not observe that my remark was addressed to Sukhbir and was a response to his comments on the article about modern punjabi poets by Darshan Maini. Sajid Ji. Well, it is a lovely misty morning here too and therefore a perfect time to listen to lovely old songs. I will be travelling for the next couple of weeks but will eventually send you whatever good musical stuff that I have. Thanks for the songs.


Name: rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: london,      uk
Comments:   dear suman ji,
I am only a self tauaght student of punjabi, and have had no guide. Therefore on the assumption that you are refreing to myself as the bad writer, all I can say is thank you for the critical input. My first language is English and you should see how I write in that. I never expect to be a great writer or a literary standard writer in Punjabi ( unless some mircle teaches me how to). I rely on help of those on the internet. I just hope to be good enough for my ideas to be understood.
Perhaps if someone was willing to edit my work , I mights tand a chance. Any volunteers?
In the UK it is hard enough trying to get us 2nd and third generation Punjabies even to speak the language.
rupe


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   SajjnoN te Mittro kiddaa?
It is soo much foggy morning today. I love thisss. So in a very happy mood sharing something coool with you.
One and only of its style Sub kujh paani da bulbula
and this old gem Le de tenooN jehRiaN maiN cheezaN aahni aaN
Enjoy.... Have a very nice day.....


Name: suman -
E-mail: skashy@yahoo.com
Comments:   It is my view that the reason that a word or phrase begins to get 'media' attention and usage is because it is already current among a critical mass of people or groups. Technology has changed the world today, therefore it is the force that changes and affects language today. In the future it will be some other force. I have been racking my brain for a while, but cannot think of any one individual who was able to influence the course of a language. Not writers, not poets, not even politicians - tho many have tried.

Sukhbir ji. Have to agree wholeheartedly. God knows there is no lack, and there has never been any lack ever, of bad writers. But one hopes for a critical eye in an editor. Or what is he/she there for?


Name: mili duggal -
E-mail: duggalmills@yahoo.com
Location: chandigarh,      india
Comments:   hello frends... has anybody heard of this song... "sadde verhe vich rab karam kare..mahi pijda pijda kadam dhare...asin raah vich jind bichai hai...uton vasda hai meenh cham cham cham...rab khair kare" can someone tell me who has sung this song and if anyone has the lyrics of this song? i will be obliged best wishes


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Lo sajjnoN aik navaN silsila shuru kar raya aaN. Her roz aik navaN geet Forum te dain da. Aih geet usual nahiN hovan gey. Oh geet jehRay tusi sirf aithay e sun sako gey. Her haftay hovan wali aik Punjabi Music di aik local sungat vich gaaye jaan walay geet. Singer Muhammad Hussain te instument only "PARAAT" umeed ay sajjnaN nooN pasand aavay ga.
Aih Ishq da rog avalRa ay
Enjoy....


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon @cmedltd.com
My URL: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Makeup/2732/batalvi.html
Comments:   About Shiv Kumar


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: London,      Uk
Comments:   Rjaeev Ji,
I accept what you say about language changes. However in the modern world a hand ful of people can influence everyone .
The media is the modern power. If words some of us think can be used, are displayed or used by them to the public, as can be seen in the west, there is a 50% chance
that some of these words will be adopted by the audince and then society. So I do think it worth the effort of people like myself
Otherwise I wholeheartedly Agree with you
I have learned Punjabi ( British version of) in the last two years. Khushjeevan is my first attempt at writing. Please let me know honestly what you think, taking in to consideration that British Punjabi structure ( 2nd generation etc) is influenced by English
Regards
Rupe


Name: RAVI SHARMA -
E-mail: jaibabedi@sify.com
Location: LUDHIANA, PUNJAB     INDIA
Comments:   tut jaaN haddaN atte gaddi jaye shookDi, ho jay pyar lodd (need) pave na bandook di, bada mull (price) tarya (paid) ai leederaN di torr da kariN kiTTe mail rabba dilli te lahore. eko jehA mull hove paise te ruppiAN da, phir to veopar hove datiAN te kahiAN da, mianwali mandi vechaN behrka(ox) nagore da. kariN kiTTe mail rabba dilli te lahore. Dosti tuhadiAN duavAN rang lai ayiyAN.


Name: RAVI SHARMA -
E-mail: jaibabedi@sify.com
Location: LUDHIANA, PUNJAB     INDIA
Comments:   tut jaaN haddaN atte gaddi jaye shookDi, ho jay pyar lodd (need) pave na bandook di, bada mull (price) tarya (paid) ai leederaN di torr da kariN kiTTe mail rabba dilli te lahore. eko jehA mull hove paise te ruppiAN da, phir to veopar hove datiAN te kahiAN da, mianwali mandi vechaN behrka(ox) nagore da. kariN kiTTe mail rabba dilli te lahore. Dosti tuhadiAN duavAN rang lai ayiyAN.


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Saeed Jee tuhananooN vi ta saray punjabiaN nooN mubarik hovay. Per mubarikaaN dain da asli vaila oh hovay ga jadoN kamm siraY appR javay ga HAKOOMTAAN diaN gallaN te waa'day kam hovan toN pichoN vekhay jaNday ne oh te hor bohat kuch baRi der toN aakhi jaNday naiN. SaDi dua ay keh Rabb karay aih kam kisay siray appRay.
Suman jee tusi songs tape ya CD kisay vi tareeqay naal paijh sakday O te main wapisi laee upload da tareeqa qartaaN ga. main try karaN ga koi naveeN cheez regular basis tay. Aj tusi fair K.L sehgal da aik geet suno.
Mahi naal je akh laRdi kadi na
Enjoy...


Name: Sukhbir Garewal -
E-mail: sugrewal@hotmail.com
Comments:  

Fantastic News Saeed P'ah Ji

MubarkaaN

Sukhbir


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: Rawalpindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Punjab te Punjabi naal TuT ke piyaar karan waliyaaN mitraaN de laee ik waDee khuskhabree ey ke Punjab de Wazir-e-aalaa Ch. Parwez Ilahi ne kal ilaan keetaa ey ke Punjabi zuban (bhaashaa) dey wadhaa laee Punjabi Institute dee usaaree sharoo keetee jaa rahee ey. Sajno! lakh lakh wadhaayaaN. Saeed


Name: suman -
E-mail: skashy@yahoo.com
Comments:   Sajid ji.Please keep posting a song or two on a regular basis. This is a lot of fun! As for Salamat/Nazakat, should I make a tape and mail it to you? Because I have no idea how to put it on the forum. The name of the tape is 'Chanda Re Mehfil".

The Barkat Sidhu CD (which BTW is available in southern california)is called Rom Rom Vich Tu and is a collection of sufi songs. It was a very pleasant surprise.


Name: Sukhbir Garewal -
E-mail: sugrewal@hotmail.com
Comments:   Read Prof Darshan Mainis write-up on what he claims are the pioneers of Punjabi poetry. To put it ever so mildly, this piece of writing is distressingly way off the mark in terms of information, insights into known theoretic prameters set up by the western academia (his reference to Freud for instance is uproariously funny), critical insights into cultural history of contemporary Punjab, and translations that indicate if anything a colossal misreading.

In fact, this brings another question to the fore: why does a regional English daily like the Tribune lag so far behind other regional newspapers of India? I am referring here to the South Indian English dailies like the Hindu and the Deccan Chronicle; the East Indian English dailies like the Telegraph and the Stateman? Even smaller English dailies from Assam, Bihar and Kashmir seem to have better informed cultural profile in terms of the quality of critical debate they generate than our East Punjab daily. I do believe that the English dailies like the Dawn and the Nation from Pakistan are qualitatively way ahead of our Tribune. It is not just a lone wrtite-up by Prof Darshan Maini which has saddened me. By and large the critical/cultural foci on cinema, music, architecture, book reviews etc carried in the Daily Tribune inspire little confidence and are, in fact, embarrassingly misinformed at times.

Regards

Sukhbir


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   SajjnoN
Rajeev Jee te ne bohat changay points dittay naiN.Main hun tak jo samjhya aaN maiN likh dainaN.
Boli kadi vi kisay aik banday ya group day badalyaaN nahiN badaldi. Koi vi boli apnay pachokaR nooN lay kay Turdi ay tay apnay mojooda vailay de halaat day mutabiq apna paiNda kardi ay. Je ais boli jay bolan walayaaN vich ainee salahiyat hovay keh oh apnay halaat day mutabiq zamanay day naal Tor sakan te boli zinda vi rehNdi ay te wadh di ta phaldi ay. Je bolan walay apnay aap day naal boli nooN zamanay day naal naaN Tor sakan te fair e oh boli ya tay mer jaNdi ay ya ohda wadhna ruk jaNda ay.
AseeN apnay aalay dawalay jhaati mar kay vaikhiye keh aseeN apni boli day ilaqay vich ki taraqqi keeti ay. Te sanooN ais zamanay di koi vi cheez nazar nahiN auNdi jehRi aseeN banai hovay. Aih hor gal ay keh ais boli day bolan walay kisay doosri thaaN te gaey te ohna mehnat naal apna koi muqaam bnaya. Te osay hissab naal boli da aih hissa paey gya keh oss day naaN day naal ohday ilaqay ya boli da vi zikar ho gya. Je aseeN aap kuch bana nahiN sakday te fair sanooN ohna cheezaN nooN osay taraN ohna naawaN naal qubool kar kay aih gal mann laini chahi day keh aseeN ais qabil e nahiN aaN. Aithay aik gal hor aa jaNdi keh jehRiaN cheezaN RABBI (Allah diaN banaiyaN hoiyaaN) ne ohnaN nooN te aseeN apni boli vich laya sakday aaN. Per aiThay aih gall aa jaNdi ay baee koi vi boli apnay aasay passay diaN cheezaN te e ussardi ay. JadoN aik shay kisay ilaqay day lokaN vekhi e nahiN ohnaN nooN ohday naaN de naal vi koi moh nahiN hunda.Oh fair jiddaN kisay nain dassi ossay taraN mann laee.Ohday vich koi adal badal lehjay day faraq naal tay aa sakda ay koi zabardasti oss shay day naaN nooN apni boli de mathay nahin maRh sakday.
Boli day wadan ya ghaTan vich media da vi bohat waDha role ay.aiThay vi maiN aiho kahwaaN ga baee media tay vi twaday koi apnay qaabil banday hovan gey te ohonaN da e koi asar hovay ga.Tusi vekh rahay o keh her roz kaee sou gana ban da hovay ga. Per vichoN koi ginti day e geet hovan gey jehRay lokaN di zuban tay aa gaey. Baqi tay aik do wari challay tay muk gaey. Aihday vich vi oss ganay ya boli tooN bohta oss banday da kamal ay jinhay oss geet nooN aik changay muqaam tay biThaya. AseeN apni boli noo jeeNda rakhna ay te sanooN apni boli nooN naal lay kay zamanay di Tor Turni paway gi.Aap kuch bana laiye te ohda naaN rakh laiye te sada chaala aih hai keh doojay banai jaan tay aseeN apna time ais gal tay gawa daiyye keh aihda naaN ki hona chahi da ay. Har baNda asani pasand ay te oho karda ya bolda ay jihday vich ohnoo assan laggay je kisay cheez da aik sidha jehya naaN ay ohnooN val valaivaiN paa kay apna banoun da ki faida? Jay tusi zabardast lokaN te apnay lafaz bana kay impose karo gey te oh kadi vi kisay laee acceptable nahiN hovan gey.


Name: rajeev -
E-mail: fakeemail@donnotspam.com
Comments:   dear apna mitro,

how does one go about actually changing a language ? i read, with great interest if i may add, intelligent and some times passioante posts from akhilesh jee, sukhbir jee, suman jee, saeed saheb, sajid jee, rammah jee, bali and and all others on language.. my question is -- do languages change by a few people deciding to change it ( or "improve it" ) or does media play a big role in it ?? do academics have a say in it or is it an evolution process in language that actually reflects the cultural/social journey of the society ??.. is a language better off by borrowing and assimilating freely from various other languages or does it need to stand on its own and resist "adulteration"..

i am not an erudite scholar of literature or language but my casual observation tells me that we have had examples of all kinds in recent years/decades.. let me try to clearly articulate ( or try to! ) what i mean..

----some exemplary personalities had an impact almost single handedly (or so is believed) in shaping a particular language.. examples often quoted are rabindranath tagore and swami vivekananda in bengal, both of whom introduced major changes in the then prevelant writing styles..

---media intervention can be clearly seen here in the usa where language is rapidly (extremely rapidly in some cases) changing specially in some sections of the society.. words like "bling bling", "flipping the camera", "hood rat", "word up!" etc. etc. are in common currency... and so are "yoga", "guru", "mantra", "karma", "pundit" etc. in other circles..

---as sukhbir jee once mentioned i think.. language at a particular time in history reflects the journey in time of that civilization and its trials and tribulations... sukhbir jee did you say it or am i just dreaming it up!! this is very logical and reasonable to expect..

---assimilation from other languages is not a bad thing, or is it? most languages call internet the internet.. router, network protcols and other fast changing technology constructs are called by their english names in most of the countries (even european countries..) ... efforts on the contrary have not borne fruits i think.. for example, hindization of these words did not catch on at all.. nor did its french counterparts (i think!)

similarly many indian languages like bengali, tamil, kannada, malyalam freely assimilte words from hindi and sanskrit and are actually doing pretty well.. every one in those states reads and writes in their language.. and the language is flourishing with english as the only main rival..

---sanskrit has remained very ancient and still follows grammar rules set by "pannini", thousandS years ago(?) and may be that is why it is not a spoken language for the last thousand years... hindi borrows freely from sanskrit and is flourishing on the other hand..

---now to my question ( i sure do take my time don't i??!!).. how can academics and intelligentia (spellling?) "change" a language... what steps if any or what general scheme if any..

meri bhul chuk muaaf karnaa... meri majaal tae naheen vidvaana/ustaadan age sawaal jawaab karan di par beadabi kar rehaan haan... i hope it opens up a discussion and brings evry body back... by the way, how does arabic, farsi and urdu fare on the "change and assimilation" scale ?? rajeev


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Akhilesh Jee
Thanks for suggestion.It is really a very nice article. I already had this in my mind when you posted this article. I'm waiting for Rammah jee to go back and approve it.


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.desiradio.org.uk/
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal

Here is an article from Chandigarh Tribune's Sunday 'Spectrum':

"Pioneers of modern Punjabi love poetry"
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040111/spectrum/book10.htm

Sajid Chaudhry Ji, Perhaps you could add this tribute to Madam Noor Jehan on the APNA homepage: (Just a suggestion not a request)

http://pakistantimes.net/2004/01/06/entertainment.htm


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Lo sajjnoN Master Madan day doNvaaN geetaN da sawad improved quality vich lavo..... :)
BaaghaaN vich PeeNghaN PaiyaaN
Raavi de perle kanDay vey mitraa


Name: Jasbir Singh Sethi -
E-mail: jssethi@yahoo.com
Comments:   Original Message: >From: >To: >Subject: Commments on article http://www.sikhspectrum.com/112003/rup_punjabi.htm >Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2004 15:21:44 -0700 >Below are comments on article >http://www.sikhspectrum.com/112003/rup_punjabi.htm from Jasbir Singh Sethi >Place: Houston USA >Telephone : >Email Address: jssethi@yahoo.com > >Congratulations for such a great effort. >SCRIPT: Yes it can be Gurmukhi, Persian (Shahmukhi), Devnagri or even >Roman. >WORDS: The global interaction is increasing at a very rapid speed. Even >human knowledge is expanding at a jet speed. Finding and coining exact >Punjabi word is a futile effort, as on one hand it becomes outdated >faster, secondly it takes more effort to popularize it. It is better to >adopt the original word no matter from which language it came, slight >modification to give it Punjabi tinge is fine. Want to share two personal >examples: I found out that there is only one word representing "election" >and "selection". >In 50's Punjabi writers started adopting lots of Hindi words that the >literature became very tasteless. >Hope the Scholars recognize this triat of living languages to be flexible >enough to assimilate and adopt words from other languages. It also brings >us closer to other cultures, builds bridges. >Regards, >Jasbir Singh Sethi > >Regards >SikhSpectrum.com > >


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
My URL: http://www.sikhspectrum.com/112003/rup_punjabi.htm
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   What do you think@ Tuhade Kee Vichaar hai~?


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Baldev Josan Jee In west punjab i dont think people know about Lohri. There may be some old people who know about it but new generation of west punjab dont know about it.
Lohri tay Punjab toN door vassan walay sajjnaN laee sohnay Punjab diaN yadaN
KitoN labhni na rounaq Punjab vergi
Enjoy.....


Name: Baldev Josan -
E-mail: bjosan@yahoo.com
Location: Brussels,      Belgium
Comments:   LohRi diyaaN sabnaa nu vadhaayiaaN. I am glad to note that our langauage and culture is progressing. I would like to know what are the major festivals of west punjab. Lohri is popular in west punjab or not? I am impressed by the initiative taken by Punjabi magazine Lehran from Lahore which has now started teaching Gurmukhi script to its readers.


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Sukhbir jee shukria bohat bohat jaankari dain da. Meinoo Barkat Sidhu da nahiN si pata.It is an addition in my collection.Thank you so much. Bali Jee welcome back and thanks for Information :) I didn't hear that album you mentioned.


Name: Bali K. Deol -
E-mail: swaraj@shaw.ca
Comments:   Sajid, hor vee ne, sab te yaad nahi par Balkar da ik hor album aa 'Aaja ganne chupiye'!


Name: rajeev -
E-mail: fakeemail@donotspam.com
Comments:   sukhbir veer jee..
thanks a lot for the info on ustad bade ghulam ali khan saheb.. his punjabi renditions are hard to come by here in southern california... sukhbir jee, by any chance would you know of any such thing available on the internet ?..

rab raakha..


Name: Sukhbir Garewal -
E-mail: sugrewal@hotmail.com
Comments:   Balkar Sidhu and Barkat Sidhu are two different singers. Whereas Barkat Sidhu - who incidentally has been around for some decades now and is in his early 60s - belongs to the Qureshi-Mirasi clan and is a cousin of Puran Shahkoti, Balkar is closer to the rural folk-idiom as can be ascertained from his recordings available on the APNA page. His kali about Dulla Bhatti is rendered with seductive rural vitality. Barkat, on the other hand, started his career as a singer-cum-announcer in small Kasbas of Punjab announcing film shows and other cultural programmes on a loudspeaker attached to a rickety rickshaw or a creaking tonga. Financially, he has seen some very tough times. Even today, he lives in not too happy a financial state in the small town of Moga. He is trained in classical music. His repertoire of Sufi texts is regrettably small but he has a beautiful voice.

As for Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Saheb, most of his recordings are available - almost freely available, if I may add - in Delhi, Kolkotta and Mumbai. In Kolkotta, ITC Sangeet Academy is the source. In Delhi Cannaught Place, Palika Bazar, Khan Market are the obvious pick-up points.The organisers of the Jullundur-based Harvallabh Festival have an incredibly large achival footage of Ustad Ji's renditions - some of these in lilting Punjabi - especially his "Aa ja na maahi mele challiye..." in PahaRi. Regards, Sukhbir


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Rajeev Jee
Balkar Sidhu BhangRa singer ay. hun tak 4 Album dittay nain
1-Charkha
2-Do GallaN
3-Kurti
4-Laung TaveetaRiaaN (latest)
Enjoy


Name: rajeev -
E-mail: fakeemail@donotspam.com
Comments:   sajid jee....
i tried :)..
suman jee....
do you know where we can get hold of his music on the internet? does he sing sufiana kalam or is he a "gharanedar" musician ?? thodee roshni paao sidhu sahab tae, tuhadi baut mehrbaani hovegi..
rab raakha


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Rajeev jee aih te maiN vekhi ay. Aithay vi oho e 2 geet nain jehRay mere kol pehlay hai ne. K.L Saigal di pehlay e mairay kol kafi collection ay :) thanks for prompt reply
Biography of Master Madan


Name: rajeev -
E-mail: fakeemail@donotspam.com
Comments:   sajid veer jee..
here is some info on master madan and some of his songs.. he would really have been something had he lived longer.. par jo rab di marzi.. the web site address is
www.thumri.com

you will also find a couple of k l saigal's punjabi songs here.. some treat hunh!! lemme' know if it you like it..


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Good article Akhilesh. But too late for me I've learnt gurmukhi now :)
Milli JeeYou are welcome.Happy lohri to you too
Rashid Jee normally i'm available in sahiwal on weekends only.
Suman Jee you can send those poor quality songs and let me try my methods to improve quality of songs.I've already done some successfull experiments on it. :)
SajjnoN kisay nooN Master Madan de baray kuch pata hovay??? Oh aik baal si jehnay choti umray music vich kuch kam keeta ay. Mere kol ohday 2 geet naiN punjabi vich. Kisay sajjan nooN pata hovay keh ohnay hor vi geet gaaye ne punjabi vich???
mere kol 2 geet
1-Baagaan vich peeNghaaN paiyaaN
2-Ravi de parle kanDe vey mittaraa
hor koi geet kisay nooN pata hovay?????????


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.lokpunjab.org/
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Gurmukhi brings Pakistan Punjab closer to Indias
Varinder Walia
Tribune News Service
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040112/punjab1.htm#3

- Title of Punjabi magazine Lehran, published in Shahmukhi (Persian script) from Lahore which has now started teaching Gurmukhi script to its readers. Photo by Rajiv Sharma

Amritsar, January 11
New bridges are being built to establish people-to-people contact between two Punjabs. While the monthly Punjabi magazine, Lehran, published from Lahore took the initiative to publish literature in Shahmukhi (Persian script) and its transcription in Gurmukhi script simultaneously, many Punjabi writers in Pakistan have started following the trend.

The Editor of Lehran, Mr Akhtar Husain Akhtar, has endeavoured to teach alphabet of Gurmukhi to the readers so that gap between Punjabi writers and readers of both the Punjabs could be bridged up.

Dr Joginder Singh Kairon, a noted Punjabi writer and a former Chairman of the Punjab Text Board, said that this trend would help writers of both the Punjabs to study the source material available in Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi scripts.

Dr Sukhdev Singh Khehra, a Professor of Punjabi School of Studies, Guru Nanak Dev University, said that more than 60 per cent of Punjabi literature of medieval period was available in Shahmukhi script only.

Hence, it is the need of the hour to learn both the scripts to study and research. Dr Khehra said that the university had been making sincere efforts to bring both the Punjabs closer by teaching Shahmukhi to the students of MA (Punjabi).

A subject of Pakistani literature is also a part of the academic course. Dr Khehra who had done his Ph.D. on cultural consciousness in Punjabi literature had dished out unique information about the robust Punjabi character by reading Punjabi novels of Pakistan.

Many Punjabi novels, authored by Fakhar Zaman, who was a minister during Bhuttos regime, had used symbols to write about the hanging of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Though his Punjabi novels were published in Gurmukhi script due to the efforts of Dr Karnail Singh Thind, a former Registrar of Guru Nanak Dev University yet Pakistans Punjabi literature is being published in Shahmukhi and Gurmukhi scripts simultaneously.

Dr Jatinder Jolly, a Reader in GND varsitys Punjabi Department who had done his doctorate on Pakistani literature, said that the publication of Punjabi literature in both the scripts would go a long way in bridging the gap between Punjabi writers of both the Punjabs.

Ms Jagjit Kaur, a research fellow of the department, has been doing research on Pakistans Punjabi literature under Dr Jolly these days.

Some of the books which were published simultaneously in Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi scripts included bolde athru by Amin Malik and Kurlandi tan by USA-based Pakistani writer Ashraf Gill.

These books were printed in the press of noted Pakistani Punjabi writer, Illyas Ghumman who is based in Lahore.

A series of books of Urdu writers of Pakistan have been published by Mr Kulwant Singh Suri, the son of famous Punjabi novelist Nanak Singh.

The books are a blessing for literature lovers and have brought priceless poetic art to the doorstep of a common man. For Punjabi singers, musicians and composers the easy-to-read script would open doors for more meaningful milieu of songs compared to the current trend of music scores.


Name: rajeev -
E-mail: pleasespam@spamme.com
Comments:   the link once again, it got a bit messed up last time..

http://homepage.mac.com/patrickmoutal/macmoutal/rag.html


Name: rajeev -
E-mail: fakeemail@pleasespam.com
Comments:   sajid veer jee..
tuhada bahut bhaut dhanvaad... i will browse thru' your collection right now...

also, sajid saab tae apna mitro.. check out this link and you can download video of a small documnetry type of thing by bade ghulam ali saheb.. as far as i know it is the only video that there is of the great man.. you can also see barkat ali khan performing with him.. its a treat to watch him at work.. http://homepage.mac.com/patrickmoutal/macmoutal/rag.html happy listening.. rab raakha..


Name: Rashid Chaudhry -
E-mail: rashid313@yahoo.com
Location: Pindi,      Pakistan
Comments:   Sajid Sahib! I am stunningly amazed by your great contribution in discussion forum and ur marvellous collection, you mentioned as i basically belong to ur city Sahiwal. it will be my pleasure to have a conversation with u if u could provide me a chance to call on u in ur city. I can be approached on e-mail address provided.


Name: Mili Duggal -
E-mail: duggalmills@yahoo.com
Location: chandigarh,      india
Comments:   sat shree akal... wishing all of you out there a very warm and happy lohri...


Name: mili duggal -
E-mail: duggalmills@yahoo.com
Location: chandigarh,      india
Comments:   dear sajid ji, thank u so much for ur help... i am obliged...wishing you a very happy lohri...


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Suman Ji I didn't know that Abida sung "LaThay di chadar" but now i surly try my level best to find it.However you can enjoy another gem of Abida in folk and semi-classical style.Hope you'll enjoy it JhallaN Pakhi te aaway ThanDi waa
I've another very nice song of Abida in same style "Laggi waalyaN noo neeNd nahiN auNdi" ... :)


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Lo SajjnoN Asa Singh Mastana day aik hor geet da sawad lavo :)
MaiN door chala jaavaN ga jadoN
Classical de devanayaN laee meri collection di complete list Classical Collection


Name: suman -
E-mail: skashy@yahoo.com`
Comments:   Sajid ji. Long ago I used to have a recording that somehow got lost and I wonder if you may have it in your vast collection. It was 'LaTHe Di Chaadar' sung by Abida Parveen in a semi - classical style and it was fabulous.

Salamat Ali and Nazakat Ali Khan have a few recordings in Punjabi. They were such wonderful singers but the quality of the tapes that I have is really bad - very frustrating. The formers son, Shafqat Ali Khan has some good stuff in Punjabi which is quite easily available. BTW there is a new singer from India, Barkat Sidhu I think, who is not too bad.


Name: rajeev -
E-mail: fakeemail@donotspam.com
Comments:   sajid veer jee....
waah waah, tusi tae pahunchae hoy rasik haigae ho! i would love to have
"Raga Malkauns - Mandir Dekh Dare"
"Raga Pahadi - Hari Om Tat Sat"
it is amazing that ustad vadday ghulam ali khan saab not only sang so many beautiful bhajans but actually wrote them.. his nom de plume was 'sabrang'.. for example "hari om tat sat".. one time when he was done giving an amazing performance in bengal, an old man said "khan saab, i dont know the intricacies of khayal, thumri and classical music... but should you sing some thing of god, i would love it very much.. khan saab said "aglee baar koshish karoonga..".. true to his words when he went back he had this bhajan.. "hari om tat sat"... amazing wordings and out of the world performance..
dear apna mitro cheers to a punjabi that looms large in music and is considered by many to be one of the very best hindustani classical music has ever seen.. he sang of allah, hari and kartar with same majestic charm as he sang of bulley shah..


Name: Sukhbir Garewal -
E-mail: sugrewal@hotmail.com
Comments:   Sunder mundariye..ho
Tera kaun vachara..ho
Dulla BhaTTi walla..ho
Dulle dhi viahyi..ho
Ser shakkar paayi..ho
Kudi de lekhe laayee..ho
Ghar ghar pave vadhai..ho
Kudi da laal paTaka..ho
Kudi da saalu paaTa..ho
Sallu kaunn sameTe..ho
Alla BhaTTi bheje..ho
Chache choori kuTee..ho
ZimiNdaran luTee..ho
Dulle ghoR duRaaye..ho
ZimiNdara sadaaye..ho
Vich panchait bathaaye..ho
Gin-gin pole layee..ho
Si ik pola reh gaya
Shpaayi phaR ke lei gayaa
Aakho mundeo taanaa..taannaa
Makayi da daannaaa..daannaa
Faqir di jholi paannaa..paannaa
AsaaN Thanne nayeeoN jaanna..jaanna
Shapaai vaddi khaanna..khaanna
Agge aappe rabb seyaanna..seyaanna
Yaaro agg sek ke jaannaa..jaannaa
LohRi diyaaN sabnaa nu vadhaayiaaN


Name: Gursharan -
E-mail: gsinghh@yahoo.com
Location: Pind Reston, Va     USA
Comments:   Hello Sajid Ji,

O mere veer ji, Rabb de vaste eh saari collection mainu v bhej devo. please contact me at my email address provided. tohadi jo v seva hove mainu jaroor dasna. mainu eh saariyaan cheezaan CD te chahidiyaan han. Sir aapdi bari meharbani hovegi. please do contact me.


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Rajeev Jee
Ustad Waday Ghulam Ali Khan di bohti collection te nahin ay meray kol kuch raag te ThumriaaN ne list tusi vekh lavo je aihna vichoN koi chahi di hovay te maiN hazir aaN.

Ae Kartar Poori Karo - Raga - Goonkali - Teentaal
Eree Kab Ave Sajan - Khayal Vilambit - Jhoomra
Kaushidhwani - Vilambit Ektal Re Mana He Mana Drut Teental Ajahoon Aye Balamwa
Naina More Taras Rahe - Jungla Bhairavi
Raag Desi-Jaa re kaga
Raag Des-Kali ghata ghir aai
Raag Handoli Sarang
Raga Bhairavi - Thumri Jat Taal
Raga Malkauns - Mandir Dekh Dare
Raga Pahadi - Hari Om Tat Sat
Raga Piloo - Thumri Jat Taal
Raga Rageshree - Jhoomra Taal Sab Sukh Deho More Karta
Saiyan Bolo - Pilu Thumri
Sugar Madha Peevan Re - Khayal Vilambit - Ektaal
Thumri Pilu - Kankar Maar Jagaye
Tilang Thumri - Jat Taal- Tore Naina Jadu Bhare Sanwra
Tumri Bhairavi


Name: rajeev -
E-mail: fakeemail@donotspam.com
Comments:   sajid veer jee.. i am a big fan of ustad bade ghulam ali khan and i have heard that he sang quite a few bandishes in punjabi... but i have never come across any on the internet or otherwise.. veer jee, jara apne music collection de pitaarre wich dekho shayad meraa vi kam ban jaaye... bahut bahut shukriyaa rab raakha..


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     pakistan
Comments:   Here are Lyrics of the song with link to song sung by 2 different singers. Enjoy and keep posting :).....
Menoo heere heere aakhay hai ne munDa lambRaN da
Ni munDa lambRaN da
Menoo waang shudaaiaaN jhaakay hai ne munDa lambRaN da
Ni munDa lambRaN da

subha sveray uth nadiye jaaN jaani aaN
subha sveray uth nadiye jaaN jaani aaN
mal mal daheeN diaN phuTiaaN nahani aaN
ni ohday paani ch suneevan haasay hai ni munda lambRaN da
Ni munDa lambRaN da
Menoo heere heere aakhay hai ne munDa lambRaN da
Ni munDa lambRaN da

subha sveray uth khoovay tay jaani aaN
subha sveray uth khoovay tay jaani aaN
suha suha ghaRa jad Dhaakay maiN laani aaN
ni oh lagga meri vakhi sangg jaapay hai ni munda lambRaN da
Ni munDa lambRaN da
Menoo heere heere aakhay hai ne munDa lambRaN da
Ni munDa lambRaN da

subha sveray uth baagay maiN jaani aaN
subha sveray uth baagay maiN jaani aaN
chun chun maruwa chambaili layani aaN
ni ohday saahaaN di sugandh aouNdi jaapay hai ni munDa lambraN da
Ni munDa lambRaN da
Menoo heere heere aakhay hai ne munDa lambRaN da
Ni munDa lambRaN da
Menoo waang shudaaiaaN jhaakay hai ne munDa lambRaN da
Ni munDa lambRaN da

Menoo Heere Heere By Surinder Kaur Menoo Heere Heere By Mohini Raseela


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     pakistan
Comments:  

Milli Jee
This song is sung by "Racchpal Raseela and Mohini Raseela" and I've this song in my collection. YES I can provide Lyrics and song as well :)


Name: mili -
E-mail: duggalmills@yahoo.com
Location: chandigarh,      india
Comments:   sat shree akal friends... would anybody plese be able to help me with the lyrics of an old song known as..."mainu heere heere akhe hai nee munda lambaran da nee munda lambaran da..." i would be very thankful..


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.lokpunjab.org/
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal

Dear friends, please visit the below website. Im sure if possible, all APNA friends living in Pakistan will be able to attend the Punjab Lok Boli Mela:

http://www.lokpunjab.org/mela/
17-22 February; Depalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
Punjab Mother Language Festival 2004
A festival to celebrate linguistic diversity and rich literary and cultural heritage of the Punjab

http://www.lokpunjab.org/mela/English/introduction.asp
http://www.lokpunjab.org/mela/shahmukhi/introduction.asp
http://www.lokpunjab.org/mela/gurmukhi/introduction.asp


Name: Altaf Sikander Busal -
E-mail: altafbusal@hotmail.com
Comments:   SajnaaN lai ik sajri ghazal hazir ae

************Ghazal***********

oomraaN baadooN wehRRay aya kisraaN yar sanjapay da

sanooN aksar rehnda nahin hunn cheta apnay aapay da

dil dyaaN laggyaaN da koi daroo deway te maiN mannaaN

har koi weid hakeem sayanna yaro kasoo taapay da

jangal belay di wirani mele wargi lagay gi

naqsha khich ke dassaaN tenooN jay apnay aklapay da

ik table de doojay pasay rusya sajjaN beTha ae

kehRRay feetay de naal koi vichlee doori napay da

teray payar ne yar sikander akheeN banhyaN paTTyaN

jehRRay phul nooN wekhaaN ga oh teray werga japay da

Altaf Sikander Busal


Name: Ramesh Krishnamurthy -
E-mail: ramesh28@btopenworld.com
Comments:   I'd like to see some of the contributions to this forum. I am an academic who is interested to know how British Punjabi is becoming more different from Indian/Pakistani Punjabi. Someone emailed me suggesting I should look at this forum, because his contributions are partly written in British Punjabi.


Name: RAVI SHARMA -
E-mail: jaibabedi@sify.com
Location: LUDHIANA (INDIA), PUNJAB     INDIA
Comments:   DEAR RUPE I HAVE A COLLECTION OF SOME BOOKS AMRITA PRITAM AND I AM READING HER MAGZINE "NAGMANI" SINCE 1993 (AMMI STOPPED ITS PUBLISHING IN APRIL, 2002 ON HEALTH GROUNDS). I AM ALSO BASED AT LUDHIANA WHERE LAHORE BOOK SHOP AND SOME OTHER REPUTED PUBLISHERS ARE HAVING THERE SHOPS. IT WILL BE MY PLEASURE IF I CAN HELP YOU IN ANY MANNER. POSTAL ADDRESS OF AMRITA PRITAM IS AS UNDER: AMRITA PRITAM K-25, HOUZ KHAS, NEW DELHI. PHONE : 0091-11-26519278 GOODS LUCK THANKS & REGARDS RAVI SHARMA


Name: RAVI SHARMA -
E-mail: jaibabedi@sify.com
Location: LUDHIANA (INDIA), PUNJAB     INDIA
Comments:   DEAR RUPE I HAVE A COLLECTION OF SOME BOOKS AMRITA PRITAM AND I AM READING HER MAGZINE "NAGMANI" SINCE 1993 (AMMI STOPPED ITS PUBLISHING IN APRIL, 2002 ON HEALTH GROUNDS). I AM ALSO BASED AT LUDHIANA WHERE LAHORE BOOK SHOP AND SOME OTHER REPUTED PUBLISHERS ARE HAVING THERE SHOPS. IT WILL BE MY PLEASURE IF I CAN HELP YOU IN ANY MANNER. POSTAL ADDRESS OF AMRITA PRITAM IS AS UNDER: AMRITA PRITAM K-25, HOUZ KHAS, NEW DELHI. PHONE : 0091-11-26519278 GOODS LUCK THANKS & REGARDS RAVI SHARMA


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   Dear Friends, You have probably read Khushjeevan Below. I am not a rich man, and if APNA is not interested in Publishing this, does anyone know reputable Punjabi Publisher?
Please provide e-mail
Thanks


Name: bebe nanno -
E-mail: bnanno@indiatimes.com
Location: LEIOA,      SPAIN
Comments:   Dear Rupe, This re your request for info on where you can get hold of Punjabi books by Amrita Pritam. I dont really know a good internet site, but Lahore Book Shop in Ludhiana run an excellent mail order service, overseas clients included. Books are delivered by sea-mail in up to 3 months (mine arrived in 2) for about 200 Rs for upto 5kgs, or by airmail, I think it was about 1200 Rs for the 5kgs but I didn't use it. You can contact them by e-mail at
lahorebookshop@rediffmail.com or
mannatk@yahoo.com.
Postal address is Lahore Book Shop, 2, Lajpat Rai Market, Near Society Cinema, Ludhiana, Punjab, India. Tel: ++ 91 161 740738.
Last time i looked, they had a large number, if not all, of Amrita Pritams work in print, so should be no problem. Books are usually avaialble only in Gurmukhi, although they have some books in English on Punjabi-related topics (limited though). Good luck, and hope this helps.


Name: P S Kahlon -
E-mail: pkahlon@tnstate.edu
Comments:   Rupe:

Cogratulations. Keep up with your efforts. It will take time but the final draft is excellent.


Name: Santosh -
E-mail: rupe@panindia.com
My URL: http://www.5abi.com/vishesh/vishesh2004/070104_bullah_bajwa.htm
Comments:   Interesting article


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: london,      uk
Comments:   one thing I agree with Akhilesh about. IF Punjabies on both sides become friends, perhaps one day India and Pakostan will. Problem is the powerful want to quarrel to distract citazens on both sides from the fact that their establishments are not providing poor society with amenties such as the west. This is selfish. It can be done though, as the Tiger economies have proven. Pakistan and India should be with them. Therefore United Punjabi ideals could be first step


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.desiradio.org.uk/
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Nayyar calls for reunion of Punjabs
Tribune News Service
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040108/punjab1.htm#10

Patiala, January 7
Eminent journalist Kuldeep Nayyar today sentimentally called for a reunion of both Punjabs, in India and Pakistan, to promote Punjabi on both sides of the border.

In a speech here after accepting the lifetime fellowship conferred on him, Mr Nayyar said the Partition had harmed Punjabi. He said as borders could not be changed, efforts should be made to enlarge the reach of Punjabi on both sides as the ethos and sentiments of the people on both sides was the same.

Earlier in his inaugural speech, religio-social leader Bhai Ashok Singh Bagrian said the Sikh religion did not belong to one section. Rather it represented the entire thought process from the First to the Tenth Guru.

Bhai Bagrian said the war philosophy advocated by Guru Gobind Singh was the first and rarest of its kind, adding the Guru himself sacrificed his two elder sons for the sake of righteousness in war while two others gave their life for the sake of religion.

Former Chief Secretary S.S. Dhanoa in his presidential address emphasised upon the need to look into and give meaning to the existing diversities in Punjabi language.

He said the simplicity of Gurmukhi script of Punjabi language gave straight and beautiful expression to even complex human experiences and abstract feelings.

In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor Swarn Singh Boparai termed the compilation of Bani by Guru Arjan Dev in the form of Guru Granth Sahib as a bliss to mankind.

He said when rapid social change compresses humans to the point of disintegration it is the spirit of Gurbani which helped them to keep their psyche intact and gave a new meaning and strength to ones life.

Citing the universitys effort for the development of Punjabi, the Vice-Chancellor said so far the Department of Punjabi Development had completed 103 projects and had started 60 new projects in language, literature and culture.

He said the university was in the process of making the entire encyclopaedia of the Sikhs available on the Internet, besides translating major Nobel Prize winning works into Punjabi.

Earlier, historian Dr J.S. Grewal was conferred a lifetime fellowship. Dr Grewal shared his sentiments and views about Sikh history on the occasion.

The Registrar, Dr Param Bakshish Singh, while presenting a vote of thanks dwelt upon the need to preserve Punjabi language, literature and culture in its historical perspective.

Dr Dhanwant Kaur, Head of the department of Punjabi Language Development, said the department inspired scholars and writers to delve deep into the ocean of Punjabi literature available till date.


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
My URL:
Location: London,      UK
Comments:  

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klm  ruipMdr isMG iF~loN
1) cMdjhwzI

myrw ipMf cMdjhwzI hY[ ies dw sMbMD sqluj dirAw qo ndI JIl nwl hY[ cMdjhwzI ipMf, JIl kMFy visAw hoieAw hYY[ ieh JIl qo pMCI mor Aqy m~JW pwxI pINdy hn[ ies pwxI ivc cMd mwmy dw prCwvW nzr AwauNdw rihMdw hY[ ies prCwvW dyKx c mYnMU jhwz rUpI lgdw sI[ keI swlW bwAd mYnMU pqw ligAw ik ies ipMf dw nW cMdjhwzI ikauN r~iKAw igAw sI[ ies ipMf dy pihly invwsI pySy qoN jhwzI sn[ aunHW iv~c sB qo mShUr kurYSI Kwndwn sI jo ies ipMf dy jwgIdwr sn[ kurYSIAW dy sB qo mShUr bMdy dw nW cMd Kwn sI[ cMd Kwn dy nW ip~Cy ies ipMf dw nW jhwzIAW dy pySy krky cMdjhwzI pY igAw[

myrw nW rySm isMG hY[ mYN solHW swlW dw sI jdo ieh khwxI SurU huMdI hY[ myrI pihlI BwSw AMgryzI hY[ myrw ilKx Aqy bolx dw qrIkw AMgryzW vrgw hY[ pr mw& krnw AsIN brqwnIAw iv~c pYdy hoey pMjwbI b~cy eysy qrW pMjwbI boldy hW [

mW-ipau, sivs dyS dy AYlps phwVW qy skIieMg krdy hwdsy ivc Kqm ho gey [ audoN mYN kyvl dsW swlW dw sI Aqy brqwnIAw ivc hI rihMdw sI[ aus qo bwAd SrIkW ny mYnUM pMjwb ilAWdw sI[ s~cI mu~cI ^uS dI koeI h~d nw rhI[ Asl c ieMglYNf ivc koeI svrg nhIN hY[ swfy lok AYNvy hI ieMglYNf nUM B`jdy hn[ iehnW pwglW nUM smJ nhIN ik ikMnw AOKw hY brqwnIAw ivc rihxw[ kyvl dOlq idsdI hY[ ie~Qy rihxw vI AOKw hY[ AMgryzI lok Bwrq Aqy pwiksqwn dy lokw nUM qW pwkI s~ddy hn[ sB is`K musilm Aqy ihMdU nUM ku`Ty vrgy smJdy hn [ keI lok kwmXwb vI hn[ pr bhuqy lokW nUM du`K qsIhy hI imldy huMdy hn[ brqwnIAW c rihx vwly BwrqIAW Aqy pwiksqwnIAW nUM qW pMjwb rihx vwilAW dIAW izMdgIAW bhuq sohxIAW lgdIAW hn[

brqwnIAW ivc qW idn rwq qk kMm kr ky m~sW swry t~br nUM imldy hn[ Dn z~rUr hY pr sB cIzW lYNx leI srkwr nUM qn^wh dw ie`k au~cw ih~sw dyxw pYNdw hY[ ies au~cy kr nwl srkwr sVkW skUl, hspqwl, bxwauNdI hY [ ies pYsy nwl sB shUlqW pYdw krdy hn, hspqwl qo gMdIAW nwlIAW dw pwxI sw& krn qk [ pr ieh jIvn rihx leI idn rwq kMm vI krnw pYNdw hn[ bhuq pwgl lokW nUM lgdw ijvyN au~Qy sVkw sony dIAW hn [ kI a~uQy svrg hY? koeI svrg nhIN hY loko[ swfy lok pMjwb qoN corI Cu~py bwhrly mulkW nUM jWdy hn [ Zlq qrIky nwl ivdyS jwx leI T~g dlwl nUM l~KW rupey dyNdy hn[ smuMdrI jhwz Aqy T~g ienHW lokwN nUM corI bwhr Byjdy hn [ ivdySW dy supny dyKx vwly A~Dy lok kwly pwxI c fu~bky mr jWdy hn[ bwkI jylHW ivc sdw leI Zulwm hoy jWdy hn[ swrI izMdgI krz vwps dyx c &`s jWdy hn[




* * * * *

mYN qW cMdjwhzI ^uS sI ik mYN ieQy AwpxI mwsI nwl rihMdw sI[ mYN Aqy myrI mwsI jI, pRIq kOr, isr& Gr ivc sn[ mwsI myry vl G~t iDAwn dyNdI sI[ swfw bhuqw ipAwr nhIN sI[ myry leI pRIq mwsI jI bhuq s^q sI[ iek r`qw rMgIn rwq nUM, mYN CotI bYTk ivc bYTw sI[ pRIq mwsI jI kol kuJ ikqwbW sn[ iek gutkw, kuJ hor Dwrmk ikqwbW [ mYNnUM myry AiDAwpk ny ASokw dw nwvl id~qw sI[ mYN pVHdw sI ies auqyjk khwxI nMU[ mYNnU Xwd AwieAw, swfy ieMglYNf vwly Gr c, AsIN Swh ruK Kwn dI ASokw i&lm jdoN dyKI sI[ auhI sIn hux ikqwb ivc sI[ ies sIn ivc bhuq ^UMn-^rwbw ASokw dy h~QoN hoieAw sI[ mYN audws hoky ASokw nMU r~K qw[ kmry ivc iek dm TMFI ho geI[ mYN kot pwky bwhr tur ipAw[

cMdjhwzI ipMf iv~c kyvl do sO lok rihMdy sn[ Coty Gr, CotIAW sVkW[ sB lok ieQy kwSqkwr sn[ keI lok hor pySy dy sn[ A~j k~l dy jhwzI ikSqIAW dy nwl hvweI jhwz nMU vI clwauNdy hn[

kI mYN vI bwhr jwx leI kdy kwhlw pvWgw ? mYN qW ies pMf iv~c rihky A~k igAw hW myrw ie~Qy hux dm Gu~tdw hY [ hW brqwnIAw qo qW cMgw hY, pr borMg vI hY[

sVk qoN ie`k hQOVy dI Avwz myry v~l AwauNdI sI[ ieh KVwk kyvl lwl jI dy drvwzy v~lo AwaNdw sI [ mYN lwl jI dy Gr v~l tur ipAw[ hr rwq mYN lwl jI dy Gr QoVHw icr leI Tihrdw sI[ auhdy Gr nwl ausdI tOhr hY [ lwl jI kol kMpUtr Aqy ieMtrnY~t hY[ mYN ieMtrnY~t qo dunIAW dIAW ^brW pVHdw hW[ ^Yr AsIN sB g~lW bwqW krdy hW [ iek rwq pMjwbI BwSw dI g~l tur peI[

lwl jI boilAw pu~qr, swfy lok qW pwgl ho gey hn[ hr koeI ihMdI c il~Kx nUM iqAwr hY[ AMgryzI ivc vI il~Kx bolx nUM iqAwr hY[ pr AwpxI BwSw Bu~l jWdy lgdy hn[ kOx smJwvy ienHW lokW nMU nvyN l&j bxwauxy cwhIdy hn[ bwhrly pMjwbI lok nvyN qoN nvyN ivSy pyS krdy hn[ ieMtrnY~t qy vI aunW lokw dy lyK pRkwSq huMdy hn[

mYN ikhw quhwfI g~l qw shI hY cwcw jI[ pr A~DIAW glqIAW qW pMjwbI XUnIvrstI dIAW hn[ bwhrly mulkW ivc ijhVy pMjwbI bYTy hn, ies XUnIvrstI nMU nvyN l&z eImyl c Byjdy hn ,pr ieh mwx m~qy pRo&Ysr cu~p cwp rihMdy hn[ SYkspIAr ny qW A~Dy AMgryjI l&z Awp bxwey sn! ieh qw lyKk dw &rz hY[

lwl jI ny mYnUM jvwb idqw &rz hovy jW nw, p~Cm c rihx vwly pMjwbI leI bhuq kuJ kr rhy hn[ pr ieQy dy lokW nMU pqw hI nhIN ikauN ik ieh g~l isr& kMpUtr vwly jwxdy hn[

cwcw jI g~l qw quhwfI isAwxI hY[ pr ieh vI soco, swry j`g vwly l&z vrqdy hn[ iPr hI rIqI nwl BwSw bdldI hY nw?[ pu~qr qMU qW TIk hY[ rihx dy hux ieh gl nMU[ AsIN mKOl dIAW glW bwqW krIey[

cwcw jI iek bwlk ny Awpxy bwp nMU ikhw fYfI jI, kI koeI hvweI jhwzc bYT ky r`b kol vI jw sddw hY? qy bwpU ny jvwb idqw hW p`uq, jy hvweI jhwz aufdw aufdw if~g pey qW rb kol jwieAw jw skdw hY[

swfw tYm ie~dW lMGdw rihMdw sI[ A~j iPr mYN lwl jI dw drvwzw KVkwieAw sI[ AMdr lwl jI dw nOkr, hQOVy CYxI nwl ku~J kr irhw sI [ iek qwbUq qy A~Kr n~kwSI kr irhw sI[ lwl jI ny mYNnU qwbUq qo dUr lY jw ky siq sRI Akwl AwKI sI[ pr myrw iDAwn qwbUq vl igAw sI[ myry nwp dw qwbUq sI[ mYN kMbx l`g ipAw sI[ mYN pu~iCAw kOx hY?[

lVkw gogI is~DU sI[ bldyv dw iek~lw bytw[ solW swlW dw sI[ golI ieMspY~ktr AjIq isMG ny mwrI[ bldyv dw duSmx[ lwl jI ny iPr mYnUM sB kih suxwieAw [

pulIs ny tr~k nMU htwieAw[ pulIs smgilMg dy mwl dI qlwS krdI sI[ iek dm golI SurU ho geI[ AjIq isMG dI v~jI qy gogI pUrw ho igAw[ bhuq glq g~l hY b~cy nMU mwrnw[ iqMn qW PV ley sI[ jdoN ieh swrw frwmw vriqAw Eh qW ik~Dry hor hI sI - qy mYN Ehdy koly c~ilAw hW[ lwl jI ny ikhw[

bldyv isMG ipMf dy Fwby dw mwlk sI[ koeI lok kihMdy smglr sI[ ies leI mYN auQy jwxw nhIN sI cwhuMdw [ iPr vI lwl jI ny mYNnU mnw qW ilAw sI[ gogI dI lwS nMU iqMn idnw leI Fwby c iek myz qy riKAw sI[ bldyv dw smglMg dy ivc Swml hox dw sbUq nhIN imldw sI[ lokIN kihMdy sn ik gogI isr& tr`k frwievr nMU jwxdw sI qy qW ivc bYTw sI[ lok Fwby qy A&sos krn gey [ bldyv isMG ie~Qy hI rihMdw sI[ qIjy idn bwAd pulIs ny s~cy Gr gogI nMU jwx idqw sI[ kyvl EhI lok dyKx gey jyhVy bldyv isMG nMU jwxdy sn[ smgilMg dw c~kr kr ky hor bhuqy lok pry hI rhy sn [ ies leI mYnMU qW A~j hI pqw ligAw sI[ cu~p cwp sMskwr krn l`gy sn[ kyvl tr`k frwievr Aqy lwl jI c~ly sn[ mYnMU qrs AwieAw sI qy mYN vI A&sos dy ihswb nwl lwl jI dy nwl hI tur ipAw sI[

ijs vyly Fwby dy gyt qk phuMcy, mYNnU i&kr ho igAw ik mwsI kI socUgI[ gyt K~ulidAW hI swfy swmHxy bldyv isMG is~DU KVHw sI[ iek dm myry vl dyKky aunHW dw ichrw audws ho igAw[ mYNnU Xwd AwieAw ik gogI vI isr& solW swlW dw sI[ drvwzw Kol ky pwsy ho igAw qw AsIN AMdr cly geyy[

bldyv dI aumr CpMjw ku swl dI sI[ auh dw srIr nroAw, ichrw sw&, n~k iq~Kw qy A~KW ib~lIAW sn[ pr hux ichrw bMjr sI[

ey muMfw ikEN AwieAw hY ?[ aus ny lwl jI nMU p~uiCAw[ myry nwl A&sos krn AwieAw hY bldyv jI[ bytw qMU auQy bYT jw[ jw pu~q[ iDAwn qyrw hor pwsy lwmW[ qusIN vI bYTo[ lwl jI Aqy bldyv ausy myj nwl bYTy sI ijQy gogI r~iKAw sI[

lok kihMdy hn ik bldyv kol isr& Fwbw hY pr pYsw bhuq hY [ ieh ikvy ho skdw? ivDvwvW nMU pYsy idMdw, bImwrW nMU qoh&y idMdw hY[ kI smglr ho vI skdw hY?

kI nwA hY ieh dw? bldyv ny lwl jI nMU pu~iCAw[ ieh hYN rySm isMG, pRIq kOr dw Bwxjw[ b~cw nhIN hY[ gogI dI aumr dw hY lwl jI boilAw[ ieh g~l suxky bldyv Awpxy b~cy vwry socx l~g ipAw qy myry vl nrm hoigAw sI[ lwl jI ny jOHnI vOkr dI boql KolHI qy do g~lwsIAW myj qy r~KIAW[ g~lws PVky lwl jI boly rb gogI nUM ^us r~Ky -- auh nUM SwqI dyvy[

hW vy, gogI qy au~pr vwly nwl SwqI nwl rhygw, pr ijnWH ny myry ipAwry pu~q nUM mwirAw hY aunHW nMU kdy SwqI nhIN imlUgI [ jd mYN apr vwly kol ByjUMgw[ bhuq mihMgw paUgw bldyv ny n&rq qy gu~usy nwl ikhw[

mYnMU Xwd AwieAw lokW ny ikhw bldyv ny AjIq nMU mwrnw qy auhI lokW ny AjIq nMU ieqlwh idqI sI[ i&r vI dono AwdmI sVk qy imly Aqy Awps ivc vYrI nwl A~KW kur ky dy~Ky[ kohI h~QI pYrI nYhI hoeI sI[

nhIN jI[ ieh g~l vl iDAwn n dyh[ ieh bhuq kmInI cIz hoeI[ pr mwVy qy kmIny lokW dw vihgUr &Yslw krUgw lwl jI boilAw[

bldyv ^wmoS irhw[ au~Tky cu~p cwp AlmwrI qo iek SqrMj dI ibswq c~uk ky myj qy r~KqI sI[ i&r dono SqrMj Kyfx lgy[ jd pihlI ipAwdw ifgAw, bldyv boilAw mYN bdlw laUNgw[



* * * * *

GMtw bIq igAw i&r Kyl ^qm ho igAw[ bldyv ny myry vl dyKky ikhw muMifAw qMU hx Gr jw, dyr ho geI hY[ rwq cVH geI qy lok kihxgy Amd Kwn kurYSI dw BUq sVkW dy i&rdw hY[ myrIAW A~KW ivc A~KW pw ky bldyv iPr boilAw koeI lokW nUM ieQoN qy qyry Gr dy ibcwly Kwn dw Buq imilAw hY[ mYN smJ igAw bldyv nhIN cwhuMdw sI ik mYN ie~Qy hor AtkW[ mYnUM lwl jI ny pihlw d~isAw sI ik Kwn dw Buq isr& audoN imlygw jdoN jdoN koeI rwhI A~DI rwq vyly igrjy dy kbrsqwn coN lMGygw [

Amd Kwn kurYSIAW dw iek purS bMdw sI jo sO swl pihlW pUrw ho igAw sI[ auhdI Awqmw nMU SWqI nhIN imldI sI[ keI kihMdy ^jwnw tolHdw kr ky Awqmw hwly qk qurI i&rdI hY; keI kihMdy ik ijMdgI ivc kIqy pwpW dI sjw iml rhI sI[ keI kihMdy BUq A`DIN rwq dIvw lY ky Kzwnw l~Bx leI kbrW p~tdw sI[ keI lok kihMdy ik s~q &~ut lMbw sI, lMbI dwVI qy qWby rMgw ichrw ausdw sI[ jy aus dIAW mnhUsIAW A`KW quhwfy A`KW nwl iml pYNdIAW qusI swl ivc mr jWdy sI[

BwvyN g~l JUT hY jW sc hY, lok kbrsqwn qMU dUr hI rihMdy sI, BwvyN Gr jwx leI kbrsqwn dw c~kr hI ikEN nw lwauxw pvy [ ie~k rwq gulwb isMG dI lwS kbrsqwn coN im`lI sI, qy cMdjhwzI dy invwsI frdy frky kihMdy suxy ik Amd Kwn dy BUq ny gulwb isMG dI jwn lY leI sI[

lwl jI AYsIN vYsIAW glW bwqW dw bhuq cMgI qrW jwxdw sI[ mYnMU aus disAw ik sO swl pihlW muglW dw iek vfw nvwb &rId Swh mwhwrwjy qMU lukxw cwhuMdw sI[ ikENik ies nvwb kol ie~k mShUr rqn sI[ ieh rqn dw nwp bMdy dy mu`kI jyfw sI, qy ieh hIry dw nWA sI ^uSjIvn [

Amd Kwn ^uSjIvn hIry dw mwlk bxnw cwhuMdw sI[ ies lwlcI jwgIrdwr ny nvwb dI mdd krn dw PYslw kr ilAw sI [ nvwb ny mwhwrwjy qoN bcwky Amd Kwn nMU ^uSjIvn dy id~qw[ pr Amd Kwn ny mwhwrwjy dy ispwhIAW nMU nvwb &VwA id`qw sI Aqy Pyr ikqy Eh hIrw cMdjhwzI ivc luko id~qw sI[ Amd dI hYlQ ivgVI qy ah mr igAw[ ies leI lok kihMdy ausdw Buq ^uSjIvn nMU tolHdw hY[ mYnMU koeI fr nhIN sI qy mYN qw kbrsqwn vwly rsqy qur ipAw [

mYN jwxdw, aus r`qw rMgIn rwq mYnMU kbrsqwn c iek rOSnI t`pdI idsI sI[ mYN dOVky Gr B`j igAw sI[ jy mYN ApxI rwSI dyKI huMdI qW mYnUM pihlW pqw l`g jwxw sI [ myrw, bldyv isMG dw Aqy ^uSjIvn dy rsqy ie~k QW jwx l`gy sn[ swfIAW qkdIrW juVn l`gIAW sn[


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://http://www.desiradio.org.uk/
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   TRIBUTE
Madam Noor Jehan: The Queen of Melody
By Nasreen Rehman

Read it here: http://pakistantimes.net/2004/01/06/entertainment.htm


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: Pindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Dear Ravi Sharma Jee,

Ustad Jee de barey wich ehnaaN sitaaN nooN visit karo please. EhnaaN de print kaDh ke apney parents nooN wikhaa leyaa je. apni site te vee jhaat paa leyaa je. http://www.apnaorg.com/poetry/daman/

http://www.geocities.com/punjabsociety03/ustad_daman.htm

http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/dec2002-weekly/nos-08-12-2002/lit.htm


Name: rupe -
E-mail: rupe@panindia.com
My URL: http://www.5abi.com/gyan-vigyan/bhasha-vigyan/060104_matbhasha1_somal.htm
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   Interesting article re language


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: London,      Uk
Comments:   I have much improved the story Khushjeevan ( Grammer , speelings). I would like the first version deleated off the discussion forum and dear Ramma Ji or someone else, I would like to submit story as an article for APNA. Rammah Ji's e-mail does not seem to work. Can this be publioshed as gurumukhi article on APNA? There are not many of these. Can it also be transposed into Shahmukhi?
Rupe


Name: rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: london,      UK
Comments:   Where on the internet can I get hold of books or stories in punjabi by Amirita Pritum, preferbaly in Gurumukhi, as I can only read this.
Rupe


Name: RAVI SHARMA -
E-mail: jaibabedi@sify.com
Location: LUDHIANA (INDIA), PUNJAB     INDIA
Comments:   HELLOW FRIENDS I WANT TO READ LIFE AND POETRY OF RESPECTED USTAD DAMAN. SO ANY FRIEND FROM APNA CAN SEND ME A BOOK OR REFER ME WEBSITE WHERE I CAN VISIT. I KNOW ONLY GURMUKHI AND NOT SHAHMUKHI. SHAHMUKHI I CAN GET TRANSLATED HERE FROM MY PARENTS. HOPE MY PUNJABI LOVING FRIENDS FROM PAKISTAN WILL DO A FAVOUR FOR ME. REGARDS


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Location: East Lansing,      USA
Comments:   Sajno. Ik navaaN geet haazar e.

...........GEET.........

KoonjaaN oDdiaan jaan ni maaye, apne apne des
SaaDi qismat Rub kiyouN likhiya, babal gahr perdes

Taap jiya chaRhiya ni menooN, saari raat meN roee
GuDDiaaN paTole yaadaaN de vich, seeney la la soee
SaariyaN sayyaaN milan nuN aayaaN, badal badal ke bhes
Baabal gahr perdes
Koonjaan oDdiaaN jaan ni maaye

VehRe vich meN chaap sonaaN paee, terey qadmaaN wali
Baari choN paee jhaatiaan maariN, sutti e meri lali
Sehje sehje aa ke merey, ottey deviN khes
Baabal gahr perdes
KoonjaaN oDdiaan jaan ni maaye

Beete vaile nuN meN apni, sochaaN naal paee bunn-di
SakhiaaN seheliaaN de haase meN, chaare paase sunn-di
Yaad aawan judd bitiaaN gallaN, dil nuN lagdi Thhes
Baabal gahr perdes
KonjaaN oDdiaaN jaan ni Maaye, apne apne des
SaaDi qismat Rub kiyouN likhiya, baabal gahr perdes

Javed Zaki


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     pakistan
Comments:   Lo sajjno meri collection vichon "Folk of the day" di chass lavo :) mynoN pAwr lNgAwH dy vy JVXw imntwN tyirAwN kr dI(Menoo Paar langhah de ve) Jay main Gurmukhi likhan vich koi ghalti ker ditti hovay te muaaf karna :)


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com/
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal

I assume that Shahmukhi script is older than Gurmukhi. Isnt Shahmukhi the same script Baba Farid wrote Punjabi in?

Gurmukhi was developed from a previous script called Landa by the second Sikh Guru.

You have a look at the Landa script for yourself here:
http://www.ancientscripts.com/landa.html

Hope that answers your questions.


Name: Tayyab -
E-mail: zan_ali34@hotmail.com
Comments:   Hello. Can somebody please tell me whether Shahmukhi is older or Gurmukhi? And also were they used simultaneously beofre 1947? Thanks.


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: pindi, Pujab     Pakistan
Comments:   It is very encouraging news about Punjabi from Lahore. it is very positive step taken by any government in Pakistani Punjab.

Safir Rammah jee naal rawalpindi wich meeting 7 January nooN hosi te dost address note kar lain: Saeed Adnan Books, Dubai Plaza, 6th Road Chowk, Murree Road, Rawalpindi. Ph: 4417813 The venue of the meeting will be Brunal College, Dubai Plaza, Time: 7PM to 8 PM. Thanks.


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com/
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal

Great news for all Punjabis! And a great start for Punjabiyat in 2004!

LAHORE: Punjabi language institute on the cards
http://www.dawn.com/2004/01/02/local21.htm
By Intikhab Hanif

LAHORE, Jan 1: The Punjab government is creating an autonomous institute to promote Punjabi language and culture, and spread its message of love for national integration.

Its likely name will be Institute of Punjabi Language and Culture, which will be created shortly through an act. Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi will be its patron because of his personal interest in promoting the language.

A new building, depicting the Punjabi culture, will be built at the centre of the city for the institute, which will be run by a BS-20 director-general. It will function under the Punjab information and culture department.

Officials told Dawn on Wednesday that the CM had ordered the establishment of the institute after a 20-member delegation of Punjabi scholars and writers met him for this purpose on July 20.

Following that, a four-member committee was constituted to work for it. The committee members then visited the Jamshoro University and the Institute of Sindhiology, Hyderabad, to assess promotion of Sindhi language and culture.

"The entire spadework has been completed and the institute will soon be created through an act of the provincial assembly," they said. A detailed charter of the institute will be designed by a panel of experts, but its initial stated objectives would be to facilitate and patronize research activities and programmes regarding the Punjabi language, literature, art and culture representing various parts o6f the province.

It will also collect, preserve and arrange books of classical and modern Punjabi literature and set up a reference library with modern facilities and provisions for the common users and research scholars.

Besides, the centre will promote art and craft of the Punjab, project the province, its people, culture and folklore at national and international fora in their true perspective.

The Punjabi folk art, culture, craft and songs in their purest and simplest form will be preserved and books, journals, dictionaries and encyclopaedia will be published there.

The proposed institute will facilitate translation of the best literature of Urdu, English and other languages into Punjabi, develop and encourage culture of tolerance, peace and love as preached by the Sufi poets of the Punjab.

It will also aim at enriching the Punjabi language, enabling it to absorb into its folds advancements in science, technology and the dynamics of modern society, and to serve as a source of broadening the scope, usages and dimensions of Urdu.


Name: DullaBhatti -
E-mail: Jagjit_Naushehrvi@yahoo.com
Location: Fremont,      USA
Comments:  
Happy New Year!
to
All APNA friends


Name: Asim Sabri -
E-mail: asim_sabri@hotmail.com
Location: sialkot, punjab     PAKISTAN
Comments:   ASLAM O ALICUM SIR I AM FROM SIALKOT . i AM HAPPY TO SEE THAT ANYBODY IS STAND TO TELL ABOUT THE POISE PEOPLE . iT IS NECESSARY TO TELL YOU IN THIS TIME . THAT IN THIS TIME IN SIALKOT HERE IS THE PERSON WHO IS ALSO FAQEER . NOT A BAGGER .THE PROPHET S.A.W SAYS ."THAT I AM PROUD OF FAQAR AND THE FAQER IS MY OWN". THEY ARE ALL FAQEER SIR THIS FAQEER NAME IS MUHAMMAD GULZAR SABRI . HE IS ALSO CLEAN FROM ANY RELIGIOUS CLAISES. HE ALSO WROTE TWO BOOKS IN URDU AND PUNJABI FIRST :: WAQHRI DUNYA *(PUNJABI) SECOND:: ANAL BEHAR (URDU ) HIS BOTH BOOKS ARE CLASSIC IF WANT TO READ THIS BOOK OR CONTACT WITH THE BABA JEE SABRI SAHIB THEN MAIL ME . YOU WILL HAPPY TO MEET WITH HIM asim_sabri@hotmail.com At phone 0432-510381 0300-6124113 modeltown ugoki sailkot thanks asim sabri


Name: rajeev -
E-mail: rajeev@rediff.com
Comments:   saare APNA mitraan noon nawe saal diyaan lakh-lakh mubarkaan... rab sabdaa bhalaa kare..


Name: RAVI SHARMA -
E-mail: jaibabedi@sify.com
Location: LUDHIANA, PUNJAB     INDIA
Comments:   SAT SRI AKAL EVERYBODY, I AM HERE FIRST TIME I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MR SAFIR RAMMAH BEING WITH US AT LUDHIANA (INDIA) ON 26 & 27 DEC., 2003. THANKS & REGARDS RAVI SHARMA


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: Pindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Dear APNA Friends of Rawalpindi and Islamabad,

We have arranged a meeting with Safir Rammah Jee on 6th January, 4 PM in Rawalpindi (exact four PM please) . The venue is: Brunal College, Dubai Plaza, 6th Road Chowk, Murree Road, Rawalpindi. For further information pl contact me at my phone number: 4417813 and my mobile number: 0300-5234006

Regards/ Saeed


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, PUNJAB     Pakistan
Comments:   Dear Rupe jee and all APNA friends while posting on forum make sure that you wrape your post in specific font tag if you are posting is GURMUKHI otherwise no one will be able to read your post.

I'm starting a MEDIA ON DEMAND project. If you listen to any song over internet in any format and want to get and add that song in your personal collection (songs on APNA site are excluded) you can request that song with song URL and i can provide that songs. interested friends are welcome..... :)


Name: Sardarz -
E-mail: Sardarz@yahoo.com
Comments:   Suman and Akhlesh,
The Hindi film industry has been enriched over the years by the punjabi trio of Gulzar,Jagjit Singh and Bhupinder Singh.They have been the stalwarts of songs based on Lyrics not drum beats... Suman,
You are right Bhupinder and Mitali's rendition of Shiv's poetry is very enthralling,its good to have it on the APNA home page,wish we had more of their works in punjabi.

Here is a article about the Bhupinder & Mitali I came across the net.
http://www.the-south-asian.com/May-2002/Bhupinder.htm

Regards


Name: suman -
E-mail: skashy@yahoo.com
Comments:   Akhilesh and Sardarz. Hope you have also listened to Bhupinder, along with Mitaali, sing Loona - which is on the Apna music section. It is very nice too. I have hoped to find more of his Punjabi recordings but have had little success so far. His voice, or style, seems to be particularly suitable to Punjabi. He used to come to USA off and on but it has been a while since he came last.


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com/
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal

Sardarz, I also like that piece by Bhupinder Singh, but have only come across his name on this site. I enjoy listening to Hamid Ali Bela and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan too. May aswell buy a few CD's from APNA so that i can listen to them while travelling on long trips.

Sajid Ji, Thanks for the correction on html commands.

And to all APNA friends and members, have a very Happy New Year!! and lets hope that 2004 brings more progress towards the development and preservation of Punjabi and Punjabiyat,

Best wishes to all,

Akhilesh

(I'll leave everyone with this news item i came across regarding the next World Punjabi Conference, scheduled to be held in Lahore from January 29th to 31st 2004).

Gujral, Amarinder to attend Punjabi conference
Tribune News Service
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031229/punjab1.htm#6

Chandigarh, December 28
The ninth World Punjabi Conference is scheduled to be held at Lahore from January 29 to 31, 2004. According to a statement issued here today, the conference is aimed at jointly promoting the Punjabi language, culture arts and literature by communities on both sides of the international border.

About 200 delegates from 20 countries, including former Indian Prime Minister, Mr I.K. Gujral and the Punjab Chief Minister, are expected to attend the conference, according to Mr Deepak Manmohan Singh, one of the organisers.

The theme of the conference will be Globalisation language, culture and literature with special reference to Punjabi. A cultural extravaganza, mushaira, drama and an exhibition would also be organised. The statement said that just like Punjabis in India, their counterparts in Pakistan were also involved in a continuous battle to preserve Punjabi culture in Pakistan as well as across the globe.

Mr A.S. Paul added that the 10th conference is planned to be held in India, the 11th in Paris or Vienna and the 12th again in Lahore. Eight conference with similar objectives have also been held earlier in India, Pakistan, USA, Canada and the UK.


Name: DullaBhatti -
E-mail: jagjit_naushehrvi@yahoo.com
Location: San Jose, CA     USA
Comments:   Many many congratulations to Safir Rammah ji for getting the fair recognition for his work to promote Punjabiyat on and off the internet. I am also happy for Jaswant Zaffar a long time friend from college days for getting the award.

Happy New Year to all APNA friends and visitors.


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Akhilesh jee to link an image <img src="image url path"> is used without any ending tag not the one you used.Hopefully in future you'll not face this problem :)


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com/
Location: Europe,     
Comments:   Safir Rammah honoured
Our Correspondent

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031228/ldh1.htm#12

- Dr Surjit Pattar honours Safi Rammah at a function organised by the Punjabi Cultural Study Circle and the Punjabi Mazlis International at the Punjabi Bhavan.

Ludhiana, December 27
The Punjabi Culture Study Circle International (PCSCI) and the Punjabi Majlis International (PMI) organised a literary programme at the Punjabi Bhavan to felicitate Safir Rammah, coordinator of an America-based company in North America. Safir Rammah was honoured with Virsay da Wasi award. Mohtarma Aisha from the USA, Jaswant Zaffar and Principal Prem Singh Bajaj were also awarded with Sarghi di Loe, Kaav Deep and Sahit Sagar awards, respectively, in recognition of their contribution towards the promotion of Punjabi, Punjabi poetry, conservation of literary collections and maintenance of reference library at the Punjabi Bhavan.

Safir Rammah is a known international figure for his outstanding efforts in promoting Punjabi and Punjabiat across the borders through the academy of the Punjab in North America (APNA).


Name: tahir Kharal -
E-mail: gilgil02@hotmail.com
Location: Rawalpindi,      Pakistan
Comments:   Hi apnay logo I wanna know about the history of Punjabi Kharals, known as sub cast of Jats in Pakistani Punjab. If there is any Punjabi belonging to any other faiths (excludig Islam) exists or anyone knows about the history of Kharal, kindly share it with me. it is pertinent to mention that our forefathers are migrated from Ferozpur. i will be highly obliged to such person. regards tahir


Name: Sardarz -
E-mail: sardarz@yahoo.com
Comments:   Apneo,
Wish ya'll a Very happy New year...

After deleting all the unsolicited e-mails from those "writers forum" guys who fill my inbox with a couple dozen messages everyday(I guess they do that to eveyone who has a e-mail address here),the exhaution carries me to APNA home page,
Where I inadverently go to the page that has BABA FARID's Baani sung by Bhupinder singh and listen to it to calm me down.I wish he had sung two 30 minute stings like Prof.Puran Singh
Does anyone know of any websites that could have Baba Farid's work sung by other artists like Bhupinder...

Regards.


Name: kulvinderb -
E-mail: kindobisla@hotmail.com
Location: thornhill, ca     ca
Comments:   hi i live in the greater toronto area and would like to learn to read panjabi, i speak the language fluently but lack in able to read so i was hoping to find someone who is willing to teach me. i would truly appreciate the time and patience. If you are interested please get in touch at kindobisla@hotmail.com


Name: farooq -
E-mail: alexandrineyes@yahoo.ca
Location: Montreal, qc     canada
Comments:   Yar main saif-ul-malook dhoodana pia jay audio wich. jay tuhanoon pata tey daso. shukria


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com/
Location: Europe,     
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal.

Congratulations are in order to Safir Rammah Ji and (APNA):

Here is an article from today's Chandigarh Tribune (Ludhiana edition):

(Also merry xmas to APNA friends!)

Programme on Punjabi culture tomorrow
Our Correspondent
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031225/ldh2.htm#8

Ludhiana, December 24
The Punjabi Culture Study Circle International (PCSCI) and the Punjab Majlis International (PMI) are organising a literary programme on December 26 at the Punjabi Bhavan here to felicitate Mr Safir Rammah, coordinator of America-based Academy of Punjab in North America (APNA).

According to Ms Manu Sharma Sohal, chief coordinator, PCSCI, and Mr Charanjit Singh, Chairperson of PMI, Mr Rammah will be honoured with the award of Wirsay da Waris award Dr Jagtar Dhiman and Prof Kulwant Jagraon said that on this occasion, Ms Aisha from the USA, Mr Jaswant Zaffar and Mr Prem Singh Bajaj will also be presented Sarghi di Loe, Kaav Deep and Sahit Sagar, awards respectively, in recognition of their contributions towards the promotion of Punjab and Punjabiat, Punjabi poetry and cartoon art and the conservation of literary collection and the maintenance of the Reference library in the Punjabi Bhavan.

Mr Rammah is a known international figure for his efforts in promoting Punjabi and Punjabiat across the borders through APNA. The meeting would be presided over by Dr Surjit Patar and attended by literary persons from different parts of the state, including NRIs and representatives of different literary organisations.

On this occasion, the first phase report of a comprehensive survey on cultural pollution in Punjab, carried out by Dr Jagtar Dhiman and Mr Manu Sharma Sohal of the PCCI, will also be released. A DVD on a Punjab village, prepared by Canada-based Joginder Kalsi will be presented. Executives of the PCCI and the PMI have urged residents to participate in the function.


Name: sangeetarai -
E-mail: sangeetarai61`@yahoo.com
Location: calgary, AB     USA
Comments:   apna friends, wish u a merry cristmas and very happy new year to all.with all my best wishes sangeetarai


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabonline.com/
Comments:   Article on social and economic problems in Punjab caused by mass migrations of Indians from the central Hindi states.

Social and cultural fabric of Punjab is apparently in danger because there are so many migrants that the demography of Punjab is changing...

Read it here:
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031223/edit.htm#7 - The migrant effect on Punjabi society

(Article is from todays Chandigarh Tribune)


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal.

Speaking of the British replacing the "a" with a "u" in Punjabi names such as Jallandhar being spelt Jullundhar etc is the same also true for the spelling of Punjab?

Should Punjab and Punjabi infact be spelt as Panjab and Panjabi?

kaurasach, I didnt stop in Tarn Taran town itself but you can find pretty good juttis in Fatehabad. About migrants working in the fields, there are about 200 Bihari families living in Fatehabad working on the fields. It seems as if Punjabis no longer want to work on their own lands. Not sure why not.

I also noticed that many Biharis seem to have embraced Sikhism. Well in Goindwal Sahib they have anyway...

Sukhbir, I was a little shocked at first when i read your comments. Wasnt sure exactly what the problem was, but now i can see the humour in the misunderstanding.

Finally, here is an article from today's Chandigarh Tribune highlighting the problem Punjabi is facing in Delhi.
___________________________________

Dhindsa urges Punjabis to converse in mother tongue
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031222/ncr1.htm#10
Noida:
The main challenge that the Punjabi language is facing today is that Punjabis prefer to speak in English or Hindi with their children. They educate their kids in English medium schools, said Union Chemical and Fertiliser Minister S. S. Dhindsa while inaugurating a seminar on Punjabi journalism at Punjab Bhavan in New Delhi. He said there was no shortage of books, magazines or newspapers in Punjabi language as such but the number of Punjabi readers was shrinking.

This is what worries me. What will happen in the years to come if this trend continues? We shall have no readers of Punjabi books, newspapers etc, he rued.

All Punjabis should join hands to attend to this problem and work for a solution to it, Mr Dhindsa pleaded. Earlier, Dr S. S. Noor, in his keynote address had lamented that the standard of Punjabi newspapers and books was not comparable with English or Hindi publications. The minister also released two books on Guru Nanak by Punjabi writer S. S. Johar A number of scholars and eminent journalists like Mr Kuldeep Nayar, Mr Inder Sawhney, Me Tarlochan Singh of the National Minority Commission and Dr Maheep Singh had attended the seminar jointly organised by the Punjabi Thinkers Association and Punjabi Academy, Delhi. OC


Name: Shahid -
E-mail: mshahid47@yahoo.com
Comments:   chaNga ee hoya ay kisay neN Qasuri 'jutti' dee gal naeN cheRee. Gaun lekhay oh periN puri naeN aundi tay Turn hor wee aukha ho jaNdaey - kidharay ja kay 'kujh' wekhan walyaN laee ikk hor pwaRa!


Name: kaurasach -
E-mail: ksach@yaoo.com
Comments:   Sardarz, Have relatives who live in the vicinity of Shaheedan da Gurudwara. So, visited it a few times. Yes, you are right about the place but my wife thinks that I am beyond that stage.


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: London, UK     UK
Comments:   Dear All,
Although I have been speaking Punjabi as a second language all my life, I never had a formal Punjabi education, so am self taught.
I am embarking on writing a short story, but am likely to make grammer and spelling mistakes, with this english thinking mind. Please can someone help check my spellings anf grammer via e-mail correpondance? I would really like to be able write in Punjabi. I do not know of anyone born in the west trying to tell the story of our generation and their experinces in Punjabi. I have taught myself Gurumukhi and use Anmolipi fonts.
Please is there anyone willing to help?
Rupe


Name: Altaf Sikander Busal -
E-mail: altafbusal@hotmail.com
My URL:
Comments:   ik ghazal de kujh sheir hazir ne

GharrayaN sooT pajero jeeppaaN

oonj pardhaan ghareebaan da

chaar kanal di kothi paa ke

jhanda laan gharibaaN da

is basti da waDka yaro

hai pursaan gharibaaN da?

masjid de wal khulda ae bas

roshandaan gharibaaN da

soch kadi ke khali kiyoon ae

dastarkhwan gharibaaN da

Altaf Sikander Busal


Name: Sardarz -
E-mail: Sardarz@yahoo.com
Comments:   Kaurasach,
So TarnTarn is not your cup of tea ...
You need to move a little north to a southeastern neighbourhood of Amritsar called Sultanwind.
There is a Gurdawara here called "ShaheedaN da Gurdwara".
What you did not find in TarnTarn you will find it here,especially if you are a NRI ;-) Regards.


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: London,      Uk
Comments:   Maa PiO a'te betaa sab ek scootar te baitaa san.
Baitta boliay ' Mummi mere toffee digg gee'
Ma ne javaab ditta ' Koi gaal nahin, hor la loo gei'
Baitaa biloiay phir ' Mummi mere chocolate digg pe aaa'
Ma ne phir javaab ditta ' Koi gaal nahin, hor chocolate la loo gei'
Ma ne boliay 'Baitaa teraa bapuu digg pei ah'
Baitaa ne javab ditta ' Koi gaal nahin, assee hor bapu la loo gei'


Name: kaurasach -
E-mail: kaurasach@yahoo.com
Comments:   Been to Taran Taaran 4 times while crisscrossing little villages and historical gurudwaras Sultanpur, Goindwal, Khadur Saab, etc. Once on Masya, The road to the Gurudwara was full - payer paun noo jaga nahin see. Everyone as far as from Kapurthala was there. But, dissapointingly, I didn't find any Sohni Juttis - pata nahin kithe lookian see. Most of the fields had Bhaias and Bhaians working in them.


Name: Sardarz -
E-mail: sardarz@yahoo.com
Comments:   DB paHji,
Bilkul theek keha tusiN,Taran Tarn di masseya dekni chahidi hai,vekhan valeyaN nu ;-).
Especially aj kal syalaN de dina vich gajraaN,RAUH(Gannae da Rus),te saag kha ke Majhae diyaaN JattiaN de chehrae di laali vekhan vaali hundi aye.

Par paHji jara dekh ke "Sohni Jatti with a Sohni Jutti" the mix is rather dangerous ;-)...
Sukhbir ji
Vaise kasoor tuhadi ve nahin, pre-partition di english evaiN hi likhi jaandi hundi si
Jatt was written as Jut
Jatti was written as Jutti
Jallandher was written as Jullundhur ;-)
Regards.


Name: DullaBhatti -
E-mail: dullabhatti47@yahoo.com
Comments:   waise Tarn Taran de ilaqay dian Jattian vi great ne. Akhilesh doweiN paasay ee sahi si..lagda ay Sukhbir ji nu Tarn Taran di sairr keeteyaN dair ho gai ay.:-) kade Tarn Taran di masseya vekho te ehna bareekiyaN da pata challe.:)


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   Sajno. Eh "jutti" de bholekha da masla te moaamla sidhha jia likhan da e. PeyraaN paan waali nooN "Jutti" te Punjaaban nooN "JaTTi". Punjabi nooN roman vich likhan legyaaN thoRi jiee ihtiyaat di loR e bas.

Weyse theocratic te feudalist wassooN (historically, both functioned in a very close relationship and complemented each other) vich 'Jutti' te "Jatti" (zanaani) vich koee khaas farq neiN keeta jaaNda. Es tooN botta eh nikal da e keh saanooN Pubjab te Punjabiat di gal-baat kardiaaN hoyaaN progressive te regressive Punjab te Punjabiat di vaNd di ochechee parkh rekhhen di loR e.

Javed Zaki


Name: Sukhbir Garewal -
E-mail: sugrewal@hotmail.com
Comments:   My sincere and profound APOLOGIES to Akhilesh and the rest of the forum readership

Sukhbir


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   hahahahahhahahahaha
A GOOD JOKE Mitroooo!!!!!
Akhilesh jee naiN "Jutti"(paireeN poun wali) likhya si te Sukhbir Garewal jee nain "Jatti" (Female of Jutt) samjhya...
aik nuqtay nain mehram toN mujram bana ditta ay kisay da koi qusoor nahin ......


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:  

ishaq kee samjhan lok ayanay
jis tann laggay sohiyo janay



haDan dey vich waR javay
ratt dilay di saR javay
jo alaf paRhay oh paRh javay
faqeer di ramaz naaN mullaN janay
......jis tann laggay sohiyo janay



bhul jaan saray sohray paikay
gori te bass sajjan vekhay
hun koi naaN bhul bhulaikhay
khiR gaee wangooN phul mukhanay
......jis tann laggay sohiyo janay



ek din aih chadd jani dunia
char dinan di kahani dunia
aih samjhi na nimani dunia
mehal manaray sub chad janay
......jis tann laggay sohiyo janay



je kar karam tooN naik kamavaiN
lokaN nooN tooN khush kar jaavaiN
rabb sohnay de dil nooN bhaavaiN
fer balay ga devaa qabar sarhanay
......jis tann laggay sohiyo janay


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com/
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal

Sukhbir Garewal wrote:

"Akhilesh in his previous mail writes at the end of his missive: "BTW, you can find great Punjabi juttis in Fatehabad!" It is extremely distressing to read such utterly gender-insensitive, caste-offensive remark."

I dont understand? Dont all Punjabis wear juttis, irrespective of caste, gender or whatever else? My mom also bought a pear of juttis and my parents families happen to be different so-called "castes".

Im not sure exactly what the problem is... The only juttis i know of are traditional Punjabi shoes/slippers. If the word 'jutti' has another meaning which is insulting to women and certain "castes" (Who even bothers about caste?) then i am unaware of it.

Regards,

Akhilesh


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: Pindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Dr. Zaki Jee, Zinda baad, eh donoN kafiyaaN ee boht kamaal diyaaN neyN.

Ishq dee agg pei machdee ey

LooN looN de sir nachdee ey

te

SaaR ke kar de dhooR swaah

Fir chaa khilaare raah-o-rah

Shahid Sahib, je kar tuhaaDaa eh geet Naseebo Laal tak apR jaaway taaN oh ehnooN baRey sohN* chaj naal gaa laway. TuhaaDey mitraaN deeyaaN shevaaN paRh ke din daa thakevaaN ley jaaNdaa ey. Regards.


Name: Sukhbir Garewal -
E-mail: sugrewal@hotmail.com
Comments:   Akhilesh in his previous mail writes at the end of his missive: "BTW, you can find great Punjabi juttis in Fatehabad!" It is extremely distressing to read such utterly gender-insensitive, caste-offensive remark.


Name: Sukhbir Garewal -
E-mail: sugrewal@hotmail.com
Comments:   Akhilesh in his previous mail writes at the end of his missive: "BTW, you can find great Punjabi juttis in Fatehabad!" It is extremely distressing to read such utterly insensitive, caste-offensive remark.


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com/
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal

Good news! APNA official membership has now reached 1507 members!

Just under 50 members have joined within the past 3 weeks.

I think this is very encouraging.

ps, I have just returned from a trip to India (first time in 13 years). It appears as though Punjabi language in Gurmukhi script is not only doing well in the Punjab state but also in Haryana.

Delhi, on the whole, is also dominated by Punjabis and Punjabi culture.

I visited the old Mosque in Fatehabad, distt Tarn Taran, Amristar. It is still standing but unfortunately is not in the best of condition. I can tell that at one time it must have been a very beautiful building. I am told that it was built by Sher Shah Suri (sp?) but wasnt able to find out the name of the Mosque.

BTW, you can find great Punjabi juttis in Fatehabad!


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   Sajno. Ik naviN kafi haazar e, chus l'ao.

.......KAFI........

Ishq di agg pei machdi e
LooN looN de sir nachdi e

SaaR ke kar de dhooR swaah
Fir cha khilaare rah-o-rah
Per takni thheye mast nigaah
Eho gal ik sachdi e
.....Ishq di agg pei machdi e

SahNwaaN khushboo yaar wasse
Ragg ragg di her taar wasse
Saade ander b'ar wasse
SaanooN pei nit gachdi e
.....Ishq di agg pei machdi e

Ranjha roop sajaa ke aaya
AkhiaaN madh chhalka ke aaya
Sab kujh weych wachaa ke aaya
Wekhho Heer kih bachdi e
.....Ishq di agg pei machdi e
.....Loon looN de sir nachdi e

Javed Zaki


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Location: Okemos, Mi     USA
Comments:   Sajno. Ik naveeN "Kafi" haazar e, chus l'ao.

.......KAFI........ LooN looN de sir nachdi e

SaaR ke kar de dhooR swaah
Fir cha khilaare rah-o-rah
Per takni thheye mast nigaah
Eho gal ik sachdi e
.....Ishq di agg pei machdi e

SahNwaaN khushboo yaar wasse
Ragg ragg di her taar wasse
Saade ander b'ar wasse
SaanooN pei nit gachdi e
.....Ishq di agg pei machdi e

Ranjha roop sajaa ke aaya
AkhiaaN madh chhalka ke aaya
Sab kujh weych wachaa ke aaya
Wekhho Heer kih bachdi e
.....Ishq di agg pei machdi e
.....Loon looN de sir nachdi e

Javed Zaki


Name: Shahid -
E-mail: mshahid47@yahoo.com
My URL:
Location: Snellville, GA     USA
Comments:   shaoq walyaaN laee ikk geet

kallee aaN meN jhallee aaN

kallee aaN meN jhallee aaN
jhlaar panee khuay da
qtaar TiNDaaN auNdiyaaN
banaun haNjoo leeh
hoar meray wass kee
mearay wass keeh
hoar meray wass keeh

kallee aaN meN jhallee aaN
n'masheeN dill Dubbda
kwaar-pann chubhhda
k'kaar peehu peeh
hoar meray wass kee
mearay wass keeh
hoar meray wass keeh

kallee aaN meN jhallee aaN
h'Taaee boohay bayleoN
tyaar hoee dolee aaN
j'haan bhaanay heeh
hoar meray wass kee
mearay wass keeh
hoar meray wass keeh

kallee aaN meN jhallee aaN
h'zaar waree wissaree
hneray deeva baal kay
p'Rhaay pooray teeh
hoar meray wass kee
mearay wass keeh
hoar meray wass keeh

Shahid


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
My URL: http://www.tu-dresden.de/gsn_iamcr/virtual_conf/Digital_Singh.html
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   My feedback on Digital divides, digital denials and minorities ( the paper is linked above. It relates to Punjabi)
R S Dhillon MA BSc ( Hons)
5abi.com
1) I would have to agree that Punjabi is not Information Technology Savvy. In fact like many minority languages it is willing just to adopt the English words. To an extent this does make sense, but where phrases exist in Punjabi that could be used in a new way, such as Gintara as Calculator, they are being ignored. This is partly because the Punjabi people do not take word makers seriously, and partly because words can only enter the language after common use. However the greatest constraint has been the Punjabi Education institutes taking no interest, especially in the views of the Diaspora community, which is far more it savvy than those in India or Pakistan. I would concur with Singh that lack of standardisation in Punjabi fonts and Computer systems aggravates communication which may have made this possible and that one font should now be finally chosen as a mapping basis for all font designs.
2) Again I agree that the Various Punjabi websites available at the moment are not unified in their approach or consistent use of IT, limiting communication between all, forcing users to have to install all font types.
3) UNESCO: Singh has a valid argument here. It is all of our experience that within India and Pakistan Punjabi is being marginalized as a mother tongue in favour of others. Ironically in proportion to population more people speak Punjabi in UK and Canada. The reason I think is people have never thought of adopting or advancing Punjabi, but have seen it as a social burden to be ashamed about and the other languages as technologically superior. Once again I concur with Singh that the 3-language formula has totally weakened the language.
4) Again from my own personal experiences of not receiving responses or interest from the institutions, I am fully aware that the Administrators are helping to erode this language as part of a political agenda, not dissimilar to the destruction of the Native American languages in the states. Again I concur that Singhs finding are correct.
5) Again it is evident as a threat to all indigenous languages that English and in this case Hindi Media have over saturated the market. An example to support Singhs findings: My Mother in law was asked by me to go to Punjab to obtain a Punjabi Dictionary for me. In Chadigarh bookshops she said it was all entirely Hindi script only.
6) The Digital age is here, and lethargy on the part of ethnic groups, along with majority agendas and no clear agreement to one universal font mapping are helping to erode away many languages. Punjabi is still lucky as the 14th most spoken language, but in two decades time it will be a Diaspora language watered down by Western languages, and will vanish in India. In terms of IT there has been no positive strategy that has made mountains for us all. This paper is a concise and correct introduction to the problem at hand. A solution may be for the Punjabi Diaspora to bypass the Indian and Pakistani communities and keep the flame alive in the west by forming a congress to discuss these matters.


Name: Rupe Dhillom -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   Subject: Punjabi new words Dear Sirs,
Allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Rupinderpal Singh Dhillon, and I have been for
the last two years involved in the research and development of Punjabi as used by the Diaspora. The result has been the creation of 500 new words by me alone, and a further 1,000 by other collaborators of the PREM project. Historical details of the same can be found on the discussion forums of Apnaorg.com and the links below.
My specialist area has been international animal names. One website in USA has already created a database containing these words at Punjabikosh.com. The Website is case sensitive and this particular Link I have provided you with only contains the 480 I have been involved with. They are not all animal names. As I am an Accountant by profession, many are technical business terms and computer words. For example Keyboard. Feel free to type in words and see translations into Punjabi using Anmolipi font.
Note that I can not easily provide you with all the words, as Khushwant Singh has control over them, and I can not recall 95% of them now. But try and type in ( case sensitive) the following list. All words begin with a capital letter.
Canada
America
Denmark
Sweden
Calculator
Dinosaur
Whale
Shark
Barracuda
Keyboard
Harddrive
Dragon
Goldfish
Scotland
Wales
Elk
Hart
Panther
Jaguar
Aviary
Aquarium
HummingBird
Orc
Squid
Puma
Willow
http://www.punjabikosh.com
http://www.sikhspectrum.com/
http://www.5abi.com/5ratan/
I would very much like you to have these on your data base as well. I would like to be involved in any word projects you have that will place Punjabi on the same level as English as a Modern world language. If you are interested please contact myself or Khushwant Singh at Punjabilit.com. If anyone else is interested in contrbuting words I shall provide them with a submission page link, but it must not be abused. Type the Punjabi using Anmolipi fonts please ( Gurumukhi). I also encourage those with shahmukhi to copy the words.
In the long run an international Punjabi diapora dictionary will be developed and published as well as being available for free on the web. Punjabi has to evolve to face the 21st century. Please help us, as the institutions in India and Pakistan do not seem to care.
I personally would love to provide you with words. Regards
R.S.Dhillon MA BSc Hons


Name: Sunil Kapoor -
E-mail: sunilkapoor@ludhianaonline.com
Location: ludhiana, Punjab     India
Comments:   Dear Sir, can you send me the poetry of Ghulaam farid in punjabi or hindi at my email address. i shall be very thankful to you


Name: Azar -
E-mail: azarkamal@hotmail.com
Location: Khi,      Pak
Comments:   Tale of two cities
An event of great import and significance for culture is to begin in Islamabad on December 8 when a grand National Seminar on Culture, Cultural Heritage and Cultural Tourism will open and last for three days. It comes in the wake of the recommendations emerging from a UNDP-Unesco-Government of Pakistan project called "Cultural Tourism: Lahore and Peshawar", and is basically meant to develop a national policy on culture for Pakistan.
Old cities do not know how to protect and preserve their cultural personality. This was the contention of the Good Samaritans who, some years ago, were determined to see that the walled city of Lahore retained its typical architectural features without further transformation into modern monstrosities.
A similar report came from Peshawar some time ago in which the personality of that city was inextricably linked with that of Dr Syed Amjad Husain, one of its distinguished sons, who lives and works in America as a cardiologist and has now made a name for himself as a writer and columnist. He has written a book on his home town which he has called, "Aalam mein intikhab - Peshawar".
In the honours list announced on Independence Day a few years ago, Dr Amjad was awarded the Sitara-i-Pakistan for his services to medicine in the country, because, you will be pleased to know, he has contributed equipment worth thousands of dollars to our hospitals and helped them in many other practical ways like a good son of the soil. On top of that he has written this book which was launched at a special function in Peshawar when he was there on his annual visit.
"Aalam mein intikhab" is a history of Peshawar from the earliest times to what it is today, and a lot of research has gone into it. One wonders how the good doctor found time from his busy life in America for so much labour. Various speakers, scholars most of them, lauded the book for its comprehensive coverage of the periods that Peshawar has gone through during the last 2,000 years and the numerous cultures that lie hidden in its streets and houses and other buildings located within the walled city.
One speaker described the book as an encyclopaedia of Peshawar. Another said that the legendary city harboured many secrets that Dr Amjad Husain tried to unveil. "It is not a book but a mirror in which we can see the past and present of our city and even visualize its future", said a third. A famous hindko poet said it was the need of the hour to inform the young generations about the cultural treasures of Peshawar and how to keep old traditions alive, adding that the full story of Peshawar was actually the story of many cultures and civilizations.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Amjad revealed that he had worked for three years to produce the book. The city had so many aspects and features that it had been difficult for him to decide which to include and which to omit as insignificant. He requested the Governor of the NWFP, who was presiding, to direct all libraries in the province, especially of schools and colleges, to purchase a copy so that young readers in the Frontier could become acquainted with the history of the capital city and its multi-faceted cultural identity.
I may add here that some history-minded persons, including foreign scholars, have, during the last few years, prevailed upon the Frontier government to approve a project for maintenance and conservation of old buildings inside the walled city, and considerable work has been done in this behalf, though, I must say, the local effort is lacking in enthusiasm.
So much for the city of Peshawar. Let me now revert to the subject of my second paragraph. The walled city of Lahore is a living example of the old urban tradition. According to an estimate prepared by the Pakistan Environmental Planning and Architectural Consultants (Pepac), it contains at least 1,350 houses of enough architectural and historical worth as to deserve restoration and conservation, and another 2,500 that have a noticeable degree of historicity and architectural merit.
The physical form of the old city is sharply distinguished from the rest of Lahore which is only an expansion of the colonial city. The manner in which the densely populated houses are juxtaposed is actually a natural traditional way of urban life which is still cherished by many who live there. An equal number are also bored by it and look forward to the brighter, glaring style of modern life outside the wall.
Some thirty years ago, all this prompted some citizens of Lahore, imbued with western education but ideas and affection for the ancient and the historical, to do something about protecting and preserving the cultural masterpieces within the walled city. They joined their minds and hands but nothing concrete resulted. Then some ten years ago, Pepac prepared a master conservation plan which promised that some of their dreams might meet with fruition, and the planners got going. I don't know what is the thinking today.
The man reason for neglect of the walled city of Lahore, and of other places like Peshawar, Multan and Hyderabad, is the comparative poverty of the people who inhabit them and their lack of appreciation of historical value and architectural merit of their homes and streets and bazaars. They do not realise that they are living in a veritable museum which is expressive of a typical way of life and very special social relationships.
The figures of houses inside the city quoted above are part of an inventory of 18,000 structures carried out by Pepac, of which approximately 4,000 were found to possess some degree of architectural merit. The aim was not only to renew the old buildings and render them structurally safe but also to "re-establish the interior balance of the walled city as a relatively autonomous middle class residential district with a specific historical character and environmental qualities". The presence of decay and slum formation was to be arrested and, if possible, reversed.
Among the means to be adopted were provision of financial assistance and loans in deserving cases to property owners, making available to them professional engineering assistance, and framing of new bye-laws and strict application of controls on all construction activity within the walled city.
In the dense fabric of the city, open spaces are rare and need to be jealously guarded. They are actually a challenge and an opportunity for landscaping and for creating an appropriate environment for major historical monuments like Wazir Khan's Mosque, the Golden Mosque and others. The are still some splendid houses to be seen but they need immediate attention to overcome the vagaries of time and modern trends.
As I said, I do not know what happened to Pepac's master plan and whether it was being followed or was shelved as a hopeless job - the latter is more likely. The only way to revive it in the prevailing political dispensation is to get the dynamic new chief minister somehow interested in it. Even for that one needs a couple of dedicated public figures who have access to him. As he seems determined to prove that Shahbaz Sharif was not the only chief minister with a love for Lahore, that should not be too difficult.


Name: Azar -
E-mail: azarkamal@hotmail.com
Location: Karachi,      Pak
Comments:   With Lahore in his veins By Mahmood Zaman Mahmood Zaman profiles Dr Ajaz Anwar, the watercolourist known for painting street scenes of old Lahore, and for his efforts to conserve the cultural heritage of his city, with an unmatched passion. Ajaz Anwar came to be known much before he found recognition in the world of art and culture. It was because of his father, cartoonist Anwar, who drew impish and sharp-tongued Nanna when associated with The Pakistan Times during the time the newspaper was headed by none other than Faiz Ahmad Faiz. Anwar was the pioneer in cartoon journalism in the early years of Pakistan. But more than that, he was a known Punjabi poet and a watercolourist. Ajaz remembers some of his father's paintings which he did in Simla and which inspired him greatly. Thus, Nanna emulated his father whom he says is his role model and teacher. Now Ajaz in his own right has grown into an artist par excellence having a style of his own in watercolour. He has extensively painted the landmarks of old Lahore, particularly the walled city, whose streets he fell in love with right in early childhood when his family migrated to the city from Ludhiana in East Punjab, where he was born in 1946. Using watercolours, a medium more difficult than others, Ajaz says it is simply part of his inheritance. Others who have painted Lahore after him, have used oil and pastels to ensure perfection. But Ajaz's watercolours seem more perfect than those following him and using relatively easier mediums. Some of the Lahore buildings Ajaz has painted have now disappeared or their facades have been badly altered or simply mutilated. For example, he cannot forget the landmark Haveli Lakhe Shah at Chowk Matti, a mohalla between Lohari Gate and Shah Alami, which is no more there. A high-rise ugly looking structure has been raised there for Shah Alami traders to run their wholesale perfume and cosmetic businesses. "This was a monumental, imposing building which had a definite visual impact. It is no longer there, it was razed to the ground, and I feel sad about it," says Ajaz. Some of the earliest buildings he painted were in Changar Mohalla and in Paisa Akhbar neighbourhoods in Urdu Bazaar, Paan Mandi facing Lohari Gate and Anarkali. But then he roamed the city, painting the narrow streets of Delhi Gate, Kashmiri Bazaar, Rang Mahal, Lohari Gate, Chuna Mandi, adjacent to Sheranwala Gate, Bazaar Hakeeman inside Bhati Gate, Gumti Bazaar, Pani Wala Talab (around the Mughal-period water supply tanks located at a point believed to be the highest in the walled city), Papar Mandi (inside Shah Alami Gate), Katchehri Road (near the district courts) and many more neighbourhoods. Besides the walled city, Ajaz has also painted street scenes from Gwalmandi, Lakshmi Chowk, the Commercial Building on The Mall, Tollinton Market (when it had a wooden exterior), Railway Road, McLeod Road, the Zamzama Gun, Lahore Museum and a number of edifices on The Mall and National College of Arts. Ajaz says that he has consciously painted with an eye on the future. Already many of the landmarks have lost their original architectural character and much more of this loss in the offing in the years to come. This, he feels, perhaps cannot be avoided in a milieu where markets are expanding and commercial activity needs to create more space within the city. Ever since the walled city has turned into a centre of major wholesale markets, the demolition of some exquisite buildings has been on the rise. Thus, no wonder if Lahore of yesteryear can only be preserved in Ajaz's paintings. in few decades to come. That said, Ajaz is not the pioneer in painting old Lahore. Rawalpindi-based journalist, late H.K. Burki and Ms Nasim Hafeez Qazi did the same much before he started. But the two painted at a time when the media was not aggressive and artists hardly had the fondness for self-projection. So their names are not known, but Ajaz fondly acknowledges them as pioneers in the field. When the family migrated to Lahore, they settled in Faiz Bagh in the northern part of the city. The huge deluge of 1951 made the family shift to Qila Gujjar Singh where they rented a house, owned by the late journalist, Mazhar Ali Khan. Ajaz remembers Mazhar Sahib holding meetings of progressive writers group at his haveli, which his father instantly joined and where Mahmood Ali Khan, the elder brother of Khan Sahib, Tahira Mazhar Ali and Khawaja Salahuddin, a wealthy businessman, used to read their poems and short stories. He also recalls that Mazhar Sahib never asked for the rent, let alone an increase in rent. All he wanted was to keep good tenants and neighbours. After obtaining a Masters degree in fine arts from Punjab University in 1967 (first-class first, with a gold medal), Ajaz became a lecturer at his department and taught Muslim architecture for two years. He then left the university in 1972 for Turkey on a scholarship for his PhD in Muslim architecture from Istanbul. He completed his doctorate in 1977 and was still in Istanbul when he got another scholarship, this time from Unesco, for a one-year study in Rome in conservation of cultural property. He became the first Pakistani to be offered the Unesco scholarship after the education department in Islamabad had refused him this opportunity only because the scholarship was not routed through the department. Ajaz returned to Punjab University and saw an advertisement that the government of Uganda wanted skilled workers in a host of fields, including art teachers. He applied and got a job with the Makerere University, Kampala, then the largest university in Africa. Ajaz says that President Idi Amin of Uganda had given special instructions that all the qualified work force should be brought from Pakistan. He taught Muslim architecture at the African university for two years and again returned to Pakistan to join National College of Arts in 1980. He says that it was at the Pakistani embassy in Kampala where he saw the NCA advertisement, and he applied for the job then and there. Ajaz has travelled a lot and seen many cities. But like many Lahoris, he believes that Lahore has no match even if compared with London, Paris or Rome. A few years ago, when he displayed his work in New Delhi in an exhibition, some one asked him how he compared Lahore with Delhi. He replied, "Lahore has the colours which are seen nowhere." But now he wonders if Lahore is the same as he used to feel it. "I feel that Lahore, with its narrow streets, its congested mohallas, its trees, its skyline, is no more." So the painter in him turned art historian, partly just to laments the city's haphazard expansion which hardly suits its cultural environment. He says that the new planned neighbourhoods, like Liberty Market, Model Town Extension and Defence, are fine, but those like Pakistan Cloth Market, Azam Cloth Market, Sarafa Bazaar and Shah Alami, where tall commercial plazas have risen, give a feeling of alienation. Old Lahore was never so claustrophobic. "Look at the cell-like shops in one of such plazas; do they in any way represent the city's culture of vastness? (arranged chaos?)" Ajaz is not happy with the walled city turning into a marketplace, where chemical, leather and gold businesses are come to thrive over the past few decades. "We hardly see any residential areas left now. Most Lahoris have left the walled city or the areas close to it; milk, vegetable and fruit shops have given way to chargha, nihari and shabby lunch shops. it seems if the destruction of Lahore's social fabric is complete." But Ajaz does not merely complain; he wants to see the city's past cultural life revived in one form or another. While studying in Rome, he was trained to help a city like Lahore retrieve just that. The revival of Lahore's cultural ethos is his passion, one that he shares with architects Nayyar Ali Dada, Kamil Khan Mumtaz and Khawaja Zaheeruddin. This led them to form the Lahore Conservation Society back in 1984. Ajaz calls himself "a pucca Lahori", who has always protested as and when any of the city's monuments is vandalized by the authorities or by unscrupulous elements for commercial gains. His dissenting voice was the loudest when the Nawaz Sharif government damaged the Shish Mahal for a state banquet in 1990; when the hydraulic system of the Shalimar Gardens was demolished for the expansion of the G.T. Road in 1998; and when the city's 'beautification' was undertaken in the same period. Writing is another one of Ajaz's passions. He wrote his first book in Punjabi, titled Nain Reesan Shehr Lhore Dian. The book is about the legendary buildings and locations of Lahore, most of which are no more. In the book, he described, for instance the diminishing city culture depicted by "haudis", water tanks for horses, the celebration of Basant, tea-shop boys, taxis, wrestling arenas, milk shops, lassi, the Ravi river, and some important characters of the city. The book grips the reader with nostalgia, and those who have lived in the city in their early years may enjoy these vivid accounts more than the others.


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   Farani Jee. MeiN sanjeedgi naal Punjabi kahaniaaN di ik collection da soch reha aaN. Balka, do din pehloN ik kahani shoroo keeti e "Baba ChiRyaaN Wala". Ik hore kahani "kugiyaaN nooN naaN Maaro" addhi peyee e. Hore kayee cheezaaN zehn hunn; Ik stage drama, ik T.V. drama serial te ik hore lammi kahani. Novel likhan da hosla neiN peNda je ohnooN sirre vi chaRha sakaaN ga ya neiN. Es majah toN shoroo ee neiN karda. Kujh choronic health problems aaRe aande neiN.


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: Pindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Bhai Attique Mirza Jee te Mahmud Jee, Imran Jee, Zaka Kazi Jee,

Paa Safir Rammah Jee Pakistan aa rahey neyN. Jogi Jhelumi dee kitaab "MundraaN", Dr. Laeeq Babri dee kitaab " "KUGOO GHORAY" (THE MUTE HORSES), Noor Mohammad Ch. dee akhaaN*aaN dee kitaab "Babey binaaN bakreeyaaN naheeN chardiyaaN" Iqbal Salahuddin de waDDee Punjabi Lughat (Dictionary) ohnaaN de layee kharid ke rakhyaaN neyN. Ehdey ilaawaa English wich Punjabi deeyaaN dictionaries, grammars te hor boht kujh www.apnaorg.com de asmaan te sajaawaN* laee akhaThaa keetaa jaa rehyaa ey. Kal raat meyN Islamabad Chinese writers and poets de wafd naal see. OhnaaN nooN apniyaaN tin kitaabaaN sufiyaaN barey peysh keetiyaaN. Boht khush hoey. Othey Pakistan de mashhoor naat-khawaaN Bashir Hussain Nazin naal mulaaqaat hoee. Oh dassaN* laggey ke ohnaaN neyN Punjabi dey 20,000 (round about) akhaaN* akhaThey keetey neyN. Balley, Balley. Eh kam da suN* ke eynee khushee hoee ke kujh naa puchho. Baqi fer.

Paa Zaki Jee, tuhaanoo pehlaaN wee ik waar likhyaa see ke rabb neyN tuhaanoo nasar likhan dee baRee ee sohN*ee salaaheyat dittee ey. Shaalaa kheyreeN wasso. Saeed


Name: Atique Mirza -
E-mail: amirza@pol.net
Location: Avon, CT     USA
Comments:   Saeed Ji, Rab tuhada pala karey. Jey tuhadey kol Joggi Jehlmi horan dee ae nazam jidey which oonan ney aey sher kai nein hoovay, tae oono saarian sajna layee apney sonhey which paish karo tey maza aa javey. "gaye niga gey teer kaleja cheer waghawan neer tey akhaan kithey oh heer ha" Jey aey sher ghalat hoovan tey muaaf karna. Jey kaddi joggi Jehlmi hooran da poora kalam mil javey tey bohat meherbani.


Name: Mahmud -
E-mail: agsmz@yahoo.com
Comments:   Attique jee te Saeed jee tusi Ustad Joggi jee dee yaddaN da bhambarr bhakkha ditta ay.

WaikhaN akhaN de jhrokay vichooN bit bit chanaN mainoN lagdee piyaree teri channani
Nachan kawaray naach kirnaN kawariyaN channaN tooN kanwara aiN kawaree teri channani

Os wailey JOGGI de vi dedayaN noN lo laggi mari jadooN hijar kattarri tere channani
OdooN mainooN patta lagga channaN tooN uddhar saiN uddharri tere channani


Name: dullabhatti -
E-mail: dullabhatti47@yahoo.com
Comments:   Zakki ji, tusi te eho ji baat payee ay mainu apna pinD bhull giya te tuhada yaad aun lagg piya...kai vaar te lagda oh hor ee duniya si..saaday lok, sidhian gallan...nikkian nikkian bhullaN ..nikkian nikkian khushian...nikkay nikkay rosay...jhat patt naraaz te jhat patt sulaa. mainu te 5 saal ho gaye giyan wattan te injh lagda jiweiN saddi guzr gai...11 saal te bahut ne..eh te Raam wala banwaas ee bann giya.

Prem ji, hahaha...main te parh ke loaT poaT ho giyaN...ikk vaar main ikk faarm te apni photo lagauni si...nawaN nawaN shehar ayea si main pindoN...vekheya..DAV college de koll ikk dukaan si utte wadday akhraN wich likheya si "Khaira Photostat te typing"..barhi mashhoor thaaN ain Ambarsar di...khair..Khaira dukaan de aggoN di langay si 2 chaar vaar..jad photo khichwaan di lorh payee main socheya chalo Khaira toN lwaah lainay aan...koi 16 saal di meri ummer si..nikki nikki muchh te khodi jihi daahRi.awein aaN nu...main sidha vajjeya Sardar Khaira de maThay te oh puchhan lagga..kaka ki kamm ay...main kiha ji...koi khaas nai bass ikk faarm te do photo lagwaaniyaN si khich diyo....oh thorha jiha khachari haasi hasseya te mainu moDeyaN toN phaRh ke dukaan de baahir bazaar wich khRaa ke kehan lagga,,, asiN photostat karday aan, photoaN nai khichday...photo khichwaani ay te jaa aun sahmne dukaan galli de moRh te...oudoN te main baRha kacha jiha hoyea....mainu ki pata ki farak ay photostat te phot wich.... par...ajj takk jadoN eh gall yaad aundi ay apnay apnay khiRh ke haasa nikall jaanda ay....

eisay taraN ikk saada rishtedaar aithey Amreeka ayea... ohnu koi Kentucky Fried Chicken te lai giya....jadd khaanay waliaN plaitaN lai ke table te baithan laggay te mash potato te gravy wali kaulli vall ungal karke kehn lagga...yaar aa kRaah wahwa taaza taaza lagda ay.. bhaaphaN chhad'da...thoRha thoRh hor na pawa laiyeye.


Name: Imran -
E-mail: darwaish_p@hotmail.com
Location: MuLtan,      Pakistan
Comments:   SaLam Veero Sajno PehLu Gaal taY e Hay k mainu Inaan ziyada Parheya hoya naeen haan Iss Lahe maire kohe GhaLti howay taan oss nu Jandhe Karna. Main Ajj KaaL Multan ich honda haan . Eithaay Maira Kohe sajan Baile naeen hay NaLay main onj v City which apnain app nu Ghawacha Hoya mehsoos Kardha haan.DiL Kardha hay Pind which rawaan Rooz Sawairay swairay Sair keeta Karaan Har Passay TraaiL pahe howay. Har PassaY sarsoon de phool Khiray howaan tay Ganglaan da Saad desi gheeo ich Banaya hoya howay oss nu Bajray de rotti naal Khawaan tay Lassi pee kay Lamaay lammay dakkaar maraan par ke karaan Majbooriyaan banday nu bann k rakh daindeyaan nain .Main apna org har roz waikhda haan jadoon v PC Onn karaan pehlaan issay nu waikhda haan tay eh Punjabi the fantastic and best site hay . eithay sirf ik cheeze naeen labhee o hay Punjabi dictionary .Umeed kardha haan iss baray v socheya jawaay ga . Fair Gaal Howay ge Raab de HawaLay.


Name: P S KahloN -
E-mail: pkahlon@tnstate.edu
Comments:   Javed Veer Jee:

Yaar TooN te buhat kujh likh ditta e. MeriaN te akhaN gilliaN ho gayaN saNh. ChooRh Kaana vichon dee gae taN meree Naani Jee nooN yaad kar laina.

Oh buDRi Maaee jehRi davaa lain Daak khane gai si, jaroor mere bhain hovegee.

BaRe chir di gall e mere master ne apni kappee ditte ke eh daak khane lai jaa te paise jama karva lia. Mein bhajja bhajja Dava Khane gia te compounder nooN kapee ditte te kiha, eh master jee de paise jama kar lai. Uss nooN samajh aa gai ke master jee ne iss kamle nooN daak khane bhejia si te eh Dava khane aa gia e. Yaar sade kamLe paiNdoo lokaN dee boli hi aisee e. Ehde vich sada ki kassor e.

Laih ikk hore gall suNh. MeiN Toba Tek Singh Wazeefe da imtihaNh waste chalia si. Master Shukar-U-Din mere Naal si. Asin Gojre tesaNH te gaddi dee udeek kar rahe si. Kisee neN kiha ke gaddi late e. Mein sochia gaddi nen palta kha lia hoNhaN e. JadoN gaddi Gojre tessaNh te pujee taN meiN vekhia ikk sajan apne Tunde hath naal apne Kulle te paag baNh riha si. Mein sochia gaddi palta kha gai e te uss da hath vadhia gia e. Oh sajan Baree de neRhe baitha si. JadoN mein andar gia te mein vicharley PhaTTe te baith gia. Master jee ne hukam ditta, Putter mere kol baith. Master jee baree kol baithey si. Mein kiha ke mein vichar vale PhaTTe te baithna e. MenooN Daarr si ke je gaddi late gai te meree vi BaaHN vadhi jaigee. Veer jee meinooN te iho hi patta si ke MajhaN gawaN latediaN ne. Kee patta si ke gaddi vee late jaNdee e. Sadde paindooN kamliaN te bhaveiN hAAss lavo parr eh sadee boli e.

SajanaN khush raho te wattan ja ke apne yaaraN beliaN nall Apne bachpan dian yaadaN dian KhusiaN mannao. Tuhada APNA Yaar Prem


Name: Javed zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   Dullah Bhatti Jee. PehloN te eh dasso, eyne der de kis ghurne vich julla lapait ke beThhe O. Bas kidi kidi thoRa jiya khhes akhhaaN toN cha ke aale dwaale di saar leNde O. NaaN haal naaN chaal, naaN gal naan baat. Bhaai eydi vi keeh gal hoee. Haan, Des jaa reha vaaN koee 11 saal magroN. ThoRa jiya nervous vi aaN. Apni janam bhoNee (Khanqah Dogran) jaan lei tohaade aabaaee shehr (ChohR-kana) kolon guzraaN gaa te salam keh diyaan gaa. DoNveen shehr koee 15 koh de faasle te neN. Weyse te mera apne puttar nooN le ke Nankana sahib te Waris Shah de mazaar te vi jaan da program e. Yaad aaNde neN oh yaar beli jinHaan naal ral ke "annhe kutte, harniaaN de shikaariaan" waNgooN (eh vi meri MaaN Jee da ik khaas akhhaan si) peye gaahne piNd thaaN, be-mohaare. Beriaan de seyoo khaan lei, kandiaan naal winnhe hathhaaN peyraaN toN be-parwaah, paNbhoo kotyaaN de taraphhaRh le ke partana. kidi pokhhe paane te tarhaae, te kidi kisey piNd di chhoti jei hatti toN reoRiaan te morooNda kha ke. Ghar aandiaaN Maan Jee neN aakhnaaN "Ve sohnya! kithhoN loor loor phhirda aanyaan e saara din, fer pawaa aanyaaN eeN taraphhaR, kujh khaada vi aa keh neiN". MeN MaaN Jee wal maskeenani jei shakal banaa neviN akhhiN takna te ohnaan di saari mamta dhul ke ohnaan diaan bahNwaan vich aa jaani te ohnaaN menooN apne rooN wargi nirmal japhhi vich bhar leyna. "Ni kuRye, liya ni razaaee bhara waaste te naal liya dudh vich shehd mila ke" menooN MaaN jee neN palaNg te lataaNdiaaN meri waddi bhen nooN awaaz deni. "MethhooN neiN hoNda eh siyaapa, ehda te eh roz di khed e, garmiyaaN diaan chhottiaan kih hoNyaaN, ehde te ghar peyr ee neiN tikde, ehde peyraaN vich chakki lag jaande e", meri bhen neiN thhoRa gusse naal bolna. Par ohneiN aNderle kamre vichoN razaaee liya ke te chuNge taraan walayt ke te dudh piyaana. "Hun ethoN hilyoN na te fer vekheeN, tera makko Thhap diyaan gee". Menoon makko de Thhappan tooN boht dardaan saan, keyooN je eh kehndiaaN ohne thhoRi jei kachichi vi watni. Menoon baRi deyr tikar eh pata na lagya je eh makko Thhapna kih hoNda e.

Feyr yaad aaNdi oh ik peNdoo jei buDRi maaee, jinnhe methhoN pochhiya "Ve puttar, Ve buchya! eh daak-khhaana kidde e" te menooN post-office le giya. "Ve channaaN menooN kithhe le aaya eeN, meiN daak-khhaane jaanaaN eeN, jithhe daak-daar hoNda e". "Te MaaN jee, inj kewo naaN hasptaal". Te os Maan jee neiN 10 minutes haspataal pohNchan tikar menoon saari daastaan sonaa ditti.

"Puttar tera chacha bimaar ho giya aahi, aahNde neiN ohni waddi bimaari lag geyi e, menoon te pehloN ee shobaa aahi, saari saari raat piya khhangda te thhukda, ottoN suk ke hadyaaN da pinjar, bibhar jiya ho giya e, per heye oveeN jiya kabba, oye tohanooN mera koee khiyaal neiN, meiN saara saara din es dhrangge te piya rehna, Puttar! HaalaaN meiN puNj saalaan toN ohdi maNji di saraahNdi ban ke beThhi aan" MaaN jee neiN menooN gali vich khalaar-diaan aakhiya. "Oh chaahNda e je saara tabbar ohde kool beThha reyye. NaaN channaan toeeN das, tuNh te paRhya lakhhya jaapda eeN, eh ho sakda e. Fer eh waahi beji, maal daNgar di siva koan kresi, DoNveen bhara te ohde vich rujjhe hoye neiN". Te ohnaan das mintaaN vich menooN vi iNj jaapan lag piya jeviN oh maaee meri koee maasi-taaee hovey. Hasptaal pohNchan te jad ohnaan noon aakhya "ChaNgga MaaN jee meiN chalna te boley, "Naan puttar, beh jaa, eh vekh meiN makeii di roti naal saag rijh ke liyaaNda e", Maan jee neiN potli kholdiaan aakhiya. "OThh bao Raajhiya, tooN vi kujh pinn le". MaaN jee neiN apne buDRe nooN hath naal ashaara kardiaan aakhya. "Aa geyee eiN le ke tosa, eh vela e aan da, ene chir toon meriaan aaNdaraaN payyaan vilkdiaan neiN, tohaanooN lokaan nooN te koee parwaah neiN meri, maraan yaaN jeevaaN" BudhRa bolya". Vekhiya ee puttar, ammaaN boli "naaN Raajhiya! saade piNd koloN koee gaddi neiN laNghdi, Turr ke aaee aaN, koee ghoRi neiN tuN peel ke rakhee hoee merey lei, peyr chhille geye nein merey, te teyryaan oho gallaaN diyaaN daangaan".

"chaNgga MaaN jee, meiN fer chalna", meiN blya.

"Jaa jewNda reyN, jag da sukh haNdaeeN, terey jamman aali di asheeN".


Name: arshad chudhary -
E-mail: chudhary@brutele.be
Location: brussels,      belgium
Comments:   I have been missing a lot Punjabi poetry and music. I am really happy to find your site which is a source of pride and inspiration to all of us.


Name: DullaBhatti -
E-mail: dullabhatti47@yahoo.com
Comments:   Saeed ji, Thanks for intro on Jogi Jhelumi. Can you put some of his poetry on APNA.

Zakki ji, tuhadian wattan pherian de kissey sunn sunn saada vi dil oudar giya.


Name: rizwan khan -
E-mail: khan_rizwan80@hotmail.com
Location: manalapana, nj     USA
Comments:   i think this is the best web site on net, i really like what you guyes doking, i enjoyed going on this website. good job


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: Pindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Dear Attique Mirza,

Jogi Jhelum died long ago. He lived in Machine Mohallah # 2 and I was living in Machine Mohallah # 3 Jhelum. Many years back his all the kalam was collected in one book called "MundraaN". I have the book in my library. I would also love to publish it sometime in future. He was very genuine poet who had true attatchment with the land and the masses, though he could not get any formal education and was working as a mason but he had great thoughts. Just go through these lines so that you could have little chas or sawaad(taste) of his poetry.:

Naa baal naal zindgee, Naa maal naal zindgee,

naa maaN-piyaaN (parents) de naal, naa zaal (wife) naal zindgee

zindgi te maot Jogi doveyN koee cheez naheeN

khiyaal naal maot ey khiyaal naal zindgi.

Dr. Zaki Jee, jam jam aao apney watnaaN nooN. Merey ik dost Col. Mohammad Ilyaas (of ChelyaaNwaalaa, Gujrat) said:

wich pardeysaaN cheytey aaway, sohN*aa deys piyaaraa,

apN*ey Takht Hazaarey naal naa raldaa Balkh Bukhaaraa.

ik hor thaaN Col. Ilyaas ee kehNdey neyN:

Terey baahjooN jee naa lagdaa, aa mil yaar piyaarey,

tooN aawayN te raoN*aq lagdee dil de takht hazaarey.


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: Pindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Dear Attique Mirza,

Jogi Jhelum died long ago. He lived in Machine Mohallah # 2 and I was living in Machine Mohallah # 3 Jhelum. Many years back his all the kalam was collected in one book called "MundraaN". I have the book in my library. I would also love to publish it sometime in future. He was very genuine poet who had true attatchment with the land and the masses, though he could not get any formal education and was working as a mason but he had great thoughts. Just go through these lines so that you could have little chas or sawaad(taste) of his poetry.:

Naa baal naal zindgee,

Naa zaal (wife) naal zindgee,

naa maaN-piyaaN (parents) de naal zindgee

zindgi te maot Jogi doveyN koee cheez naheeN

khiyaal naal maot ey khiyaal naal zindgi.

Dr. Zaki Jee, jam jam aao apney watnaaN nooN. Merey ik dost Col. Mohammad Ilyaas (of ChelyaaNwaalaa, Gujrat) said:

wich pardeysaaN cheytey aaway, sohN*aa deys piyaaraa,

apN*ey Takht Hazaarey naal naa raldaa Balkh Bukhaaraa.

ik hor thaaN Col. Ilyaas ee kehNdey neyN:

Terey baahjooN jee naa lagdaa, aa mil yaar piyaarey,

tooN aawayN te raoN*aq lagdee dil de takht hazaarey.


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   Saeed Farani Jee. Geet sarahan da Shukriya. I hope to see you very soon in Lahore.


Name: Atique Mirza -
E-mail: amirza@pol.net
Location: Avon, CT     USA
Comments:   I would like to ask if anyone knows about Jogi Jehlmi's poetry. He was not able to write his poems, and I heard that someon ecomiled his work. He is (I hope he is still alive)from Jehlm Pakistan. I would love to get his poetry if possible.


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: Pindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Dr. Zaki Jee, boht ee sohN*aa geet ey.

teynooN sutyaaN jaag naa aaee

ve chiRyaaN bol geiyaaN


Name: Sardarz -
E-mail: sardarz@yahoo.com
Comments:   Dosto,

I logged on to the apna site after a long time to check if there were any details regarding the death of the one and only Surjit Bindrakhia.
I heard about his death over the last long weekend of Thanksgiving and was much saddened by it.
The rumor went he died of AIDS and not heart failure..
I wanted to come in and check good ol APNA site to read the comments of forum contributors..
Anyone has any more details besides the article published on the home page of Apna site...
Bindrakhia had a hauntingly high pitched voice,I had always hoped he would sing some of Shiv Batlvi's works.. But alas this will never happen now :-( Regards


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: Pindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Dear APNA Mitro,

Najam Hussain Syed bare ik boht ee bharveeN te khubsurat likhat Col. Nadir horaaN dee.

Elegies of nature and mother tongue

All of Najam Hussain Syed's poetic work has been written in rhythm and rhyme, meant to be sung or dramatically recited like most classical Punjabi poetry By Nadir. Ali

I consider Najam Hussain Syed's writings on literary criticism to be his greatest contribution to Punjabi literature though his literary work, comprising 22 books, covers other subjects like poetry and drama as well.

Eh link wekho:

http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/sep2003-weekly/nos-28-09-2003/lit.htm#1

Paa Safir Jee, ehdi saaNbh karo. Regards.


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Location: Okemos, Mi     USA
Comments:   Sajno. Ik navaaN geet haazar e, ik poraane folk geet di line te.

GEET

Alf Allah mann chaNba khaRe cha
Te mushak machaave sahwaaN
Koee mukhh wajadani vekhhaan
Te ohde sang Tur janwaaN

TenooN sutya jaag na aaee
ChiRyaaN bol geiyaaN

Mann vich nehra palda rehNda
Tann da baalan balda rehNda
Lobh lobhawaaN rol geiyaaN
ChiRyaaN bol geiyaaN

RahwaaN rahwaaN bhulya phhir da
Khhed eh saara, dil te sir da
KerniyaaN takRi tol geiyaaN
ChiRyaan bol geiyaaN

Lobh da piyala bhar bhar peeta
KeetiyaaN da na daaru kita
KeetiyaaN surt madhol geiyaan
ChiRyaaN bol geiyaaN

JinnhaaN waa'de toR nabhaaye
Ohnaan chaNgge karam kamaaye
Oh sajnaaN de kol geiyaan
ChiryaaN bol GeiyaaN
tenooN sotya jaag na aaee
ChiRyaan bol geiyaaN


Name: rajwinder -
E-mail: rajwinderdayal@hotmail.com
Location: toronto, on     canada
Comments:   hey i m from canada and my name is rajwinder. i really like your site. it is a great source of punjabi poetry and i really love punjabi poems and geets. but u know wat i dont understand urdu and most of the poetry in this site is in urdu and it is hard to understand even in english. so can u please be kind to put some poetry in punjabi albhabet(gurmukhi). i really want to read shiv kumar batalvi 's geet in punjabi. i will be really thankfull to u


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: Pindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Dear APNA Mitro,

Hafizur Rahman Jee ik muddat toN Punjab, Punjabi, te Punjabiat baarey likhdey aa rahey neyN. Here is one very informative article on the issue of Sikhs. What a sad fate of Punjabis that Sikhs have become mystry for the present generation of our country. I hope such articles will help to learn more about Sikh Punjabis. Rammah Jee, the foto of Baba Guru Nanak Jee is very beautiful with the article. You can copy it and save it. Here is the link:

http://www.dawn.com/weekly/books/books6.htm

ARTICLE: The Sikh enigma

By Hafizur Rahman

Except for periodic though regular visits by groups of Sikhs to their shrines in Pakistan, we in this country, and particularly in Punjab, which was their home before Partition, rarely get to see any member of this virile community, what to say of sitting down and talking to them. My own dear friend, Gurdial Singh, with whom I can only correspond, lives in Chandigarh and we haven't met since 1945. Because Indian newspapers are not available, all that we come to know about the Sikhs is through books. They come out rather well in these books, whoever the authors. Before Partition, the areas of Rawalpindi and Lyallpur (now Faisalabad) had become exceedingly prosperous because of the Sikhs' industriousness and spirit of enterprise. Otherwise too, they made life in the united Punjab more colourful by their merry abandon, their friendliness and their devil-may-care attitude to the problems of life. The younger generations in Pakistan know very little about the faith and social pattern of the Sikhs. Of course there are written accounts regarding Partition, especially in school and college textbooks, describing the Sikhs' murderous propensities in which we conveniently forget to tell our children that the Muslims were as thorough in killing the Sikhs in West Punjab as the Sikhs were in hacking Muslims to pieces across the new border. However, one hopes that is past history now. The new generations also do not know that the Sikhs believe unalterably in the Oneness of God (they call Him Rabb) and abhor idolatory of any kind. Like Islam, Sikhism ordains that there shall be no separation of one's faith from politics, and that has been one of their problems, just as it is of the Muslims. However, over the centuries, society got so constituted in Punjab that there grew a divide between the Sikhs and the Hindus on the one hand and the Muslims on the other. Mughal repression was partly responsible for this historical gulf. It comes as a great surprise to most young people when they are told that the foundation stone of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Sikhism's holiest shrine, was laid by Mian Mir, the saint of Lahore. The conclusive history of the Sikhs is contained in Khushwant Singh's voluminous book on the subject though it doesn't cover recent events. However, books written over the last decade or so vividly describe how the Sikhs of Indian Punjab grew out of their ages-old antipathy towards the Muslims and, instead, began to make their Hindu compatriots the target of their hate. This was a result of the widespread feeling among them that the Indian government gave them a raw deal despite their heroic role in the two wars with Pakistan and their remarkable success in converting the state of Punjab into the granary of India. From this resentment emerged the demand for a separate Sikh homeland, "Khalistan". Much more violent than this demand was the insurrection of the Sikhs in Punjab and gory attacks on the Hindus. This culminated in the Indian army's incursion into the Golden Temple to flush out terrorists in which the charismatic leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale lost his life, followed by the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards, the retaliatory killing and burning by the Hindus of over 3,000 Sikh citizens in Delhi, and the shoot-to-kill police action against Sikh militants in Punjab. It is widely believed that relations between the Sikhs and the Indian government can never again assume the old pattern of affectionate official indulgence towards the community. As stated above, those interested in the Sikh question have to read books to understand its various facets. For example, Mark Tully's Amritsar: Mrs Gandhi's Last Battle, (Jonathan Cape) is the story of the rise of Bhindranwale and the graphic day-to-day, almost hour-to-hour, account of the army action in the Golden Temple and what followed. The book leaves one with the conclusion that although the terrible happenings were born of the Sikhs' feeling of deprivation, the failure of Mrs Indira Gandhi and her government to take timely measures led to the violent agitation and the gory developments. I remember how, at that time, most Pakistanis could not appreciate the Sikhs' anger and violent reaction to the Indian army's raid on the temple. They only understood when I drew a parallel about the possible desecration of the Khana-i-Kaaba by armed men. Personally I always felt that had Mrs Gandhi been more of a stateswoman and less the impulsive politician, she could have avoided the bloodshed and also prevented Bhindranwale from becoming a hero of youthful Sikhs. Before his death in the Golden Temple, Bhindranwale had become the idol of almost the whole Sikh nation, including senior military officers and intellectuals. I was a witness to the scene on the steps of the Punjab Assembly in early 1947 when Master Tara Singh waved a naked sword in the air and said about the impending creation of Pakistan, "Over our dead bodies!" The very same Master Tara Singh is reported to have said to the Indian government in the early fifties, "If you are true nationalists, then, for the sake of the nation, you must let the Sikhs live honourably. You will err in attempting to extinguish, in the name of nationalism, their distinctive identity." This cause of identity was later taken up by many Sikh intellectuals. It is not generally known in Pakistan that as an aftermath of Operation Blue Star to flush out Bhindranwale from the Golden Temple, there was mutiny in a number of Sikh regiments. Even senior Sikh army generals, known for their outstanding war service, were disenchanted. When her bodyguards shot Indira Gandhi dead, they shouted that they had done their duty as Sikhs. Both were killed immediately by security men. Short of Khushwant's History of the Sikhs, Ram Narayan Kumar's The Sikh Struggle (Chanakya Publications, Delhi) is a useful book if one wants to be acquainted with the birth of Sikhism, the life of its founder, Guru Nanak, the respective contributions of his twelve apostles, its transformation from a peace-loving community to a militant force and its trials and tribulations in Mughal times. On the other hand if someone is interested in how the Sikh insurrection in East Punjab was quelled, Joyce J.M. Pettigrew's The Sikhs of the Punjab (Zed Books) draws a graphic picture of not only the police action but also of the heartbreaks and the tragedy and the indiscriminate torture and killing of innocent villagers and their dear and near ones that went into it. She has culled all her information from personal interviews with the affected families. There is a startling sentence in the book about the view of some Delhi high-ups at that time that a war could be started with Pakistan in order to finish the Sikh problem on the way! I have mentioned these three books because I happened to have read them. But there are many more, and still more are destined to be written because the Sikhs are a fascinating subject any day, quite apart from what they have gone through in recent times. Anyway, we in Pakistan can only know them through books.


Name: Sukhbir Garewal -
E-mail: sugrewal@hotmail.com
Location: New Delhi,      India
Comments:   Leaving Delhi yet again

Rain Rhapsodies

Madan Gopal Singh

I

A little before the rains arrived in our town, we began to hear the resonance of rain.

The smell of distant waters wafted across in the swelter of Delhis dry heat. The expectant ontology of a season about to overwhelm us was felt all around. We little children sensed something that we did not quite comprehend. We felt happy in being bound up in an elemental mystery

This was in the late-fifties in what was then a refugee colony on the edge of Delhi. Beyond this line of habitation was a stretch of wild, thorny landscape that had lain as it was since the days of Hastinapur. As a kind of a buffer between the Upanishadas and the Puranas. It was the space of imperious snakes, indifferent hyenas, lazy rodents and yellow flowers we often boiled in the hope of hitting upon a magical dye.

The heat grew relentlessly radiating all kinds of feverish threats. Occasionally, from the street a luckless hawker would announce his goods so musically that women found it irresistable not to take a peek. The cloth from Dhaka, the china from Shanghai Women and children gathered around this map of the world imagined through the hawkers quaint baskets and bundles. This was the time for the weakest of children to get onto the seasonal swings Rains were round the corner.

The walls of our houses were much thicker than now. The ceilings much higher. The fans much heavier. The summer heat would assail our tender nostrils filling it with tingling spasm of pain. Very often a blood vessel would crack-open under the weight of heat And then the humidity increased mercilessly. The harmoniums made from the Calcuttan-wood acquired richness of tones overnight. The dark rooms of our mud-cemented walls kept us cool indoors as we slept crouched foetal-like next to our mothers. We slept safe and deep in our dreams and the rain began to come down from the skies to affirm its primeval bond with earth from whose water it arose in a simple rite of ecological passage. Middle of the night, we woke up in utter wonderment. It was raining

Water, muddied and exuberant, overflowed everywhere. Shallow ponds of rainwater surfaced overnight. Inside water hordes of children gamboled and frolicked in their pristine nudity. Across the Punjabi refugee colony stayed the Rajasthani nomads. The nocturnal silence was intermittently pierced by the croaking frogs and once in a while a folk-melody arose from across the road. These were the earliest songs of yearning and desire; of separation and erotica that we ever heard

Mornings were full of the miasma of cow-dung mixed with rain waters flowing down the nullah. The closure of schools forced by the blinding rains caused untold joy and recrudescence of mirth amongst malingering children. Homes that were like a flowing, continuous spaces till yesterday bacame mysteriously fragmented and adults often disappeared behind closed doors. The idea of home grew strongly as the Monsoons entrenched themselves. The home appears to us today through the haze of time as a cave or even a womb. We were also greatly mesmerized by the dark Krishna holding an entire community of people he had protected from the deluging rains under the mount Goverdhan he had delicately balanced on his finger. But the idea of an uninterrupted home itself was paradoxically fragmented by the machinations of erotica. The lure of water was irresistably visceral. How many rasas did the rains bring? How many emotions? How many songs?

Air gurgled and hissed through the early morning taps announcing the arrival of regulated water. Invariably it synchronized with the women reciting Baramaha A Poetic Almanac of Seasons from the Holy Granth (compilation 16th century under the supervision of the 5th Sikh Guru Arjun Dev). Their poetic incantation muttered ever so gently under their breath was perhaps an antidote to all the zones of dark desires that came to the fore with the visceral dance of ecology. Within the Gurudwaras, the rendition was austere and in strict conformity with the dhrupad ang perhaps the oldest form of Indian classical music with strong religious associations as laid down in the Holy Book itself.

II

From the sacred to the profane in a manner of speaking was the journey of a song from the red-light area about waiting and expectancy. I remember my diasporic aunt on a short visit to India from Montreal wanting desperately a recording of Munnawar Sultanas rendition of love pangs of a woman-courtesan separated from her man in the midst of torrential rains, distraught and waiting for his return. Here was a paradox of societal binds, transgressions and re-binds. The folklore about the nautch girls or the courtesans tied down by professional constraints to please the feudal male, is that they have been disengaged from the name of the father at least from the time of the gandharvas. The entire creative attempt is to establish a legitmacy of some sort. (Mani Kaul deals, at length, with this theme in his Sidheshwari. ) The trauma was especially acute in the shikwas a mode of spirituo-romantic musical rendition steeped usually in mock-complaints. The space of religiosity was as if denied to these perennially displaced women.

The articulation of desire, more precisely feminine desire/s, or what the poet Kalidas calls more appropriately the pace of desire itself was a bit of a taboo and was expressed in terms associated with the darkness of nature or the irrationality of the elements. Alongside the image of night, rain was the the other potent carrier of this pace of desire. But such articulations were split always already. The formal principles of Natya Shastra came in handy. The desire was couched in an etiquette of mannered coyness. However, the nautch girls also had a way with verbalisation which often transgressed the gastronomic truce between her and her consuming listener. Through the agency of vowels and nasalisations often conceived quite literally as points of creative transits the women were able to open the space of chaitanya or conscience within the otherwise predictable aestheticist typologies. This is how a fundamental shift occurred within the idea of shringar from a merely cosmetic-decorative engagement with the self to an almost pagan articulation of desire.

Rains open up, like the non-indifferent nature itself, as an ecological sign. Musically, the energy of the sign is internally evoked before it acquires the body of meaning within the communicative field outside. Poet Kalidas was the first to work towards elemental saturations in Abhijnan Shakuntalam and Meghadootam, Kumar Sambhav for example especially while dealing with water and rains-soaked forests. The sufis especially from the Qadri-Shatari silsilas - from the 14th century onward attempted to install the humankind within the wondrous design of ecology. This was a clear break from the Perso-Arabic obsession with the dis-installing drive rooted in the Judgement Day. However, rain remained rare and illusive in their creative output except and exceptions such as the following from Bulle Shahs (18th C) Spell were hauntingly assertive about the feminine creative impulse.

Toona (Translation of Ik ToonNaa AchaMbaa GaaNvaaN Gi a poem by the 18th century Sufi poet from Punjab, Bulle Shah, by Madan Gopal Singh)

A wondrous spell Ill sing
Ill placate my beloved
who's turned away from me

Ill recite, re-recite this spell
and see it burn
under the warmth of my breath
the fire of the sun
gone dead long since
Ill re-ignite

Koel in my eyes
dark and deep
clouds in the skies
My brows will raise
storms unexpected unseen
Deep inside my heart
the seven seas
from within this heart
the wave of my love would arise

Like the splitting flash of lightening
Ill roll, rumble, blast
frightening him to the last
Ill come pouring down
From the clouds

In the hearth of my ishq
the stars glow bright and mild
wondrous embers of varying lights
My shroud Ill sew
with moonlight
Traversing the homeless path
the unstruck melody Ill strike

Itll then be time to sleep with him
Will I be called a woman then?

(Toona - is a mode of writing that may be traced back to the writings of Hazrat Amir Khusrau (13th C). Within our cosmology a Toona is normally associated with an installation created to bring the object of desire under an unquestioning and often irrational influence of the creator. The installation is more often than not a feminine artefact created out of kitchen spices and bears testimony to the womens desperate need to extend the area of her influence and power outside of the kitchen space.)

The return to the saturated elemental signs and, within these signs, the rains began with Rabindranath Tagore (20th C) in Bengal and Puran Singh (20th C) in Punjab and was subsequently passionately taken up by Jibnanand Das in Bengal and Harbhajan Singh in Punjab. Is there an affinity between these two water-logged topographies? I wonder.


Name: / TheGrace -
E-mail: alne3mat@yahoo.com
My URL: http://www.TheGrace.net
Comments:   Warm welcome to Alnemat TheGrace Arabic Christian Internet Magazine, We love you! Please visit us at: http://www.TheGrace.com http://www.TheGrace.net http://www.TheGrace.org Bible Read search in Arabic Studys Stories Testimonies Hymns and Poems Answers Books Links Daily devotions/Alnemat Journal Arabe Chrtien ( La Grce ) La Revue Arabe sur Internet offrande La Sainte Bible ( Al-Injil ) L'Evangile de Jsus Christ gratuit


Name: abc -
E-mail: abc@xyz.com
Comments:   Observing mr Kahlon's post. So revival only happens not for mother tongue but when/his or her own tongue in problem. One forsake their mother tongue for other's tongue when one's survivsl is in question.


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, PUNJAB     Pakistan
Comments:  
Saeed Farani jee
ay baRi khushi di gal ay keh PUNJABI music ajkal media te wadh raya ay per ma'zrat naal araz karaN ga keh jis taraN tusi aakhya keh 2 urdu songs PUNJABI "taRkay" naal si aisay taraN REAL LIFE vich PUNJABI sirf or sirf "taRkay" de kam e auNdi ay. Tusi YOUNG GENERATION di pasand di gal keeti ay te maiN araz karaN keh YOUNG GENERATION di PUNJABI music toN shuru ho kay music tey e muk jaNdi ay. Jey tusi menooN YOUNG GENERATION vich shamil ker lavo ( pawaiN thoRi der laee ) te maiN apna mushahda dassaN keh saDi YOUNG GENERATION Punjabi music te "tharkadi" zuroor ay per aihday vich ohna da koi kamal ya PUNJABI PYAAR nahiN ay. Aih khalis PUNJABI di miThapun ay jehRa ohnaN nooN majboor kerda ay sunan laee. Ais toN ilawa maiN REAL LIFE vich kitay vi YOUNG GENERATION da PUNJABI laee koi moh nahiN vekhya. Oh gal karan laee english te urdu nooN PUNJABI te terjeeh daiNde naiN. YOUNG GENERATION de kisay vi NUMAINDE nooN koi PUNJABI kitab de ke dekh lavo te ohnoo aakho zara parH ke vakha te pehle pairay toN baad ohdi BASS ho jaNdi ay. Bohat ghat koi nazar aaway ga jehRa PUNJABI nooN REAL LIFE vich apnoNda ay. Chalo aseeN ais gal tey e shukar kar laiNey aaN keh "taRka" e sahi, kuch te nazar auNda ay na.MUBARIK HOVAY.....
P S Kahlon Jee twadi aih gal "Revival of Punjabi to some extent is partly due to some dedicated Punjabi lovers in India/Pakistan and to a large extent due to Punjabees settled abroad. Their financial and political successes are in a small way are also resposible to bring some respect to to Punjabi language/culture. I konw many people settled abroad proudly speak Punjabi and if they were in India or Palistan, they probably would speak Hindi or Urdu in their daily lives. " bilkul solaN aanay sachi ay keh ajkal media ya kitay vi vekh lavo PUNJABI laee koi koshish keeti ay te oh abroad baiThey lokaN ne e keeti ay. TuseeN koi vi site vekh lavo ohdi management ya foundation vich koi "SHIKRA" bahir baiTh ke ay kam ker raya hovay ga. PUNJAB vich baiTh ke aseeN gallaN e kar kay khush ho jaNdey aaN. Bohat ghatt lok naiN jehRay aithay beh ke vi kuch na kuch kari jaNde nain...


Name: P S Kahlon -
E-mail: pkahlon@tnstate.edu
Comments:   Saeed Veer Jee:

Thanks for the the post. There is some revival of Punjabi in Indian Cinema also. There is hardly a movie that doe not have a song/dialogue or two in Punjabi. However due to economic reasons people opt for English and Hindi/urdu in India and Pakistan. English medium schools in India are very popular and second language almost always is Hindi. The "stigma" of Punjabi as a rural language or worst language of uneducated/uncultured is another problem.

My personal opinion is that revival of Punjabi to some extent is partly due to some dedicated Punjabi lovers in India/Pakistan and to a large extent due to Punjabees settled abroad. Their financial and political successes are in a small way are also resposible to bring some respect to to Punjabi language/culture. I konw many people settled abroad proudly speak Punjabi and if they were in India or Palistan, they probably would speak Hindi or Urdu in their daily lives.


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: Rawalpindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   APNA Mitro,

After long time, I could sit in front of PTV and noticed one very encouraging sign. There was a program "TOP TEN" Pop Songs. It was amazing that eight out of ten songs were in Punjabi and the remaining two also have touch or taRkaa of Punjabi. One thing more interesting is that the singers of Punjabi songs were not only Punjabies but also Urdu-speaking guys and Pathans. Truth comes out even if someone suppresses it with the full establishment machinery. Yes, it is alive Punjabi which has very strong and powerful folk and sufi base that today young generation of the whole country likes Punjabi songs though they are not given a chance to read and write in it but even then there is a bright future of this langauge as it is staying number one in the media.

KiyoN paa Sukhbir Jee, Sameer Jee, Safir Jee, Dullah Bhatti Jee, Dr. Zaki Jee, Suman Jee, Prem Singh KahloN Jee.


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, PUNJAB     Pakistan
Comments:  
Sajjno!!!!!!!!! ay lavo aik hor 24 ghantay online PUNJABI RADIO
Visit Apna Radio Listen Punjabi Hindi and Pakistani Music


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   Sajno. ik ghazal haazar e.

....AkhiaaN....

Hijar de seik ne silh'yaaN akhiaaN
Jhole vekhen, gill'yaaN akhiaaN

AzlaaN lei mere chete wassiaaN
JheRiaaN pal lei mill'yaaN akhiaaN

Teri akhh de pe'maane thheeN
Mae'kharaaN diaaN dhill'yaaN akhiaaN

Mae'kharaaN vich hal-chal mach gaee
ThhoRiaaN jaeen bas hill'yaaN akhiaaN

Saade mann nuN pat-pat khaawan
TeriaaN tikhiaaN bill'yaaN akhiaaN

Tere jaan da roala sonn ke
Ro ro ke meiN chhill'yaaN akhiaaN

Deed teri da chan chaRhya te
RoNdiaaN roNdiaaN khill'yaaN akhiaaN

JAVED ZAKI


Name: Sukhbir Garewal -
E-mail: sugrewal@hotmail.com
Location: New Delhi,      India
Comments:   Zaki Veer Ji,

Deeply moved that you liked the four lines I posted on the forum. The lines were recently sung by Dr Madan Gopal Singh at a concert in Chennai (Madras) where Dr Madan and the Sikh Bharat Natyam dancer, Navtej Johar, gave a sterling rendition of Heer Ranjha for well over two hours. The concert was covered live by some South Indian channels and was extensively covered by the leading newspapers such as the Hindu and the Indian Express. These lines are part of a larger poem which unfortunately I do not remember very well. Dr Madan's rendition of his own Heer Ranjha is becoming quite a draw.

But that apart, I rather like your "tabdili" and I think it would be a great idea to have your version recorded.

All the very best

Sukhbir


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   Sukhbir Ji. Geet vich kujh tabdili keeti gayee e.

....GEET....

Ranjhana Ve
Chan Eid da chaRhya
Teri deed da chaRhya

TuN lashkaara, chaah meri da
TuN ee chaanan, raah meri da
BeThhi rawaaN teri rahwaan mal ke
TuN mann layeeN je Heer ve aRya
....RaNjhana ve
....Chan Eid da chaRhya
....Teri deed da chaRhya

Vekhh ve sajnaaN, taara taara
Roop tere da sab e khalaara
MenooN sab e sufna jaape
TuN mere je naal aa khhaRya
....RanjhnaaN ve
....Chan Eid da chaRhya
....Teri deed da chaRhya

Javed Zaki


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   Sukhbir Ji. Kher Mubarak, per thhoRi Jei liberty liee e te geet nooN agge wadhaan ich saanjh paee e. Please do not mind it. Ik hore gal, ehdi boht chaNgi composition bani eN. I am visiting Pakistan in the middle of december and will be there for at least three weeks. I will try my best to get recorded few songs in Punjabi and Urdu. This can be one of them. Woull you like to email me your phone #. Take care.

....GEET....

Ranjhana Ve
Chan Eid da chaRhya
Teri deed da chaRhya

TuN lashkaara, chaah meri da
TuN ee chaanan, raah meri da
BeThhi rawaaN tere raste raste
TuN mann layeeN je haan ve aRya
....RaNjhana ve
....Chan Eid da chaRhya
....Teri deed da chaRhya

Vekhh ve sajnaaN, taara taara
Roop tere da sab e khalaara
MenooN sab e sufna jaape
TuN mere je naal aa khhaRya
....RanjhnaaN ve
....Chan Eid da chaRhya
....Teri deed da chaRhya

Javed Zaki & Sukhbir Grewal


Name: gursharan -
E-mail: gsinghh@yahoo.com
Location: pind Reston, va     USA
Comments:   KauraSach

I think this observation is correct that gurdas maan is a good performer but not a good singer. the reason behind that is his songs compilation is not a one whole song from one geetkaar but one stenza from hare one stenza from there and shuf-in some sher from someone else. this is the reallty behind his songs lyrics.

NOW, come to his perfor-m ance part he is good looking,charming,bodily fit,knows how to talk with his eyes. knows how to dress nicely and knows how to make stage looks full with performers, These are the key elements to be a "GOOD PERFORMER"


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal

The East Punjab government has put up another 'Punjabi Heritage' story on its website. It is on Warris Shah:

http://www.punjabgov.net/news.asp?fol_name=heritage\latest\&file_name=her1&p_title=Glorious Heritage of Punjab

ps, I noticed that the credit to Safir Rammah Ji and APNA for writing the article on Shiv Kumar Batalvi is missing - http://www.punjabgov.net/news.asp?fol_name=heritage\archive&file_name=shiv2&get_pic=&p_title=Glorious Heritage of Punjab&curr_f=2&tot_file=3

Someone please inform the webmaster at punjabgov.net to put it back on.


Name: kaurasach -
E-mail: kaurasach@yahoo.com
Comments:   Regarding Gurdas Mann, Punjabi folk singers who used to sing with Mann at college functions (before mamla garbar hai fame) say that he has deviated from his Punjabi roots and his songs are copied from different sources. They are not original. His tunes and music isn't Punjabi enough.
Obviously he is a famous and a great performer. Is there anyone who agrees with their observations that he may be a good performer but not a good PUNJABI singer. I've also visited sites where comments have been made to this effect.


Name: Sukhbir Garewal -
E-mail: sugrewal@hotmail.com
Location: New Delhi,      New Delhi
Comments:   P'a Amandeep is candid in underlining the 'perfuntoriness of his look' and that is a great relief. For, if he had been a little more diligent and a little less impatient to push the claims of the so-called 'poet-philosopher', Gurdas Mann, he would at least have noticed that the APNA homepage does contain some of his music. He possibly deserves a larger focus than he has received not only here but elsewhere as well. But the point is moot and debatable. Gurdas Mann is/was a great performer and a fantastic pan-Indian pioneer of Punjabi pop in quite a specific and concrete sense. So one must place credit at his door. But - and this is a huge 'but' - can he hold his 'sur'. Take an objective musical opinion and, I am afraid, the results may not be as flattering as P'a Amandeep would want them to be. About his choice of poetry, the less said the better. And as a student of philosophy, I must confess that I would be very uneasy in accepting Gurdas Mann anywhere near the already fragile and frequently encroached upon space of philosophy. Gurdas Mann a philosopher! I will die laughing!

Sukhbir


Name: amandeep -
E-mail: dabwali@hotmail.com
Location: toronto, ON     Canada
Comments:   Had a perfunctory look at this site and discussion forum....But according to me, any site that does not mention the name of great singer, philosopher and lyricist Gurdas Maan cannot get the credit of being a Punjabi site. He is a Living Legend...at least deserving some place somewhere in this site.


Name: Sukhbir Garewal -
E-mail: sugrewal@hotmail.com
Location: New Delhi,      India
Comments:   RaaNjhanNaa ve
chann id daa chaReyaa
Deed teri di
TaaNgh ve sajjanNaa
Taaraa taaraa
Jaag ch khureyaa

ID MUBARAK


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com/
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal

Here is an email i got back from Panjab Radio regarding APNA:

"Thank you for your kind words of support and encouragement. We hope that you will join the many thousands of others who have passed on the 'good news' about Panjab Radio to their family, friends and acquaintances.
I will pass your e-mail to our Managing Director in respect of your idea regarding APNA.
Kind regards
Pammi Nizzar
Station Manager"


Name: abc -
E-mail: abc@xyz.com
Comments:   Is the sky of west is better than than that of the east therefore stars are better as well!! Then why we always tend to compare or match with the other?


Name: abc@xyz.com -
E-mail: abc@xyz.com
Comments:   If anybody hasnt read the munite of Lord mCcauly Should read this excerpt: http://www.tc.umn.edu/~raley/research/english/macaulay.html


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: Pindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Dear Dr. Zaki Jee, you are welcome in Islambad. Dear Baljeet Singh Jee, Though there are small hotels in Nankaanaa Sahib but better you stay in Lahore and same way you can visit in Hasan Abdal and there are arrangements of stay in Gurdwara but please keep in mind one thing that don't bring with you much money or other precious things. Don't wear gold too. Keep you wallet light too. You are also welcome in Pakistan. Anyhow, if you need any further help just ring me: 051-4417813 or my mobile ph:0300-5234006. All the best wishes. Eid mubaarik to all. Saeed


Name: Javed zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   Dear Saeed Farani,

I am planning to publish my 2nd book of Punjabi poetry. We will discuss it when we meet. It is most probable that we will be in Islamabd by the end of December. However, I will let you know about it. take care. Take care.Javed Zaki


Name: singh -
E-mail: baljeetsingh69@hotmail.com
Comments:   going to nankana sahib and panja sahib in mid dec. any suggestions about where to stay in pakistan. Is there place to sleep at the gurdawaras.


Name: Javed zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   Dear Farani,

In my visit Pakistan, I also have plan to visit Islamabad, along with my child and Dr. Khlaida Zaki (my wife). We probablly be there for two-three days. Take care.

Javed Zaki


Name: gursharan -
E-mail: gsinghh@yahoo.com
Location: reston, va     USA
Comments:   Hello Akhilesh

yeah! you are right. Ilisten to this radio station religiously. Man they have some good shows to listen to. Khaas karke old punjabi songs.

I agree with you 100% on to spreading the good word about our good website wherever we can. It can be even batter if are to able to sponser one of their shows which carries strong flair about our agenda. It feels to me that you live in valait. te mere valaiti veer saanu pata karke hi das chado ke oh radio wale ki charge karde han kise v program nu sponser karan da. changa bai beliyo!!!

OH SACH YAAD AAYA!!!JAGJIT_NAUSHERAVI KITEY SAADA DULLA BHATTI TE NAHIN.


Name: gursharan -
E-mail: gsinghh@yahoo.com
Location: reston, va     USA
Comments:   Hello Akhilesh

yeah! you are right. Ilisten to this radio station religiously. Man they have some good shows to listen to. Khaas karke old punjabi songs.

I agree with you 100% on to spreading the good word about our good website wherever we can. It can be even batter if are to able to sponser one of their shows which carries strong flair about our agenda. It feels to me that you live in valait. te mere valaiti veer saanu pata karke hi das chado ke oh radio wale ki charge karde han kise v program nu sponser karan da. changa bai beliyo!!! OH SACH YAAD AAYA!!!JAGJIT_NAUSHERAVI KITEY SAADA DULLA BHATTI TE NAHIN.


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Dear Safir Rammah Ji,

Here in UK there is a 24 hour pure Punjabi Radio station available on SKY digital TV called "Panjab Radio" on channel 880. It is also available on the net at http://www.panjabradio.co.uk

I have once before phoned in on one of their shows and gave them the website address for APNA, after which they went on air and told their viewers to log on to apnaorg.com.

I dont know if anything significant came of this but i have just now sent an email to them informing them about APNA and to get in touch with you.

I think it would be beneficial for APNA to work with Panjab Radio for the promotion of Punjabi language, literature and culture.

I suggest to all other members here to listen to Panjab Radio every so often at http://www.panjabradio.co.uk. Safir Rammah Ji, you can also get in touch with them through their website.

Sat Sri Akaal


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com/
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal

Dear friends, if any of you have some time to spare, please spread the word about APNA on the internet or on Punjabi radio stations.

A few days ago i had decided to officially become a member, and within the past couple of days i have posted links to APNA home-page and information about this organization on many different message boards across the net.

When i checked the member list at least 5 people seem to have joined APNA within the past 2 or 3 days.

I am not suggesting that we spam the net with links to apnaorg.com, but just spread the good word about this organization which will no doubt become the saviour and guardian of the Punjabi language and literature.

When i am next in Punjab i am going to introduce my relatives to this site and make sure that they also become members.

APNA membership says that there are currently 1460, im hopeful we can pull this up to 2000 members soon.


Name: Diet programs and pills -
E-mail: hghgfjdfgdh@yahoo.com
My URL: http://www.midas-diet-programs.com
Location: Prague, Prague     USA
Comments:   South beach diet programs


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: Pindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Dear Dr. Zaki Jee, Dr. Manzur Jee, Paa Jee Safir Rammah Jee, Jamshed Sahib,

You are welcome in your land of five rivers. I would love to meet all of you. I will come to Lahore for a couple of days.

Dear APNA Mitro, there is one very good article published in today's Dawn, Karachi on the importance of mother tongue. The article is written by renowned Pakistani scholar Dr. Tariq Rehman. He himself is non-Punjabi but he strongly recommended the teaching of Punjabi along with other languages. Dear Safir Rammah Jee, please put it in the front page. Also put one bar for collecting suggestions from all the readers of this site that how we can promote Punjabi? Regards.

The right to learn in your mother tongue

By Dr Tariq Rahman

If one goes to an elitist English-medium school and meets the principal, or whoever condescends to grant an audience, one finds out that one's mother tongue - assuming one is a Pakistani - is held in supreme contempt. I once asked a certain principal whether Punjabi children had the right to be educated in Punjabi even in the juniormost classes and she gave me the kind of look one reserves for the mentally handicapped. Yet the UNESCO position paper, Education in a Multilingual World (2003) says clearly: 1. Instruction in the mother tongue is essential for initial instruction and literacy and should be extended to as late a stage in education as possible. 2. Communication, expression and the capacity to listen and dialogue should be encouraged: first of all in the mother tongue, then, if the mother tongue is official or the national language in the country, in one or more foreign languages. 3. Measures should be taken to eliminate discrimination in education at all levels on the basis of gender, race, language, religion, national origin, age or disability or any other form of discrimination. As we can all see, our English-medium schools violate all these principles and with the utmost arrogance. They force small children - children as young as three or four whose tongues can hardly lisp words of their own language - to speak English. They force their teachers, some of whom very wisely keep using Urdu, to put up the pretence of talking in the totally incomprehensible English to their tender pupils. And, of course, these schools discriminate against children on the basis of wealth, urban culture and English. They charge unaffordable tuition fees discriminating against the less affluent; those who run them have the audacity to interview parents and show contempt for those who produce food and clothes (peasants and the workers); and they discriminate against parents who do not know English. Even worse, they send material written in English to children's homes and create the kind of snobbish atmosphere where those who cannot speak English feel ignored, held in contempt or marginalized. Urdu-medium schools - the schools that most children attend - are less snobbish than their English-medium counterparts. However, they too look down upon Punjabi and are completely ignorant of other minor or vernacular languages. Indeed, it comes as a surprise to most people that Pakistan has sixty-nine languages and not just the six or seven we keep hearing about. These small language communities are not always so small that it should be impossible to teach them in their mother tongues. Some have hundreds of thousands of speakers and are spoken in fairly large contiguous areas. For instance, Balti, spoken in Baltistan has over 300,00 speakers; Burushaski, spoken in Hunza, Nagar and Yasin Valleys has over 70,000 speakers; Kalami, spoken in Kalam and Dir (Kohistan) has over 70,000 speakers; Khowar, spoken in Chitral, has over 250,000 speakers and Gujrati, spoken in the old city of Karachi, has several thousand speakers. The children of these communities are, however, educated in Urdu or maybe English and not in their own mother tongue. I once happened to go to Kalam in Swat to a school where very young children were being instructed in Pushto. This was the teacher's mother tongue and also of a few students. Most children, however, were speakers of Kalami. When asked questions the children remained quiet. The headmaster explained to me that Kalami children were slow learners and very shy. However, the more likely explanation was that they were struggling with an alien language in an alien atmosphere - the school. And this is a story repeated all over Pakistan - indeed, all over the world. This is cruel towards the children because by denying their mother tongue we are denying them the easiest means for understanding the world. What they do is to memorize sounds and it is only later that they start internalizing concepts. Even worse, we are denying them their identity. What we are conveying to them is that your language, your identity as a people, is worthless. If you want to become worthy of respect you must become like some dominant, alien, community. This is an insult but children internalize it and show contempt for their own people, their language, their culture, their values, their history all their lives. Moreover, this process of weaning children away from their languages kills these languages over time. As more and more people shift to the languages of power (English and Urdu, in that order in Pakistan) the indigenous languages become obsolescent. Finally, they are no longer passed on to the children. Then, with the death of the last speaker, the language dies. This is an infinitely sad thing to happen. After all, a community is shaped by its language. The community dies, its worldview dies, its music and folk tales and jokes and riddles - all die. And along with it the traditional knowledge the community might have possessed - such as on herbs, food, animals, healing methods, education - also disappears. This is a great loss but communities allow it to happen because the market conditions imposed by society are such that they cannot afford to maintain their language. Moreover, the community itself feels ashamed of its languages since society considers them inferior jargon. The native speakers, thus, unwittingly become accomplices in the murder of their own mother tongue. That is why some people call this phenomenon 'language suicide' rather than 'language murder' which it really is. But it is 'murder' if you consider the market pressures, the policies which create that pressure, and the attitude we have towards the languages of our ordinary people. These being the conditions, can something be done to promote the smaller, or the marginalized, languages of Pakistan? Certainly a lot. First, the government must make instruction in the mother tongue compulsory in the first three years of school. This will mean that Punjabi will be the medium of instruction in most Pakistani schools. However, children whose parents or grandparents came from the Urdu-speaking parts of India should have the right to be educated in their mother tongue. Punjabi children, whose families no longer speak Punjabi, must, however, be educated in Punjabi. Books, films, games and other material will have to be made in not only Pushto, Balochi, Brahvi, Seraiki and Hindko but also in Khowar, Shina, Burushaski, Balti, Gujrati and so on. Material giving information on AIDS, family planning, women's rights, children's rights can also be provided in these languages. Most of this material will, however, be audio or audio-visual. This is achievable because Papua New Guinea, which has 840 languages for a population of only five million, has published material in hundreds of languages and teaches children in more than 220 languages. The literacy rate is 81 per cent for males and 63 percent for females. This is more than we have achieved and we too can make it happen. But for this, we shall have to teach our school administrators and teachers - especially those from elitist English medium schools - that they have no right to look down upon our languages or stop children from using them.

Zahra, Suman Jee, and other apna friends, please go through one very good article on the education of our women: Here is the link: http://www.dawn.com/weekly/education/education.htm


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   Rammah jee. I talked to Jamshed Uppal today and came to know that he is also visiting Pakistan. He will talk to Manzur about the program. But, the most exciting thing that we are planning to visit both Nankana Sahib and JaNdyala Sher Khan (The shrine of Wais Shah), along with our children. Both shrines are just 15 miles away from each other and we can do it just in a day. I think it will be great visit if all of us can make this program together. In our plan a visit to Qasur (Bullah Shah's shrine) is also most possible, while visit to Shah Hussain's shrine can be done any time in Lahore. I talked to Jamshed about our planned get together in Lahore and he proposed what about getting together at Najam Sahib's place on the day of weekly meeting. I do not know if it is still arranged on wednesday. I will try to talk to Mazur Ijaz about it. Take care.

Javed Zaki


Name: furniture -
E-mail: home4all@yahoo.com
My URL: http://www.home-4all.com/furniture/index.html
Location: Pasadena, California     USA
Comments:   furniture


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com/
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   When a babu floored Shiv Batalvi
by Sarbjit Dhaliwal
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031121/edit.htm#6

Undoubtedly, Shiv Batalvi, who died young, is a most revered romantic Punjabi poet till date. He set new milestones in the romantic Punjabi poetry, gave a new meaning, status and direction to it.

Imaginative and subtle like Keats and rebellious like Shelley, Shiv enriched the Punjabi language by artistic use of words in his poetic verses. Those who had have been lucky to go through his classic epic Lunna will certainly testify that Shiv was a master craftsman of words to create an imagery of events while describing a particular scenario.

Once, he faced a bizarre situation. A babu in the office of the Punjab State University Text Book Board literally floored him. The babu not only questioned his competency with regard to Punjabi but also refused to make the payment to him in lieu of the translation work done by him from English to Punjabi. Shiv made several rounds to get the payment, but in vain.

The Punjab State University Text Book Board allotted the famed book The Indian Heritage authored by Humayun Kabir to Shiv for translation in Punjabi. Obviously, the board had assigned the work to him after duly examining his skill and intellectual capacity to handle it. Earlier, he had translated a Russian book in English to Punjabi and that book had become immensely popular. And before that he had won the Sahitya Akademy Award in 1965. He was the youngest poet to win such a prestigious literary award. His books had become part of syllabi in various universities and many scholars were doing Ph.D on his literary accomplishments.

After completing the task, Shiv deposited the script with the board. He asked for the money for the work done. However, the dealing clerk raised an objection on the file that Shiv is not qualified to translate the book. Shiv visited the board office several times but the dealing official refused to budge. And senior officers also showed their inability to help Shiv.

In the meantime, Shiv fell sick. And he died in May, 1973. His wife Aruna Batalavi was aware of the shabby treatment meted out to Shiv by the board. She approached, Prof Bhushan, another eminent Punjabi writer and satirist. Prof Bhushan, who recently retired from Government College Ropar, was a close friend of Shiv, prepared a representation and asked Mrs Batalavi to approach, Mr Manmohan Singh, a senior IAS Officer, who was then Administrative Secretary of the board. Mr Manmohan Singh, was a man of immense literary taste and an abounding fan of Shiv.

Mrs Batalvi reached the office and sent a slip to Mr Manmohan Singh. On glancing over the slip, Mr Manmohan Singh rushed out immediately even without wearing his shoes to greet Mrs Batalvi. With a lot of grace and respect, he took her inside his office and asked what help he could extend to her. She narrated the story.

Mr Manmohan Singh picked up the phone and asked the then Director of the board to over-rule all objections and make the payment before the closure of the office on the same day. He offered her tea and asked to wait for the cheque. Well before end of the office hours, the cheque was handed over to her.

But the great poet was not there to see it happen. He had left this world to be a star as he wrote himself in one of his most popular poems that- joban rute Jo vi marda, ful bane jan tara (those who die in their prime either become flower or star). Shiv is a star, the glow of which will never fade out from amongst the Punjabi literature. And the babu Badshahs still reign supreme in offices.


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com/
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal

The Sikhs could not have opted for Pakistan because the Muslim League and militant Muslim National Guards did not want the Sikhs, Hindus, Parsees, Jains and Dalits to remain in what would comprise 'Pakistan'. Why do you think they resorted to such extreme and inhuman methods to wipe them out and create a divide among ordinary Muslim, Sikh, Hindu etc civilians? (Spreading propaganda, inciting killings, lootings etc)

Also, since Sikhs were only 15% of undivided Punjab and were scattered all around the region, where exactly could they have made a 'Sikh' country which contained a majority of Sikhs? Amritsar district? Patiala? I dont think Sikhs were in majority even in these two places...

All i can say is it is a shame religion and politics were combined and it is a shame that the Unionist Party Punjab was unable to hold on to power and gain Punjab's independence as a sovereign nation, separate from British inventions of Hindia and Pakistan.

Anyway, that was then and this is now....


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Location: East Lansing,      USA
Comments:   Comments: Sajno. Here is an english translation of one of my 'Kafis', which I posted sometime back. The opening lines of the 'Kafi' are "Lao laali mere aadarshaaN di tan-man mera seyke".

Personally, I am not very enthuisiastic about translating poetry from one language to another and the reasons are sociological. a language (Particular its symbols, metaphors and ideoms) has a cultural context. It is also due to the relative level of development of a language in comparison to the language in which it is being translated. I have read some english translations of Punjabi poems on this forum. Their english translations were mismerizing while original poems were just all right. The role (bias) of te translator is another important factor. I confronted thse problem myself while translating my own poem.
The following translation I recited in a poetic gathering on the campus of the Michigan State University. Although it was well apprecited ( However, I could not figure out wether it was due to the contents of the poem or my recitation style (I, first, recited the poem in english but sung it in Punjabi). But I was amazed to know some of the references to the poem, which completely had no relevance. But, I kept silent keeping in mind the so-called notion that "let the reader/listner describe the poem that she/he comprehends" it. May be, it was due to my poor translation, which could not convey the real meanings. Well, here is the english translation.

...My Swirling Dance...

Blazing colors of my idealism,
keep my body and heart warm.
Sun dazzles in my eyes and
awareness is my fate.
May God make me Shah Hussein,
all confusions will cease.
...People will enjoy my swirling dance
...People will enjoy my swirling dance

I long to reside every home
like a message of consciousness.
How gratifying it is to be Ranjha,
I want to let know the whole world.
O God! Bless me with the secrets of Ishq'
and make it my destiny.
...People will enjoy my swirling dance
...People will enjoy my swirling dance.

Running after the mirages of my ideals,
day-in day-out.
And memory of any colorful event
envelope me with gay feeling.
But, very often I do not find comforts in
worldly things and become restless
...People will enjoy my swirling dance
...People will enjoy my swirling dance

Javed Zaki


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Location: East Lansing,      USA
Comments:   Sajno. Here is an english translation of one of my 'Kafis', which I posted sometime back. The opening lines of the 'Kafi' "Lao laali mere aadarshaaN di tan-man mera seyke".

Personally, I am not very enthuisiastic about translating poetry from one language to another and the reasons are sociological. a language (Particular its symbols, metaphors and ideoms) has a cultural context. It is also due to the relative level of development of a language in comparison to the language in which it is being translated. I have read some english translations of Punjabi poems on this forum. Their english translations were mismerizing while original poems were just all right. The role (bias) of te translator is another factor. I confronted this problem myself while translating my own poem.
The following translation I recited in a poetic gathering on the campus of the Michigan State University. Although it was well apprecited ( However, I could not figure out wether it was due to the contents of the poem or my recitation style (I, first, recited the poem in english but sung it in Punjabi). But I was amazed to know some of the references to the poem, which completely had no relevance. But, I kept silent keeping in mind the so-called notion that "let the reader/listner take the poem that she/he comprehends" it. May be, it was due to my poor translation, which could not convey the real meanings. Well, following is the english translation. ...My Swirling Dance...

Blazing colors of my idealism,
keep my body and heart warm.
Sun dazzles in my eyes and
awareness is my fate.
May God make me Shah Hussein,
all confusions will cease.
...People will enjoy my swirling dance
...People will enjoy my swirling dance

I long to reside every home
like a message of consciousness.
How gratifying it is to be Ranjha,
I want to let know the whole world.
O God! Bless me with the secrets of Ishq'
and make it my destiny.
...People will enjoy my swirling dance
...People will enjoy my swirling dance.

Running after the mirages of my ideals,
day-in day-out.
And memory of any colorful event
envelope me with gay feeling .
But, very often I do not find comforts in
worldly things and become restless
...People enjoy my swirling dance
...People enjoy my swirling dance

| Javed Zaki


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   Sajno. A revised version of my last 'Kafi'. Enjoy it.

....KAFI....

La lei RaNjhan de naal meiN yaari
Deen duni da hosh naaN kaaee
ChaRh gayee ander ba'ar khomaari

Shoah saathhoN ghar baar chhoDaya
Takht hazara soch samaya
Ik ik pal teri yaad haNdaya
RoNdi watdi zaaro zaari
...La lei RaNjhan de naal meiN yaari

Rutt birhoN, jiNd maar mokaee
Yaar di kidhrooN, khabar naaN aaee
MeiN oagan di saar bholaee
Phhir di baile maari maari
...La lei RaNjhan de naal meiN yaari

Butt ban beThhi, raah meiN teri
Dard pei hoNjaaN, Dheri Dheri
Kallam kalli, raat heneri
Aa waNj teri taahNg osaari
...La lei Ranjhan de naal meiN yaari

aa mil RaNjhan, yaar begaane
Heer peye tere gunn gaane
MagroN lehn cha hijar zamaane
Saawan thhee jaae ander naari
...La lei RaNjhan de naal meiN yaari

Lafzaali

Duni= DunyaaN
BirhoN = Hijar, Jodaaee
Oagan = Jide vich koaee khobi naan hovey
Shoah = Ishq
Naari = ugg warga
Aa waNj = Aa ja
TaahNg osaari = Omeed laaee e
JAVED ZAKI


Name: kaurasach -
E-mail: kaurasach@yahoo.com
Comments:   Sajid Thanks for posting in Roman Script. It helped with the details.
Regarding the article, to echo Saeed's and other posts, sikhs being a numerical minority did not have much options. Anti sikh riots in trans Indus and Rawalpindi areas well before the partition alienated the already confused and incompetent sikh leaders. They were also being manipulated by the Congress leaders. The mahrajas of PEPSU could've played a better active role in securing a favorable and amicable solution to the sikhs cause. They failed miserably too.
As far as the author, his gesture should be taken as that of an individual to another individual, but not the sentiment of an entire community and political leaders towards another. Sikhs become sentimental and nostalgic about the Punjab that they were forced out of. Their bonds and ties to the land are too strong to cut. Each day, they remember their shrines (Nankana Sahib and all the other gurudwaras) in their prayers.
Looking to the future, sikhs now have opportunity and favorable political atmosphere to renew and strengthen their ties with land of their ancestors.


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:  
Part of an interview from Daily KhabraiN(19 November 2003)


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Suman Jee
Here I go and want let you know that actual language of article is urdu so i'll write "AS IT IS" in Roman Script fearing I might make any mistake converting in Punjabi.

"Sikh Muslim Taaluqat" By Chaudhry Abdul Hameed

Nawa-e-Waqat ne morkha 8 November ke idaariye main "Pakistan ki keemat per Khalistan" ke unwaan se ehl-e-pakistan ki sikhoN ke saath "Husn-e-sulook" ki bar-waqat garift ki hai. Hum log izhaar-e-muhabbat main baaz auqaat iss hadd takk baRh jatay hain keh Pakistan ki aazadi aur alehda tashakhus ko bhool jatay hain. Mere khayal main hamare awam ke diloN maiN itni "syaasat" mojood hai keh woh sikhoN ke saath apnay husan-e-salook ka mawazna Bhaarat ke saath kerna chahtay hain aur Golden Temple ke waqiaa ke baad jo hinduoN aur sikhoN maiN mughairat paida ho gaee hai isay qaaiam rakhnay ke liye apna hissa adaa kerna chahtay haiN. Suye ittifaq maiN khud bhi aisay he "Libral" muslamnoN maiN shamil hooN laikin maira libral izam yaheeN takk khatam ho jata hai aur maiN unn musalmanoN ko jo Punjabi zuban ki terveej-o-tableegh ke naam per Bharat ja ker "Punjabi Culture" ki siyasat kertay hain, Pakistan aur nazriya-e-pakistan ka mukhalif samajhta hoon aur nahiN chahta keh unhaiN khul khailnay ka mouqa diya jAye.

Kitaab faroshi mera karobaar hai aur meri dukaan kachehri road per Anarkali ke dahane per waqia hai. Sikh hazraat jub apne muqaddas muqamaat ki zayarat ke liye aatay hain to chalte phirte meri dukan per bhi aa jaate hain aur main hatt-ul-imkaan un ke saath "Dosti" ka muzahira kerta hoon. Pichlay dinoN Englistaan se aaye hue aik miaN bivi mere haaN tashreef laaye to unhoN ne aik kitaab "Chiefs of Punjab" talab ki. Yeh kitab mere paas nahiN thi magar maiN naiN naashir se mangwa di. Kitaab ki qeemat aik hazar rupiya thi jo maiN naiN un ke israar ke bawjood nahiN li. Iss per un ki aankhoN maiN aansu aa gaey, aik pakistani ka sulook yaqeenan unhaiN yaad rahay ga. Woh shayed Englistaan maiN rehne ki wajeh se Bharti Punjabi ki bajaye Pakistani Punjabi boltay the albatta jub maiN ne un say poocha keh aap Canada se aaye haiN? to unhoN ne jawab diya keh hum India se aaye haiN laikin pata England ka diya.

Yeh pehla moqa nahiN keh musalmanoN ne sikhoN ke saath muwasnat ka izhaar kiya hai. SikhoN ki teref se musalmanoN ke saath un ki intihaai dushmani ke bawjood musalmanoN ki teref se aise waqiaat bhi miltay haiN. Ab ehl-e-pakistan ka sulook dekh ker aur apne muqadass muqamaat se doori ka ehsaas ker ke unhaiN apni ghalti ka ehsaas to ho raha hai magar woh iss ke tadaruk ka sahee idraak nahiN rakhte jo "Nawa-e-Waqat" ne unhaiN bata diya hai. Ab un ke liye aik he rasta reh gya hai keh woh apne nalaiq leaderoN ki hatt dharmi ke ghalat faislay ka azaala ker sakaiN. Taqseem-e-hind ke dinoN maiN Gayani Kertar Singh ne unhaiN samjhane ki koshish ki thi mager Baldev Sing aur Tara Singh ne un ki aik nah chalne di. Khud Partition councel ke samne jo taqreeraiN hueeN un maiN musalmanoN ke wakeel Sir Muhammad Zafar-ullah Khan ne apne istadlaal se bharpoor taqreer maiN sikhoN ke faislay per tanqeed ki to sikh judge ne unhaiN keh diya keh iss mouzooper aap mazeed guftagu naaN karaiN kiyuN keh sikh apna faisla ker chuke haiN. Yeh faisla saheeh hai ya ghalat, un ka quomi faisla hai. Iss per aap apna waqat zaaya naaN karaiN.

Taqreer ke ikhtitaam per jub Sir Muhammad Zafar-ullah Khan ne wahaN moujood judgoN ke ilawa baa'z ama'edeen ka jo apni quom ka mufaad dekhne ke liye aaye hue the rasmi shukria adaa kiya wahaN doosri quomoN ke numaaindon ka bhi ehtraam kiya. ChunaNcheh Buxi Taik Chand ne ser hila ker iss ka aitraaf kiya mager mujhe afsos se kehna paRta hai keh maiN ne iss khuli kachehri ke hazreen maiN musalmanoN ka koi numayaN numainda nahiN dekha. Musalmanon ki teref se jo tayyari ke liye committee banai gaee thi usay to hawale ki zuroori kitaaboN ke naam takk maloom nahiN the albatta Khawaja Abdul Raheem ke naqshay banwaye hue bohat kaam aaye.

Aik mouqa per jub Sir Muhammad Zafar-ullah Khan ne qadiaan ko Pakistan maiN shamil kerne ke liye lambi chouRi taqreer ki aur kaee naqshay paish kiye tou majmaa ke ander beThe maiN ne khud kalami ke andaaz maiN kaha keh bohat ho chuki, chaudhry sahib ab aagay paRhaiN. Mujhe maloom naaN tha keh maiN qadiaani hazraat ke hujoom maiN beTha hooN. ChunaNcheh woh bol uThe keh " Daikhiye sahib! aap ko Pakistan mil jaye ga. HinduoN ko Hindustan mil jaye ga, aap hamaiN qaadian bhi nahiN lene dete".


Name: suman -
E-mail: skashy@yahoo.com
Comments:   Please, Sajid ji tusi Roman script vich likhdo. Kai hor lok paRh paange. And thank you. BTW those who call themselves jaahil jeya are generally not! And those who actually are jaahil cannot imagine even for one nanosecond, that they are.


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Suman Jee
MainooN aih column Shahid sb naiN dassya si te Punjab te Punjabi di gal si ais laee maiN Forum te (Shahid sb di fermaish te) post ker ditta. Meiri badd kismati ay keh menoo Gurmukhi nahiN aundi te naal e maiN jahil jehya banda bohti angrezi vi nahiN jaan da ais laee trabslate nahiN ker sakya. Je aakho te maiN Roman Script vich repost ker dina aaN.


Name: Jagjit_Naushehrvi -
E-mail: jagjit_naushehrvi@yahoo.com
Comments:   I second the idea of putting atleast parts of Gita and Bible translated to Punjabi on APNA page.

Saeed bhra ji, could not agree more with your comments below about Sikhs and Pakistan. Many sikhs blame their leaders for not asking for their own country at the time, others doubt their wisdom in opting for India but truth is if Pakistan was to be not a secular country then sikhs did not have much choice. As for comments by the author in the article below, there are enough delusional people in each community. There were objections on the play on Bulleh Shah peformed few days ago in Chandigarh or Amristar(?) about some part about Banda Bahadur. One of problems is we believe our heroes to be perfectly perefect without any flaws or mistakes. Truth is anyone who walked on this earth on his two feet has dirt in his toes.


Name: suman -
E-mail: skashy@yahoo.com
Comments:   /Sajid ji. Had it not been for Prem ji and the others who followed, many of the readership of the forum would not have had a clue what the the post in Shahmukhi was. As of now, it seems to be a challenging topic but it would be foolish to get into the discussion without having read the article. My suggestion is that all postings on the forum should be either in English or, concurrently, in the Roman script if any other script is used, so as to facilitate readership by all. This is a persistent and serious problem of globalization but has to be tackled in business, academics and even simple social situations. You, being 'a brain', we would always look forward to your postings.

Safir If you really want to go ahead to put in the bible, gita, confucius etc etc, here is an email address where you could find some stuff. It is a bookshop in Delhi called Star Publishers and the owner is Anil Verma. He also mails books to the US and is very reliable. The web site is

www.starpublic.com and the em is

starpub@satyam.net.in.

Yes, I certainly remember Shahid Nadeem, he came over for dinner along with Adam Nayyar of the folk music institution. We also saw a couple of his plays here. He and and his wife have done wonderful and courageous work via their plays and performances. Please convey our greetings when you see him. I hope he will contact us when he comes to LA next.


Name: suman -
E-mail: skashy@yahoo.com
Comments:   /Sajid ji. Had it not been for Prem ji and the others who followed, many of the readership of the forum would not have had a clue what the the post in Shahmukhi was. As of now, it seems to be a challenging topic but it would be foolish to get into the discussion without having read the article. My suggestion is that all postings on the forum should be either in English or, concurrently, in the Roman script if any other script is used, so as to facilitate readership by all. This is a persistent and serious problem of globalization but has to be tackled in business, academics and even simple social situations. You, being 'a brain', we would always look forward to your postings.

Safirwww.starpublic.com and the em is

starpub@satyam.net.in.

Yes, I certainly remember Shahid Nadeem, he came over for dinner along with Adam Nayyar of the folk music institution. We also saw a couple of his plays here. He and and his wife have done wonderful and courageous work via their plays and performances. Please convey our greetings when you see him. I hope he will contact us when he comes to LA next.


Name: debt -
E-mail: lolateensex@yahoo.com
My URL: http://www.debt-consolidation-rates.com/
Location: Alabama, Alabama     USA
Comments:   Debt debt


Name: Shahid -
E-mail: mshahid47@yahoo.com
Comments:  
To me the point this writer is alluding to at the end of his first paragraph is important and is one where we had a good discussion a couple of months back here on this Forum. That the cultural make-up in Pakistan is such that any linkage between Panjabi in Pakistan and that in India will hurt progress and acceptance of Panjabi language in Pakistan. Dear Saeed Saheb shared his train experience with us then and the sentiments expressed by this writer amply support this view. However, as alluded to by the writer of that article, some politicians turned cultural linguists are doing exactly what is not in the best interest of Panjabi, the language, in Pakistan.
Let us accept what events in history have brought us. We can blame who ever we want to, but what has happened cannot and should not be reversed. There is enough blame, grief and hurt to go around. Let us not bruise each others loyalties and rather concentrate on the most logical measures to be taken to help and not hurt the cause of promoting Panjabi in Pakistan.


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: Pindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   PS KahloN Jee and Sajid Ch.

Observing the history of this region, specially during 1940s, what I could understand is unfortunately very bitter. Sikhs were cornered by the three forces British, Hindus, and Muslims. They did not have any option except what they decided. If they could join Pakistan, I firmly believe they could not stay with Pakistan for more than one year. The direction which was adopted by Pakistan at that stage, was not to create a peaceful paradise for anyone except for the safety and prosperity of fuedalists and others, their allies. Lator on, they proved as front-liners of the Western powers against the communist block. Now, tell me where you could fix the sikhs among such pre-determined decisions. It was all lip service for the sikhs that they could join muslims of Pakistan. Pakistan was not meant a secular state. Though you can find some speeches of Mr. Jinnah on secularism But it was not Jinnah who was solely ruling the country. With poor health conditions, he was not making any decisions. The present U-turn of Pakistan's liberal policies is again based on the directions from the forces who controled this region from the very beginning. In the games of those powers, what we got, was extremly sad fate of Punjab which is still the same ie, violence, illiteracy, intollerance, sectarianism, racism, hatredness, anger, cheating, greed, corruption etc. Dear friends, unfortunately, I don't see any silver line. Ah, I wish I could see that.


Name: kaurasach -
E-mail: kaurasach@yahoo.com
Comments:   Sajjid/P.s. Kahlon
"Door key dhol suhawaney", Recent muslim/sikh mutual wooing is good in general. But regarding 1947, sikhs siding with hindus was NATURAL since they intermarried without stigma and hindus in general baptized to sikhism without apprehension. It was Nehru dynasty that sowed seeds of hatred not only in Punjab but elsewhere too.
as far as sikh 'problem'; they would have been and will be better off as neutral in the Indo/Pak game and blaze their own trail and destiny. Punjabi would have benefitted too.


Name: gursharan -
E-mail: gsinghh@yahoo.com
Location: Pind Reston, va     USA
Comments:   Hello All,

Ah!Bindrakhiye da kuveley tur jana. par jiven ke ohde last geet di line waangar 'Main tirke Ghare da paani,kal nahi hona'. Aj mainu yaad aa rahi hai 1986 or 87 di gall jadon Mainu v Mouka milya c Bindrakhiye naal ik stage ton gaon da Mouka. Oh ropar collage di team naal singer aaya c te main delhi university di team valon c. Os bande nu live sunan da swad hi kujh hor c. Khaas karke jadon tusi os naal gall-baat karde c te osda nimrta bhareya lehja tohanu is tarah mehsus karaonda c jiven tusi ohde vade bhai hon ja pher koi jigri yaar. Te stage te os bande nu teams di performences de vich gap nu fill karan vaaste stage te leyanda ja reha c almost har team di performence de baad. Osde Mirze di Osdi Jugni di kaalja khondi Hek!!!. It will all be greatly missed. Khore Rabb nu v changi awaj vaaley Lok bare pasand aaon lag paye ne. Pehle UNFK te hun Bindrakhiya.OYE HOR V TE SO CALLED PUNJABI MA-BOLI DE SO-CALLED SEVAK SAN OHNA VICHON KISE NU CHUK LAINDA


Name: P S Kahlon -
E-mail: pkahlon@tnstate.edu
Comments:   Re: SaJid Chaudhary:(p) Very very interesting opinion.(p) "Inspite of their (Sikhs) animosity towards Muslims, we (Muslims)are showing generosity towards them and (hope)they are realising their mistake(Persumably for siding with Hindus instead of opting for Pakistan)". We will never know if siding with Muslims would have been any better for Sikhs because you cannot recreate history. Apparently the writer thinks that Sikhs when given only two choices (accept India or Pakistan) made a mistake for opting for India. (p) The writer is apparently is against the cultural exchanges also.Very interesting thought.


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Sahiwal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:  


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: Rawalpindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Dear APNA friends,

The third book of the series of Punjabi sufis, Great Sufi Wisdom - Baba Farid has been published today. Earlier, the two books were Great Sufi Wisdom - Waris Shah and Great Sufi Wisdom - Mian Mohammad Bakhsh. Thank God, it was my task for the year 2003.

Bhai Rupe Jee, wait my next book is Great Folk Wisdom. It includes Punjabi proverbs with English translation. I hope it will be published within two to three months.


Name: rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: London,      Uk
Comments:   Where can we get info on Punjabi proverbs with explanation in Ebglish?
Also, I have spoken Punjabi all my life, I now wnat to write a book In Punjabi, but I understand there is an official way a senetence is writtern. Can anyone help me? Does this mean > Meraa Naam Rupe Hai a'te ma Inglaand to hai? > is not a proper Punjabi sentence?


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   Sajno. Ik neviN 'Kafi' haazar e, chuss lao.

....KAFI....

La lei RaNjhan de naal meiN yaari
Deen duni da hoash naaN kaaee
ChaRh gayee ander ba'ar khomaari
MeiN oagan di saar bholaee
Teri kidhrooN khabar naaN aaee
Rutt birhoN, jiNd maar mokaee
Phhir di baile maari maari
...La lei RaNjhan de naal meiN yaari

Butt ban beThhi, raah meiN teri
Dard pei hoNjaaN, Dheri Dheri
Kallam kalli, raat heneri
Aa waNj teri taahNg osaari
...La lei Ranjhan de naal meiN yaari

Aa mil kidhroN Shaam saloane
Raadha Heer, tere gunn goane
Teri soch de boote laone
Ander soan theye cha naari
...La lei RaNjhan de naal meiN yaari

Lafzaali

Duni= DunyaaN
BirhoN = Hijar, Jodaaee
Oagan = Jide vich koaee khobi naan hove
Soan = Saawan
Naari = ugg warga
Aa waNj = Aa ja
TaahNg osaari = Omeed laaee e

JAVED ZAKI


Name: PunjabiG -
E-mail: Punjabig@yahoo.com
Comments:   Singer Bindrakhia dead http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031118/main5.htm I think its really sad that we lost such a voice like Surjit Bindrakhia at such an early age. I think of all the Punjabi Singers out there, he was the only one who could sing in traditional style and Hik de Jor te..I know his style of singing was not popular with everybody but for those of us who miss old skool dhol beats and hek..he was the one to listen to..among all the pop stuff coming out. Original and traditional!!!!


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahooo.com
Location: Pindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Dear Zaka Kazi Jee, You are talking about the book "GHUGHOO GHOREY" of Dr. Laeeq Babri. Dr. Laeeq was the great lover of Punjabi and he died recently in Islamabad. After his death,he was awarded one of the highest government award. I have that book with me in my personal library. I can photocopy it for you. You please write me your address. Saeed


Name: Javed zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   Pilgrims from many lands

By Amjad Iqbal (Dawn-Karachi- Sunday, December 17)

Indian Sikh yatrees came in large numbers to celebrate the 534th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, writes Amjad Iqbal.

Followers of the Sikh religion from all over the world, particularly from neighbouring India, visit Pakistan on holy pilgrimages several times a year. The most significant occasion is the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.

Guru Nanak's birthday has been traditionally celebrated on Katik Poornamashi (full moon). Although the correct birth date has been established as Vaisakh 1 (April 14), it continues to be celebrated on Katik Poornamashi, which fell on November 9 this year and the celebrations concluded on November 11.

For the second time after the Kargil conflict between the two neighbouring countries Sikh yatrees visited Pakistan to celebrate the 534th birth anniversary of the guru. Besides India, Sikh pilgrims from different Middle Eastern and European countries also took part in the celebrations and visited Gurudawara Panja Sahib, Hassanabdal, Nankana Sahib at Sheikhupura and Dera Sahib at Lahore.

According to a Sikh historian, Guru Nanak while returning from his tour of west Asia had broken his journey for a few days at Hassanabdal. He had asked his disciples to fetch water from the spring on the top of a nearby hill owned by a saint. The water was refused to the disciple three times. Thereupon, on Guru Nank's prayer the spring abandoned its original course and started flowing from the spot where the guru himself was sitting. At the same time the saint's water reservoir went completely dry. The saint, infuriated by the miracle, threw rocks and stones at Guru Nanak who continured to sit unruffled. He merely extended his right arm towards the rolling rock and stopped it from harming him.

The place became an object of great reverence for his followers, who started calling it Panja Sahib. Subsequently, a gurdwara was built here by the Sikh ruler Hari Singh. The spring water passing through the gurdwara is considered sacred water.

Later, Guru Nanak and the saint became very good friends. This is evident from the fact that the pilgrimage of Panja Sahib remains incomplete without paying homage to Wali Kandahari on top of the hill.

The gurdwara is dedicated to the Panja and the stone has been brought from its original place and fixed there. The stream still provides water to the gurdwara that includes bathing facilities for the pilgrims.

This town has a particular association with Mughals and Sikhs. It was mentioned by Emperor Jehangir in his memoirs and frequently visited by successive Mughal kings on their way to Kashmir. It remained a holy place for various religious groups through the ages.

Hassanabdal is thus of great importance for Sikhs, who come here from all over the world every year to pay homage to Gurdwara Panja Sahib. This gurdwara or"door to guru" in Punjabi is revered by Sikhs for what they believe to be the imprint of a palm of the 15th century founder of their faith on a rock above a spring that feeds a pond where the pilgrims take their holy baths.

The Sikh pilgrims' visits to Pakistan have played a pivotal role in the normalization of relations and enhancement of confidence building measures between Pakistan and India.

Sources from the Evacuee Trust Property board Hassanabdal told TR that despite the suspension of road, train and air services which should have hampered the flow of Indian Sikh yatrees to attend their religious festivals at different cities in the Punjab, the pilgrims were not deterred and showed up in large numbers.


Name: Javed zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   Pilgrims from many lands

By Amjad Iqbal (Dawn-Karachi- Sunday, December 17)

Indian Sikh yatrees came in large numbers to celebrate the 534th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, writes Amjad Iqbal.

Followers of the Sikh religion from all over the world, particularly from neighbouring India, visit Pakistan on holy pilgrimages several times a year. The most significant occasion is the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.

Guru Nanak's birthday has been traditionally celebrated on Katik Poornamashi (full moon). Although the correct birth date has been established as Vaisakh 1 (April 14), it continues to be celebrated on Katik Poornamashi, which fell on November 9 this year and the celebrations concluded on November 11.

For the second time after the Kargil conflict between the two neighbouring countries Sikh yatrees visited Pakistan to celebrate the 534th birth anniversary of the guru. Besides India, Sikh pilgrims from different Middle Eastern and European countries also took part in the celebrations and visited Gurudawara Panja Sahib, Hassanabdal, Nankana Sahib at Sheikhupura and Dera Sahib at Lahore.

According to a Sikh historian, Guru Nanak while returning from his tour of west Asia had broken his journey for a few days at Hassanabdal. He had asked his disciples to fetch water from the spring on the top of a nearby hill owned by a saint. The water was refused to the disciple three times. Thereupon, on Guru Nank's prayer the spring abandoned its original course and started flowing from the spot where the guru himself was sitting. At the same time the saint's water reservoir went completely dry. The saint, infuriated by the miracle, threw rocks and stones at Guru Nanak who continured to sit unruffled. He merely extended his right arm towards the rolling rock and stopped it from harming him.

The place became an object of great reverence for his followers, who started calling it Panja Sahib. Subsequently, a gurdwara was built here by the Sikh ruler Hari Singh. The spring water passing through the gurdwara is considered sacred water.

Later, Guru Nanak and the saint became very good friends. This is evident from the fact that the pilgrimage of Panja Sahib remains incomplete without paying homage to Wali Kandahari on top of the hill.

The gurdwara is dedicated to the Panja and the stone has been brought from its original place and fixed there. The stream still provides water to the gurdwara that includes bathing facilities for the pilgrims.

This town has a particular association with Mughals and Sikhs. It was mentioned by Emperor Jehangir in his memoirs and frequently visited by successive Mughal kings on their way to Kashmir. It remained a holy place for various religious groups through the ages.

Hassanabdal is thus of great importance for Sikhs, who come here from all over the world every year to pay homage to Gurdwara Panja Sahib. This gurdwara or"door to guru" in Punjabi is revered by Sikhs for what they believe to be the imprint of a palm of the 15th century founder of their faith on a rock above a spring that feeds a pond where the pilgrims take their holy baths.

The Sikh pilgrims' visits to Pakistan have played a pivotal role in the normalization of relations and enhancement of confidence building measures between Pakistan and India.

Sources from the Evacuee Trust Property board Hassanabdal told TR that despite the suspension of road, train and air services which should have hampered the flow of Indian Sikh yatrees to attend their religious festivals at different cities in the Punjab, the pilgrims were not deterred and showed up in large numbers.


Name: poker -
E-mail: casinocenter@yahoo.com
My URL: http://www.poker-strip.net/
Location: Miami, Florida     USA
Comments:   poker


Name: Zaka Kazi -
E-mail: fariakaz@yahoo.com
Location: Austin, Tx     USA
Comments:   I really like APNA website. I am looking for "THE MUTE HORSES" (KUGOO GHORAY) written by a Pakistani Scholar who recently died. If anybody knows how to get this book, please let me know.


Name: suman -
E-mail: skashy@yahoo.com
Comments:   Jagjit ji. The next time I come up to your neck of the woods, I want to meet Satbir the hanju bahaan wala. Dont know how you do it - but you bring the past to life. Wish you lots of success on your writing, you have many loyal readers already.


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.ocm/
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal

Sufi play from Pak - Tribune Reporters

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031116/nov15icev2-56k.ram - Click for 56k Video

Amritsar, November 15 Artistes from Pakistan staged Bullha, a play here today. The play, written by Shaid Nadeem , is based on the life and teachings of the 16th century poet saint, Baba Bulle Shah.

The promoter of Ajoka-theatre group for social change of Lahore and the director of the play Gauhar and the cast got a standing ovation by 1000-odd spectators. Gauhar said though Baba Bulle Shah belonged to the 16th century, his sayings on love and tolerance were still relevant.

She saidhe represented the composite Punjabi culture of tolerance ,brotherhood and peace. Incidentally, there were 16 qawwalis in the play.

PS, Saeed, Thank you for posting that article from DAWN regarding Guru Arjan Dev's martyrdom.


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: Rawalpindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Dear APNA friends,

Here is the report of one function arranged by Academy of Letters, Islamabad. Here is the

link: http://www.dawn.com/2003/11/16/nat23.htm

Report: :Renewed interest in Bulleh Shah's poetry

By Jonaid Iqbal

ISLAMABAD, Nov 15: There has been a revival of interest in Bulleh Shah's (1680-1758) poetry both in Pakistan and abroad, mainly due to the works of leading pop singers, eminent poet Mansha Yad said. As a result, the Pakistani youth living in England and the United States are asking more about the poet, he said. He expressed these views while presiding over a special Halqa-i-Arbab-i-Zauq literary sitting on Friday night. The meeting was specially devoted to the discussion of the poetry of the legendary rustic poet, who is easily the most quoted Punjabi poet of all times. The discussion on Bulleh Shah's poetry, originally scheduled for Saturday, was advanced by one day, and the members were informed only six hours before the event through telephone. As a result, very few members arrived at the Writers House of the Pakistan Academy of Letters to participate in the special programme. Mansha Yad initiated the impromptu discussion, which, nevertheless was the most scintillating one and focused on Bulleh Shah's poetry and the 18th century era. He said Bulleh Shah's poetry was a voice against undue religious coercion, in the same tradition as that of Waris Shah and Shah Husain; only that Bulleh Shah's protest was more forceful and stronger. Another short-story writer Hameed Shahed said the legendary poet lived in a disjointed time when the grip of Mughal rulers was loosening due to, among other things, religious coercion of Emperor Aurangzeb. In carrying the discussion forward, Mansha Yad, Sarwat Mohiuddin, Asghar Abid, Akhtar Usman, Col Sharafat (retired) and Khaleequzzaman observed that the songs of well-known singers and groups like Junnon and Shahzad Roy contributed towards highlighting the works of the great Punjabi poet. But, that did not solve the problem, they said. They pointed out a number of obstacles in the way of real dissemination of the poet's message. The task of publishing an authentic collection of Bulleh Shah's poetry is still awaiting a scholar who will roam the countryside, collecting original manuscripts of his poetry and Kafis. As Akhtar Usman said the task was a daunting one, which could only be accomplished by a team of research experts, not necessarily from government departments. He said those who ever undertook the task, must have rich knowledge of Punjabi folk culture, without which it was almost impossible to understand Bulleh Shah. Akhtar Usman also stressed the need for good translation of the poet's works in Urdu as well as provincial languages. Sarwat Mohiuddin, who was the chief guest at the meeting, expressed her concern over too much emphasis being laid on the philosophical contents of the poet's works. This can lead to a loss of focus on the common man's and the people's poet, who wanted us to workout a balance and understanding between our lives now, and in the hereafter. She insisted on fully understanding the great poet, who would talk of mundane objects, such as a spinning wheel. The common rustic people of his age, as well those of the current times, fully understood the significance of Charkha as an object of daily use, she said. Ms Mohiuddin said through the parable of the spinning wheel, Bulleh Shah was unravelling the mystery of life of every time, before the final journey. The labour and the process involved in spinning cotton yarns and weaving them in strong fabrics was described in some details in the folk songs and 'Kafis' of Bulleh Shah, and should be read as an invitation to the common people to make their lives trouble free. "We encounter in these poems the routine and daily experience of weaving new clothes. This is a symbolism about life's thread, which should be strong. Bulleh Shah wants to say if the thread of life, which we weave, is weak, life will become sullied and the journey to the hereafter will be a pathetic one," Ms Mohiuddin said.


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: Pindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Dear APNA Mitro!

Sikh bhrawaaN de Baba Nanak de janam din de maoqey Pakistan aoNaa baRaa ee slaahyaa geyaa. Guru Arjan da dehaaR manaon da ilaan keetaa geyaa ey. Eh DAWN newspaper 15.11.03 dee eh khabar paRho. http://www.dawn.com/2003/11/15/local20.htm LAHORE: Guru Arjun's 'martyrdom' day to be observed By Our Staff Reporter LAHORE, Nov 14: Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi has said the government is keen on strengthening its relations with Sikhs, and offered to hold the international Sikh Muslim Federation's annual convention in Lahore in 2006. The Punjab government would make all arrangements for the 400th martyrdom day of Guru Arjun Singh in Lahore in 2006, officially observe the day and request the federal government to issue a postal ticket to mark the occasion, he said. The chief minister was speaking at a reception he had arranged here on Friday night for Sikh yatrees, who had come to Pakistan from all over the world to take part in the three-day 534th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak. Before the reception, the chief minister held a meeting with Sikh leaders, and assured them of provision of all facilities at their places of worship in the province. He said that for the first time in history the Pakistan government especially President Gen Pervez Musharraf had given special favours to the minorities who now had the right to cast double votes, one for the general election and another for electing their own representatives in the assemblies. The minorities had adequate representation in all the elected fora. The government wanted to develop its relations with the minorities especially Sikhs, the chief minister said. He said the government would try to develop Sikhs' places of worship and the areas around them through a special package before the martyrdom day celebrations of Guru Arjun Singh in 2006. It would also welcome those Sikhs from Europe who would like to share the development work, he said. The chief minister said the government would also provide all facilities to Sikhs who might build hotels near their places of worship for better accommodation of pilgrims. He said he had already asked the provincial tourism department to establish shops of handicraft and develop a food street near the main Gurdwara. "Besides entertainment Sikhs businessmen can also explore trade possibilities at these places." Replying to a demand of a Sikh leader he said the government was establishing an academy for the promotion of Punjabi language which, he said, was a link between the Punjabis in Pakistan and Sikhs.A recent meeting of the chief ministers had also agreed to promote the provincial languages at university level, and the groundwork in this regard had already been started, the chief minister said. The chief minister hoped that the number of Sikh yatrees would increase in future, recalling as to how Chaudhry Zahoor Elahi used to give receptions to thousands of them around 25 years ago. Another bus service should be started from Amritsar to Lahore to facilitate Sikhs, he said. He said the government was building the Lahore-Sheikhupura-Faisalabad highway and would link it to Nankana Sahib. Sikh leaders Sardar Balkar Singh, Sardar Paramjit Singh, Sardar Autar Singh Sanghera and Sardar Man Mohan Singh also spoke on the occasion, appreciating the hospitality shown to the yatrees by the chief minister, and emphasizing the need for developing the relationship between their community and people in Punjab. Sardar Mohan said Pakistan should live long as its existence would prevent India from overpowering other small countries in the region. He proposed exchange of visits by the chief ministers of Eastern and Western Punjab for better relations between the people. There should be no war as it would directly affect only those in the two Punjabs, he said. The Sikh leaders gave two karpans (swords) and turbans to the chief minister who too gave them mementos. Ik hor news Bullhey Shah barey aj de Dawn wich vee alag ghal rehyaa je. Saeed


Name: Jagjit Naushehrvi -
E-mail: jagjit_naushehrvi@yahoo.com
Comments:   bailyeO, this is my new ID. I left my village Naushehra Dhalla when I finished my high school there. That was about 20 years ago. I have gone many places and met many people in my life. Lot has happened since then. Lot has been achieved and a lot has been lost since then but shadow of that place never leaves me. Normaly one would think that I would have forgotten it by now. many people I know have been able to do so but since association of that place does not leave me I have decided to permanently attach it to my name....plus it sounds hip and more shaiyrana.... The pain of leaving that village was so extreme the first year that there are many incidents assocated with it. I joined DAV college in Amritsar for my pre-engineering studies and started living in the hostel. I have been to prison only once visiting a relative but my experience is that, that hostel was worse than any prison..including the one in ambarsar...supposedly the worset one. Naushehra was not far away from the hostel. I could easily come from home every morning but plan was made that it would hurt my studies....naale bussaN ch munDay kharaab ho jaanday ne.. I should stay in hostel and concentrate on studies only. Hostel was accross the street from dept of physics building where our classroom was. Most students in the hostel were from far swung places..some post graduate students and mostly pre-med and pre-eng students who came there to try their luck as DAV had the highest success rate those days to enter medical or engineering. It was really a very nerdy place. I got the room on the third floor at the end of the hallway. My roommate was a really nerd looking boy from Moga - Sunil Jindal. He did not only look nerdy he was a real nerd. What always surprised us was that he did not take pre-med or pre-eng. He opted for commerce. Guy could pass the class if he was given book for 1 day before the examination...anyways...next 2 rooms were even worse. This was trio from Gurdaspur who got famous because they won 1st, second and third place in PSEB exam from the same school....we joked with them ke koi chakar eh iss wich...but they were very sharif kind of guys.....meaning top 3 nerds of the state next door...or atleast ones who sat in PSEB exam. It was a depressing situation. My best friend was Parshotam from SabhraahvaN. We were among the half dozen non-nerd paindoos in the bulding. All of us missed our villages so much that now that I remember the stories it is not even funny. Ran Singh was nostalgic but never said anything about it..if he felt sad he would just take rickshaw and stay at medical college with his brother for the night or something..Satbir, a Californian now, used to cry in his room. One day we heard sobs coming from his room and got worried...when he opened the room he was wearing a kachha and bunaiyan and his eyes were swollen from crying. Last time I reminded him about this he winked at me not to mention it in front of his wife and kids.

My village was closest to the hostel of everyone else's place...a wopping 20 miles. But not un-reachable. To add salt to the injury the buses going to the village passed through the road next to the hostel...every other day I would look at crying Satbir, nostalgic Parshotam Kumar, Sunil burried deep in some mystery Hindi novel..he was only one who did not seem to miss home......top 3 nerds next door although as nostalgic as us were more worried about their answers to the numericals being off my .0001 even though teacher asked to calculate only 3 decimal places using logarithimic tables...use of calculators was banned that year by GNDU. I would pick up my small bag and head towards Hall Gate to catch the bus...I would feel so nostalgic ke jee karoo udd ke pind pahunch jaawaN...by the time I would reach home nostalgia would go down..and parents will look at me and someone would say...ajj phair...I would feel ashamed of myself and promise not to come back before Saturday evening..Mostly it would be me and Parshotam heading for home together..one evening we were feeling so down....partly because of our homework... Parshotam said something about his "chaayee"...I rememebered something about my home..and we decided to head for the bus stand. Our routes were different so I was all by myself en-route to Naushehra that in the middle of the way I felt..lakh laa'naht mannaN...ghar diyaN paRhan bhaijeya te tooN roz basta chuk ke pind nu tur paindaN....I got of the bus at some stop and took the return bus to ambarsar...I went straight to my room and did not get out until late in the night just before the mess closes. I went down to grab my dinner...as I was walking through the hall I saw some one going towards the other hallway towards Parshotam's room ...I recognised, It was Parshotam. I called him...oye tooN??....he turned his head surprised and as if caught stealing something...and said..te.aa..te..te tooN??...what a co-incidence...he did the same thing...he said he took the bus to Patti but got off at gurdwara ShaheedaN and came back....we had a good laugh and decided to not go home before weekends....it took lot of emotional strenghtening up...eventually we got over it....few years later...only reason to go home was to pick up some money.

The attachment to Naushehra started weakening....and it did until few years...few years until I saw my first grey hair....te hunn te sufnay ee othoN de aunday ne....waise vi jaddoN safr te jao te manzil te phunch ke ghar wapis jaan di sikk jaag uThdi ay...par..par..hunn te wapisi da vi koi raah nai...sheeNhaN pattan malle...there is no way to escape it...so will use it with my name. jagjit naushehrvi.


Name: Alslam Rasoolpuri -
E-mail: rasoolpuri@hotmail.com
My URL: http://www.geocities.com/aslam_rasoolpuri
Location: Jampur, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   It is very good and informative site


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   Dear Rammah Ji. MeiN vi 13 December tooN 9 January teek Pakistan jaa rehaaN. Lahore ee ziaada hoNvaaN gaa. Ho sakde kidhre milan ho jaae.

Zaki


Name: Safir Rammah -
E-mail: rammah@apnaorg.com
Location: Fairfax, VA     USA
Comments:   Suman Ji: Nice to have you back on the Forum. I am still thinking about posting a copy of Geeta and Bible on APNA web page. I have in fact been looking for a copy of Bible in Shahmukhi and none of our friends in Pakistan have so far been able to locate it so far. I plan to visit Pakistan, and perhaps East Punjab as well, in mid-December to around January 10, and will try to find a copy of Bible and Geeta. We firmly believe in being non-religious, but it is not meant to be anti-religion. I see no harm in recognizing the different religions that are pacticed by Punjabis. It can play a positive role in developing mutual respect and understanding, even from the perspective of someone who may only be interested in the cultural dimensions of society.

On a different note, if you recall, you did meet with Shahid of Ajoka group when he was in California. We had invited him and Madeeha Gauhar in Washington. I have a video copy of their play Bulleh Shah. It is a wonderful play and I will highly recommend it to anyone who may get a chance to see it during their visit to India. Shahid and Madiha have been doing some great work in providing opportunities for cultural exchanges between East and West Punjab. I plan to spend some time with them if they will be back in Lahore during my time there.

Also, for anyone in the Washington Area: Punjab Heritage Foundation/APNA/ISHA will be presenting Balwant Gargi's play "Rayee Da PahaR" this Sunday. For details, please see the following web page:

http://www.isha.net/rdp.doc

Suman Ji: Please do continue to write on the forum. You may become the catalyst for activating other serious contributors.


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com/
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal.

I have to choose my words more carefully. I did not mean the comment about 'Indians' in a bad way, but i get the impression that many people from India, regardless of their racial background, are not so accustomed to terms or differences between things like race/ethnicity, culture, religion and nationality.

Most of the 'Indians' (citizens of that country) i have come across are under the impression that race, culture and religion is all just one thing, that being "Hindu". I have also found that many of these people have been brought up thinking that almost everything and everyone under the sun is a Hindu, was a Hindu, came from Hinduism, came from Hindi/Sanskrit or came from Hindustan.

Again, i am sorry if that offends anyone, but this is just from my observation. A couple of members from my family who live in India are also like this even though they are Punjabis and not from Hindustan (Central Hindi part of India). I guess this all comes from lack of proper education and knowledge of the World outside of South Asia. Or maybe it is because their media and government is so corrupt and bombards them with lies and propaganda everyday.

Regarding Ramayana and Mahabharat, i guess that is an inappropriate topic since i have seen many debates on whether they are factual/religious stories or just literature.

Once again, i hope i have not offended anyone.

Peace,


Name: suman -
E-mail: skashy@yahoo.com
Comments:   Akhilesh, the Ramayana and the Mahabharat are not religious texts. They are considered epic literature - alongside the Illiad, the Aenied, Beowulf and others. There are no guidelines for x,y or z behavior in them. Instead all the epics are filled with moral, ethical and social ambiguities. They force you to think independently about the choices you want to make in life.

Secondly, perhaps because you are so young (as you have pointed out) you are able to make such a wide generalization about 'Indians". It is never possible to cover a country, a race or a religion with one slick phrase.


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com/
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal

Suman Ji, Well, the person who wrote "No other site on Internet has as much Information about our religion as This site has" appears to come from India, and in my experience of speaking with Indians, they are incapable of comprehending the differences between race/ethnicity, culture, religion and nationality and then separating these things from one another.

No offence to anyone who was born and lives in India as i am just making an observation from my own experiences.

I personally dont have a problem with religious texts being translated into Shahmukhi and Gurmukhi and then put on the site, but then again if Islamic and Sikh texts are put up then im sure some effort should be made to translate Vedic, Christian and Buddhist texts into Punjabi, as these are also religions found in Punjab.

By the way, i have noticed that some people are complaining of lack of conversation on the forum. Perhaps one of you should start a debate.

I myself am here more so to learn rather than to contribute since my Punjabi is below basic and i am much younger than most of the other members, although i dont have a problem in sharing my opinion on issues i have some knowledge about.

One final comment. Regarding your remark "Mix it (Religion) with literature and it stunts intellectual growth and inhibits genuine communication.". Wouldnt you say the two great Vedic epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, which are a mixture of religion and literature for followers of Vedic Dharma, are master-pieces which encourage growth, not stunt it?

I dunno, not having read the actual books myself and only knowing the basic story of each i may be jumping to the wrong conclusion...

PS, here is a news article from Chandigarh Tribune which may be of interest to some members here - Pak theatre group brings play on Bulle Shah - http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031115/punjab1.htm#12


Name: suman -
E-mail: skashy@yahoo.com
Comments:   Off and on, we hear and write pleas on the forum, ke raunak lagao ji, ki gal e, etc etc. But nothing really has worked and there is a sad absence of liveliness now, of intelligent debate, of curiosity and of just plain fun. G.S.Virdi's post has very suddenly indicated, at least to me, what could be part of the problem. He says that no other site on the internet has as much info about "our" religion than this one. This obsevation is quite a shocker. And not even true I might add, as there are a zillion tons of information about your, mine and everybody else's religion on the internet - but of course, perception is reality.

The 'aims and objectives' of APNA are clearly stated and geared toward literature and language. Music and song, as the communicator of this literature and language, are also an integral part of this site. There are innumerable poets, singers and writers represented here and they co-exist in a very secular environment. This is a remarkable accomplishment. And the consequence has been that the readership and participation was also very broad based and represented a very healthy range of opinion.

The Koran and the Jap Jee though, are religious texts. It is likely, therefore, that they attract a different kind of readership. By chance, I happened to have had a brief talk with Safir before they were put up. At that time I was not sure of my own convictions in this matter. I thought about, and even offered, to bring in a Gurmukhi and/or Urdu rendition of the Gita to be posted - the theory being that if the relgions of the Punjabis were to be posted then all of them should be here. But slowly it dawned on me that I could not travel down such a road.

These religious texts are absolutely part of the Punjabi heritage, but they are not part of our literary history, because the intent of a religious text is utterly different from that of literature.

Religiosity is in the air these days and it certainly has not been the fountain of either good words or deeds. Mix it with politics and we have seen the results throughout history and see them still. Mix it with literature and it stunts intellectual growth and inhibits genuine communication. I am beginning to think that this is the reason why there is no longer an exchage of ideas on this forum. Instead we have an abundance of pronouncements, of inane theses and cut and paste opinions.


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com/
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal

kaurasach, Here is the West Punjab governments homepage, it has a district map of Punjab province: http://www.punjab.gov.pk/

I dont know if its just me, but after looking at the map it seems as though the Punjab government has recently renamed some of its districts since the last time i browsed through that site. Maybe i am mistaken and just never paid attention to districts like "Mandi-Bahaudddin" and "Bahawalnagar".

Interesting that the Punjab government has listed "Jats, Rajputs, Arains, Gujars and Awans" as the major "ethnic" groups of Punjab. I guess the person who wrote that is unaware that none of those (except maybe Gujjars)are ethnic groups, they are social-castes, a result of Brahmanism. None of them are any different from eachother, they are all Punjabis.

Also, this person is clearly confused about Punjabi racial stock when he/she wrote that "although originally belonging to the Aryan stock, the people of Punjab are descendants of the Iranians, Turks, Afghans and Arabs who came individually or in groups." Is that some kind of sick joke? Or just an inferiority complex?? Ok, so Punjabis are descendents of different races which migrated to Punjab, that is true, but Arabs, Turks and Afghans? This person needs a history lesson.

On the 'folklore' page of the site it says that Punjabi is a "local dialect" even though this same person stated that Punjabi is the mother-tongue of 90% of the population on the 'history' page.

Both the Punjab (West and East) government websites were obviously written by people who care nothing for the truth, or even consistency in the false information they spew out.


Name: G.S.Virdi -
E-mail: gsvird@yahoo.com
My URL: http://gsvirdi.50megs.com
Location: New Delhi, ND     India
Comments:   I'm 1000% sure that No other site on Internet has as much Information about our religion as This site has. Our apnaorg.com is simply THE BEST. Punjabiyan Di ShaanWakhari


Name: sangeetarai -
E-mail: sangeetarai61@hotmail.com
Location: calgary, alberta     canada
Comments:   I visited this site for the first time .thank you for developing this very good site .


Name: kaurasach -
E-mail: kaurasach@yahoo.com
Comments:   Does anyone know a website with district maps of Pakistani Punjab? Tourism, photo galleries etc. I have seen websites with emphasis on Islamic structures but none that has good emphasis on all cultural sites. Bye the way, Saare sute pae on. Utho! Raunak shaunak lao.


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
My URL: http://www.tu-dresden.de/gsn_iamcr/virtual_conf/papers/singh_digital.pdf
Location: london,      uk
Comments:   very interesting thesis on Punjabi and the IT industry http://www.tu-dresden.de/gsn_iamcr/virtual_conf/papers/singh_digital.pdf
and
http://www.tu-dresden.de/gsn_iamcr/virtual_conf/Digital_Singh.html


Name: Principal Bhagwant Singh Azad -
E-mail: azadseries@2by2.net
My URL: http://www.saandalbar.org/books.htm
Location: los angeles, ca     USA
Comments:   Please check out this


Name: Hassan Shah -
E-mail: hassan.shah@skynet.be
My URL:
Location: Brussels,      Belgium
Comments:   I too watched the movie `pinjar` recently and really liked it, though I have been expecting it to be in Panjabi rather than in hindi. Anyway, its one of non-formula and original movies that are coming out of the Bollywood these days. A propos, there was a time when almost every Bollywood movie contained a sikh character. I do not watch Bollywood movies a lot, yet I noticed that there has been a total back out of sikhs and panjabi culture for last few years. Am I right?


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com/
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   (Corrected HTML)

Sat Sri Akaal.

Interesting article from Chandigarh Tribune below.

Punjab's Hindu/Sikh relations.

Hindu-Sikh relations I

Independence changed equations

by Khushwant Singh

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031103/edit.htm#5

Hindu-Sikh relations - II

Punjabiat can show the way to brotherhood

by Khushwant Singh

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031104/edit.htm#5


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com/
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal.

Interesting article from Chandigarh Tribune below.

Punjab's Hindu/Sikh relations.

Hindu-Sikh relations I Independence changed equations by Khushwant Singh http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031103/edit.htm#5

Hindu-Sikh relations - II Punjabiat can show the way to brotherhood by Khushwant Singh http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031104/edit.htm#5


Name: jhelumnews -
E-mail: imranshaheen786@hotmail.com
My URL: http://www.jhelumnews.com
Location: dina , punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   I like this web site and if apnaorg want mt help i m here i m the web master of www.jhelumnews.com


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: Rawalpindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Dear APNA friends,

I just watched the film "Pinjar". Its another name could be COOGHEE. It is wonderful movie on 1947.


Name: Altaf Sikander Busal -
E-mail: altafbusal@hotmail.com
My URL: http://www.arzkiahai.com
Location: Busal, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Lamee ghair hazri de magroo ik ghazl hazir ae

*********Ghazal*************

chup na kar kujh momhooN bole aeh chakkar ki ae

chup theeN agla warqa phole aeh chakkar ki ae

teray sab mazdooraaN de te ho gae choopni warge moonh

tera chehra gole matole aeh chakkar ki ae

jis din da tooN wekhia mera ho gaya bojha haula

behnda naiN tooN meray kole aeh chakkar ki aeh

maiN te aeho akhya si ke pae gai loRR ae sajnaaN di

Khiskan lag pae yaar adole ae chakkar ki ae

pehlaan meray payar de phulaaN nooN too seenay landa si

aj ni ditay pereeN role ae chakkar ki ae

teri khatir maiN te sajna kakhooN haula hoya

tooN vi karda aeN yaar makhole ae chakkar ki ae

GaliooN aunda wekh Sikander chakkraaN wich pe janda aeN

sanwal,mithhrra,ranjhan,dhole, aeh chkkar ki ae

*****Altaf Sikander Busal******


Name: DullaBhatti -
E-mail: dullabhatti47@yahoo.com
Comments:   Hi all, Anyone from Pakistan has information about Punjabi poet Bashir Khazan?


Name: Shahid -
E-mail: mshahid47@yahoo.com
Comments:   APNA day paRhooaaN laee ikk Ghazal

kaalak aapnee see sanooN laa dittee
very ver dee DaDhee sazaa dittee

ghulan laal bhooray kalay chaudhraaN laee
khhichaR pakdaay deg chRhaa dittee

paa kay kooRay jahaan dee bhaTTheyaaN wich
aNgg aNgg dee miTTee paka dittee

kinnay bheRay naseeb nay tattyaaN day
sohnee jhok see hathheeN waNjaa dittee

kanneeN mundraaN kisay nay pher payaaN
dhoonee kamal day pher dhukhaa dittee

chukkay jaan nah maan bazurgiyaan day
chhiTT baol dee taRthhalee paa dittee

DaNgg maarya welay day DehmooaaN nay
babbar sher dee billee banaa dittee

SHAHID aes jahaan wich pher naNgaa
kullee paee see kisay nay Dhaa dittee

Shahid


Name: Razia -
E-mail: Razia@yahoo.com
Comments:   .........Ghazal........Sant Ram Udaasi

Zaalim hai jad masoom nu neze 'te tangdaa
Barshaa lahoo 'chon uggya, zalim nu dangdaa

Ho ke praan tun jangyaa, amanaan di gall chherh
Lokin karnage faislaa, tere pakhand da
Mildi kalam de naal jaan, lohe di 'vaaz aa
Charhdaa nashaa Gobind di chandee de chand da

Mere taan kol fer vi, geetaan da sek hai
Aao ilaaj socheye, lokaan di thhand da

Hakkaan lai haan var rahe, honhi di naar nu!
Aukha barhaa langhnhaa, jeevan de rand da


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
My URL: http://www.punjabikosh.com/
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   Those who are interested, many new developing words are her. It is case senstive. Type in many Modern names in English like Harddrive, Fax Machine, Keyboard et cetra and it will give Punjabi equivalent. This is from Khuswant's very hard worked dictionary


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   Dear all,
I am disapointed that no one has volunteered to aid Khushwant Singh with his updated Punjabi dictionary. We need an English to Gurumukhi to Shahmukhi dictionary, and all he is asking is assistence in enetring Punjabi words which he will provide with a link to data base plus any new ones. I have provided him with 500 new words and many old one. If no one supports this soon, than the dictionary can not be produced.
We can not relie on the Punjabi universities anymore, and if not careful all modern areas will be inundated soley with English words. I implore you to get in touch with Khushwant Singh [write@punjabilit.com] and help. Like the previous writer , I believ that Punjabi has moved on well beyound these old Sufi values.
Rupe


Name: Shahid -
E-mail: mshahid47@yahoo.com
Location: Snellville, GA,      USA
Comments:   Dear Saeed Saheb:
I must take exception to you comment.
those friends who are living in the States or UK or Canada and they are well off. They have much pain of their land and culture but they are not ready to spend even single penny to promote their land and culture. They love to listen the mystic poetry but they act like Mullahs. Should not we all reconsider our behaviour to our mother land and language

In my view money, though important, only plays a very small role. In fact in many instances it has a corrupting influence.

The problem with the Panjabi language is that it has not gone beyond the so called sufi wisdom. This wisdom keeps on being re-discovered. Well there is a short historical fact - Panjabi has stayed alive all those six++ thousand years, and Panjabis themselves have given birth and strengthened many other languages (e.g., remember Panini and Patanjli they were both Panjabis). This also points to vitality of Panjabi as a real mother tongue that cannot die.

The real challenge is first constructing a solid base to, and expanding the horizon of, this ancient and powerful language beyond sufic, religious and social sciences, and into other areas such as sciences, engineering, technologies, economics, and like. This requires a coherent and concerted effort of all who claim to be Panjabis and Panjabi lovers.

While writing about a Panjabi scientist, someone recently wrote:
sucha tay pRheya likheya bandah jay MaaN Bolee wich likhda naheeN taaN ohnaaN bhulekhyaaN, gunjhlaaN ich wee naeeN hooNda jehnaaN wich paa pRhay ph'say hoNday neN. Dr. Abdus Salam horaaN da pata ay? OhaaN Nobel Inaam magroN Pakistan sarkaar day thammaN noon MaaN Bolee PaNjabi wich ee aapnee sciensee kaaDh baray chanan karwaya see tay kidharay ghaaT naeeN see aaun dittee.

This is what is needed Panjabis should start writing and sharing material in their fields of expertise, and they are many.


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   Sajno! Noor taRken da vela e te ik noori kavita osri e. Haazar karnaaN.

.......Baba Ji Guru Nanak de Janam Din Te........

Nanak roop sobah di laali
Rutba aali aali
Mukhh rashmaaN da dhota hoya
Soorat karmaan waali
....Soorat KamaaN waali

Teri mehk jhuli jagg saare
GaliyaaN dwaare dwaare
Ik dunya te chaanan kita
Tere mukhh lashkaare
Saade te vi karam kareeN cha
Muk jaave bad-haali
.....Soorat karmaaN waali

Aa waNj maahi, aNder wass cha
LooN looN de vich rass cha
Munn theeve cha harya bharya
KidhrooN nimmaN hass cha
Prem di raNgli joat jaga de
Dunya theye sokhaali
.....Soorat karmaaN waali

MeN oagan mera seena bhar de
ANder noori kar de
Muk jaavan sab roale goale
Rooh nooN amrat kar de
TooN Punjab da surjan tara
PuNj nadiyaaN da waali
.....Soorat karmaaN waali

Javed Zaki

Bali Jee. I hope you would like to recite it in your program. If you need any clarification about pronunciation, call me at 517-381-8938 after 6:00pm. Thanks.


Name: Saeed -
E-mail: saeedfaranipk@yahoo.com
Location: Rawalpindi, Punjab     Pakistan
Comments:   Paa Zaki Jee,

Thanks for posting the reveiws puablished in today's Dawn. Shafqat Tanveer Mirza is a very good reviewer. Mirza Sahib did not mention the names of the devotees perhapes unintentionally. These devotees are two Lahoree guys doing business in Singapore who sponsered the publication of these books. Their names are Abid Hussain Mir and Shabir Ahmad Shah. They also bought one thousand copies of Great Sufi Wisdom - Waris Shah at cost rates and distributed them freely in Lahore and Jandiayaala Sher Khan at the time of Urs of Waris Shah. They believe in practicality to promote their mother language (Punjabi). The books, which are distributed freely, carry their names and address in Singapore prominently. Maqsood Saqib did a lot of hard work and published those books without getting any personal material benefits. Our those friends who are living in the States or UK or Canada and they are well off. They have much pain of their land and culture but they are not ready to spend even single penny to promote their land and culture. They love to listen the mystic poetry but they act like Mullahs. Should not we all reconsider our behaviour to our mother land and language. I don't want to hurt anybody but just want to show them the right direction. Look these Punjabi guys living in Singapore how nicely are contributing toward the promotion of their mother language and sufi thoughts.


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   REVIEW: Music for the soul

Reviewed by Shafqat Tanvir Mirza

The indigenous music of India was at one time a controversial subject for the Muslims who came from foreign lands. According to Inayat Ilahi Malik (Private Life of Ragas) in the midst of great political tension, Ghiasuddin Tughlaq convened a congress of 235 ulema to discuss the issue if religious law sanctioned the use of music. Nizamuddin Auliya, who attended the Congress, spoke in favour of using music as a stimulant for spiritual purification. He based his argument on the hadith. During the conference, Ilmuddin Multani, who had returned from extensive travel in the Muslim world, gave evidence to the effect that musical assemblies were a common practice in sufi hospices all over the world.

Music was the controversial issue for those sufis who came to the subcontinent. They had to face two initial problems, first which music should be used and in which linguistic form. For a very long time the languages of the new rulers were used for official and private business including religious teachings. We hardly come across any reference to local languages in the early books written in India by the Muslims in Arabic or Persian. The prejudices against the local languages and music were so deep that a 16th century Bengali poet, Muttlib, believed that translating religious book into Bengali was sinful. "I translated Muslim religious books into Bengali. I am sure I committed a grave sin".(Tariq Rahman's Language and Politics in Pakistan)

Such were the prejudices backed by the orthodox Muslims and the rulers which were openly flouted by the Muslim sufis who had to establish direct contact with the masses. They used the popular language and the musical traditions. Baba Farid, the earliest poet of the Indus Valley, used the genre of the Doha and he was also accused by the official imam of Ajudhan (Pakpattan) of 'singing and dancing' in mosques.

After the sufis adopted the local languages, it was inevitable that they would borrow the musical traditions of the local people too. Perhaps it was the bhajan which was the most popular among the non-Muslims and the kafi is its Muslim alternative wholly used by the Muslim sufis. We find no non-Muslim poet of the kafi worth the name in Punjabi and Sindhi, the main exponents of the kafi as a genre of poetry and music.

Dr Abdul Jabbar Junejo has compiled the book under review with the aim of presenting selected kafis of Punjabi, Seraiki, Sindhi and Katchi which have been popular since their creation. Thus music and poetry both find their place in this book. About music and poetry, Malik says: "The sufis of Sindh such as Shah Latif Bhitai, Sachal Sarmast, Shah Inayat and Lal Shahbaz Qalandar used ragas as the medium of their message of love, peace and virtue. Ragas such as Purbi, Sohni, Ramkali, Bhairvi and Jog, were widely used to sing verses of these poets."

The strongest tradition of kafi flourished in Punjab where Shah Husain emerged the first and the great poet of kafi. This 16th century poet of Lahore was followed by Baba Bulleh Shah and Khwaja Farid all of whom were wedded to music. Shah Husain and Bulleh Shah used to sing themselves, Shah Husain in classical ragas while Farid's kafis were sung in the presence of the poet by his private qawwals, singers and dancers.

This small book has been divided into seven chapters dealing with the kafi as a raga. It has kafi as a piece of poetry, selected kafis and introductory notes about the kafi-singers of our time and they include Pathaney Khan, Hamid Ali Bela, Zahida Parveen, Surayya Multanikar, Ustad Muhammad Jumman, Manzoor Ali Khan, Abida Parveen, Master Chandar, Geoni Bai and Bhagat Kanwar Ram.

The publisher of Bulleh Shah's kafis are devotees of Bulleh Shah and last year they published 35 kafis of Bulleh Shah with their English translation in book form and distributed it free on the urs of the Baba. This year they assigned the job to a well-known writer Maqsud Saqib to select 110 kafis of Bulleh Shah and publish the book for free distribution. Maqsud has rearranged his selection and edited some of the longer pieces, including pieces of other genre, that is, gandhan, dohey atthwar, and baranmah. The two kafis referred to in Junejo's book are not found in the Kafian> and at least one:Ant behr di kal na kai rangi rang banaya is not in Dr Faqir's collection. Over all it has been beautifully produced.

Kafian

By Dr Abdul Jabbar Junejo Bazme Saqafat, Langey Khan Library Building, Multan 132pp. Rs70

Kafian Baba Bulleh Shah

Edited by Maqsud Saqib, Abid Mir and Shabbir Ahmad Self-published.

Available from Block 15 # 01-08 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249675. Email: Kashmircarpet@pacific.net.sg And Suchet Kitab Ghar Chowk, Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore 210pp. Price not listed


Name: pastor mugu -
E-mail: pastorgay@aol.com
Location: lome, lome     togo
Comments:   its a great pleasure to be in here. i would need more information pls


Name: kaurasach -
E-mail: kaurasach@yahoo.com
Comments:   I read the article. I like the rest of Punjabi lovers can see the gradual decline of Punjabi at the hand of Indian officials and public. I saw signs on Punjab Govt. Buildings and traffic signs that don't make sense even to a Hindi understanding person. Preservation of Punjabi dialects is as important as Punjabi language itself. One of the solutions is private radio stations, magazines, and programs without political and official interfernce in each 'doab'. Punjabi Lishkara and other channels are anything but Punjabi. The Punjabi Govt. and selfish pseudo political organizations are failures in every way; so we can't pin our hopes on them. If Punjabi is to be saved it can be done by private interests only. I do not agree with author regarding Hindi. It is NOT our heritage; and should be shunned. Hindi promoting interests are too strong and harbor ill will towards Punjabi. Last year, they wanted to take Kharar, and other areas west of Chandigarh given to Chandigarh or Haryana because they declared them to be "Hindi speaking". Punjabi in Ambala district and other areas north of Shahabad/Markanda stream (which was prejudicely given to Haryana) has suffered in last 3 decades. Punjabi is the second official language of this area but there are few serious takers.


Name: rd -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
My URL: http://www.5abi.com/gyan-vigyan/bhasha-vigyan/131003_zuban-sambhal-abhay1.htm
Location: london,      UK
Comments:   Article on whay Punjabi should be kept simple


Name: vikram singh sikand -
E-mail: viksikand@hotmail.com
Location: ny, ny     USA
Comments:   hi everyone,
i haven't written on the forum in a long time, but still read regularly. i just wanted to encourage everyone to see the new bollywood release "pinjar." the movie is an incredibly adequate rendition of amrita pritam's novel. the directorship, sets, and acting are incredibly convincing. manoj bajpai, urmila matonkar, and of course kulbhushan kharbanda are excellent! there is NO cheap humor by the likes of johnny lever or any of those other fools who ruin films in an effort to expand viewership. of course the music is absolutely fantastic,; particularly haunting is "aj aakhan waris shah noon" sung by noneother than the wadali brothers. after a long time has bollywood released a quality historical film. we should make every effort to support this film especially as the subject content is so pertinent to punjab. please share your thoughts!
vikram singh sikand


Name: Safir Rammah -
E-mail: rammah@apnaorg.com
Location: Fairfax, VA     USA
Comments:   Prof. Mohan Sing's 20 poems are posted in Roman/English on APNA web at:

http://apnaorg.com/poetry/romanenglish/mohansingh/


Name: kaurasach -
E-mail: kaurasach@yahoo.com
Comments:   Can anyone tell me if there is a website where poetry of Prof Mohan Singh is available in Gurmukhi or Roman script?


Name: RD -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
My URL: http://www.alphabets-world.com/punjabi.html
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   http://www.alphabets-world.com/punjabi.html Very good link to relationship between Landa and Punjabi


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Location: Esat Lansing,      USA
Comments:   SajnoN. Ik nikki jaee ghazal haazar e.

......GHAZAL.......

Teri akhhiaaN chasham ghazaal jaee'aaN
Kisse dhoNgee soach khiyaal jaee'aaN

Cha palkaan te madhosh cha kar
Eh nashyaaN bharyaaN, laal jaee'aaN

Mai-khanyaaN de dar khhol sajjan
RagaaN hoven cha sur-taal jaee'aaN

Tere mokhhRe di lao chan chaanan
Ghhani zulfaaN Heer siyaal jaee'aaN

Tere sukhh darshan diyaaN tarhayaaN
Eh ghaRyaaN hijar malaal jaee'aaN

Javed Zaki


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal.

Thank you for the information Kaurasach. I whole-heartedly agree with you that all historical and religious monuments/buildings should be preserved. Religious differences should not even be a factor when fighting to preserve what is every Punjabis heritage, as you so rightfully said.

Dullah Bhatti Ji, If the Mosque you and Kaurasach referred to (Sarai Amanat Khan) is in Fatehabad, district Tarn Taran, Amritsar, then that is the Mosque i must have meant when i said there is supposed to be a beautiful Mosque at my families Amritsar distt pind.

If not, then i assume there must be two old Mosques in that area. When i go to Punjab i will try and visit these places and take some pictures of them.

Javed, Thanks, i found the article about Nankana Sahib on the "Nation".

Finally, Happy Divali to all!


Name: rajeev -
E-mail: rajeev@rediff.com
Comments:   best of my wishes for diwali to all... may it bring joy, prosperity and abundance to every one..
dullah bhatti ji, you have won a lot of patrons for your grrreat story telling.. do you have one for diwali from your pind that you can share.. we will all be greatful.. sukhbir jee, tusi wi kuch karo tae jaan pao es forum wich.. sab kuch thandaa jaya paya hai...
happy diwali once again..


Name: Sukhbir Garewal -
E-mail: sugrewal@hotmail.com
Location: New Delhi,      India
Comments:   Diwali te taan chup toRiye!

Je APNE ainee dHungi chup ch paye ai taN pher kujj hausla kar ke keh hi dayiye

DIWALI MUBARIK SAB(H)NAN NU Kadi KadaayiN BabeyaaN de mahavaak Chuppai chup na hoveyee... da vird kar leyaa karo. Sukhbir


Name: gursharan -
E-mail: gsinghh@yahoo.com
Location: pind reston, va     USA
Comments:   hello All

Shiv's Article on Punjab gov. website has been credited to Safir Rammah ji.. Please see related link.

http://www.punjabgov.net/news.asp?fol_name=heritage\latest\&file_name=her1&p_title=Glorious%20Heritage%20of%20Punjab


Name: RD -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilit.com/novel/annexation/
Location: London,      Uk
Comments:   I need someone skilled both in Punjabi and English to translate this into Punjabi Thanks


Name: DullahBhatti -
E-mail: dullabhatti47@yahoo.com
Location: San Jose, CA     USA
Comments:   Sukhbir ji: :-) HaHaHa....tusi te poore harfanmaulla O...har mushkil da hall...tuhade paas....It is not the physical aging..it is mental aging....I am becoming more pragmatic from an idealist..I think it is a sign of internal aging. May be Dr Rattan can help with that:-). Thanks for your and Suman ji's comments though...I have been trying little bit of my hand on Punjabi prose lately....will continue.


Name: Sukhbir Garewal -
E-mail: sugrewal@hotmail.com
Location: New Delhi,      India
Comments:   His email address as accessed from the internet is rattan@imsb.au.dk.


Name: Sukhbir Garewal -
E-mail: sugrewal@hotmail.com
Location: New Delhi,      India
Comments:   Dear Dulla veer

I couldn't have put it any better than Suman Ji: you have a deeply evocative feel for the spaces and times you have left behind and it comes across brilliantly in your writing. How I wish we would get to read more of you!

The scientist whose work on AGING has been recognized the world over is a Denmark based APNAITE (look up the list of Apna members) from Amritsar. His name is Prof SIS Rattan and the address as given in the list is Suresh Rattan, Department of Molecular Biology, University of Aarhus, Gustav Wieds Vej, DK-8000 Aarhus - C DENMARK. I'm given to understand that he is genuinely and potentially a NOBEL material. He is also reported to be a reasonably good short story writer and has published a few books in Punjabi. He also enjoys a local reputation as a Tabla player. His email address as accessed from the internet is . I must say that I haven't addressed my gerontology related problems to him even if I am presumably much older than you and often far more distressed than I would like to acknowledge on account of the approaching winters.

Sukhbir


Name: suman -
E-mail: skashy@yahoo.com
Comments:   Dulla Bhatti ji You have a very evocative way of writing - you are really able to bring to life the era and atmosphere that you describe. I think that you should write about the life that you left behind and remember so vividly and with so much affection. I hope you will take this suggestion seriously as you truly do have a gift that will be of value to a lot of people - most of them Punjy!

Rupe, all I can say is that language is a living organism - no one has been able to force the direction of its growth or usage. Many have tried (who was it that tried so hard to introduce esperanto? Sukhbir, do you know?) and governments ( France and All India Radio to name a couple) but all have all failed. The reason, I suspect, is that new words enter a language out of real experiances which anyway are in constant change around us. The internet will stay the internet because it goes against common sense to go around looking for a sustitute. There is no word for whale in Punjabi for a reason - and no reason why 'whale' cannot be accepted by a punjabi. O ji asi kal imax gaye saaN. Vadiya movie vekhi - whalaaN de baare!


Name: Bali K. Deol -
E-mail: swaraj@shaw.ca
Comments:   Dear Apna friends, I have been absent for quite a while but reading silently. Kaurasach I agree, where is the old crowd, APNA Discussion was a place that had to be visited at least once in a day in order for my day to be complete. If you 'old skool' folks are reading silently like me...come back!!

I was reading the discussion regarding the upkeep of places of worship in Punjab and remembered a story from last year.

Tying bonds of unity at Guru ki Maseet By Anna Bigelow

AS the light in the gurdwara courtyard grew golden, an unusual meeting took place between Baba Kirtan Singh, head of the Nihang Taran Dal in Baba Bakala, and Dr Mohammad Rizwanul Haque, Secretary of the Central Wakf Council, Delhi. The two men sat facing each other on simple string charpoys to discuss their shared interests in a masjid built by a Sikh Guru.

It was like observing master weavers at work as they interlaced two of the many threads that make up the rich tapestry of Indias religious and cultural fabric. Dr Haque sat leaning forward, listening raptly in order to make out the wavering but urgent voice of the elderly Sikh.

Baba Kirtan Singh had come prepared, bringing with him several texts of Sikh history, some written in Gurmukhi and others in Persian script. He read from the records about the Sikh Gurus conversion of the house of a dead Muslim into a masjid and the setting up of a langar for the poor. He also told of an encounter between Guru Nanak and some Muslims that ended with the declaration that "if Hindus are the left hand, then Muslims are the right, and we all believe in the one true God." In this way, Baba Kirtan Singh skillfully wove together the history of the Gurus and the present situation, the preservation and maintenance of a place the Guru ki Maseet in Sri Hargobindpur that is precious to both the communities

The maseet is picturesquely situated on a hill overlooking a curve in the mighty Beas river. After coming to the region in the early 17th century, Guru Hargobind built temples, gurdwaras, and a masjid to accommodate the spiritual needs of all the inhabitants. Since Partition there has been no Muslim population in the area. In the intervening years, the care of the site was taken up by Nihangs sent by Baba Kirtan Singh from his base in Baba Bakala, some 20 kilometres away. The present sevadar, Baba Balwant Singh, has been at the site since 1984, clearing weeds, sweeping dust, preparing langar, and fulfilling all the other obligations of his faith in service to the Guru, his Baba, and the Sikh tradition.

In 1997, a survey team with the Cultural Resource Conservation Initiative (CRCI) came to the town and saw the maseet. Recognizing the value of the building, the group began to undertake the restoration of the mosque as part of the UNESCO and UNDP-UNVs "Culture of Peace" programme, and with additional financial support from the US-based Sikh Foundation.

However, some hurdles had to be cleared. The area around the maseet had been encroached upon, the hillside was eroding and needed shoring up, and the local residents seemed largely unaware of this unique treasure and were not entirely comfortable with the Nihang presence at the site. Furthermore, a bir of the Guru Granth Sahib had been placed within the mosque and a Nishan Sahib erected near it, making the buildings identity as a maseet questionable.

As the restoration work began, the encroachment was cleared and the land cleaned up. A neighbour donated a piece of land and further property was purchased by CRCI with the assistance of UNESCO and the Sikh Foundation. Local residents contributed their time and energy to the site by organising a large seva with a langar that brought people from the entire region to the maseet to see it, learn about it, and help it survive. People who had initially been skeptical or even afraid of the Nihangs began to learn about their beliefs and practices and now frequently and unhesitatingly visit the site to see the progress of the project.

Finally, a new space was built and the Guru Granth Sahib was moved out of the maseet. Various officials from the local Wakf Board, members of the SGPC, MLAs and Members of Parliament have visited the maseet and responded to queries from members of their communities who wished to know about the status of the site. All of these events culminated in the meeting on February 8 between Dr Haque and Baba Kirtan Singh in order to determine the future of the Guru ki Maseet.

The white-bearded elderly man in the blue and white turban sitting on one charpoy with his pile of books lovingly wrapped in cloth contrasted sharply in appearance, age and religion with the much younger, clean-shaven man in western clothes perched across from him. Yet at this meeting their unity of purpose and the similarity of their thinking was equally apparent.

Seeking common ground, Dr Haque had traveled a long and bumpy road from Delhi to Punjab to find Baba Kirtan Singh at his gurdwara. Baba Kirtan Singh had also made a long journey -- into the annals of Sikh history to discover precedents from the past that would strengthen the bonds of the two communities. The two men made great efforts to understand each other, to hear and be heard as they discussed the ways in which both communities could simultaneously live up to their interest and obligations to preserve and maintain the Gurus maseet. They were helped in speaking to each other across languages and traditions by the translations of Punjab Wakf Board CEO Ikhlaq Ahmad Khan and CRCI Director Gurmeet Rai. As the conversation proceeded in Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu, the matter was clarified and an understanding reached. The Guru had built a masjid.

As Baba Kirtan Singh put it, "This maseet was established by our Guru. It is a maseet, but it is as important to us as a gurdwara." Dr Haque echoed this sentiment, declaring, "Your Guru built a maseet and it was his intention that Muslims come and perform namaz there. There are no Muslims now, but you (the Nihangs) have been preserving it very well and we all want it to stay in its original form." Later Baba Kirtan Singh stated that just as Muslims testify to the oneness of God, Sikhs say Sat Sri Akal. He again assured Dr Haque and the other representatives from the Wakf Board that they should not worry at all, the building would be kept as a maseet, as the Guru had wanted.

If the Guru built a mosque, it should be understood as more than a conciliatory gesture towards the other community. It was an act of community-building by a leader whose Miri-Piri sensibilities were steeped in the devotional traditions of Nanak, Baba Farid, Kabir and Namdev. The masjid is not simply a place sacred in various ways to these separate religions. It is an important symbol of the integrated past and present of Indias cultural heritage.

The maseet as a Muslim space also represents the deeply held principles of equality in Islam. This value is visible in the structure of the mosque itself. The horizontal orientation maximizes the proximity of the faithful to Mecca. It is further evident in the accessibility of the space to all people. Everyone is welcome here in a space that is designed to reflect the oneness of God and the importance of community. There is no rule in Islam against the participation of non-Muslims in the care of a Muslim shrine. On the contrary, there are countless precedents for the collective custody of such places. The only rules pertaining to who may or may not enter a masjid, or for that matter a gurdwara, are rules of adab, or right conduct, by which one shows respect to God, the place, and the assembled people, and oneself by entering in a state of bodily cleanliness with a covered head, bare feet, and a reverent attitude.

The crucial lesson to learn from this encounter is that these two leaders made deliberate and sincere efforts to meet each other, and to forge, rather than sever, the bonds between their two communities. Instead of seeking precedents and principles that would establish priority of their own claims and interests in the property, both strove to find the events and ideas of the past that would support their sharing of the maseets maintenance. In this way they established that sharing the responsibilities that both groups want to assume in the future care of the mosque is a fulfillment of the principles of their faiths. They further demonstrated that this joint project was simply one more example of Indias proud heritage of pluralism.

With the leadership of people like Dr Haque and Baba Kirtan Singh and the support of the Muslim and Nihang communities, neighbours, visitors, and benefactors, the Guru ki Maseet has every hope of surviving and providing future generations with yet another historic precedent for their efforts to live together in an increasingly plural and diverse society.

With the sound of the evening rehras permeating the air, providing a soothing sonic background, an agreement to this end was reached the Guru ki Maseet is a mosque and should remain such, as per the wish of Guru Hargobind. The Nihangs who have cared for and respected the site for so long would continue to oversee its upkeep. The Guru Granth Sahib is in a newly built room at some distance from the maseet.

The locals of Sri Hargobindpur, who take increasing pride in their unique monument, will continue to support the place, doing seva there and executing plans for a community centre with a garden and library. Muslims who come are free to perform namaz. And visitors from all over the world will have the opportunity to see the Guru ki Maseet as a living example of the depth of Indias integration, past and present.


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   Iqbal Qaisar, a Punjabi researcher and poet, has published a nice book on "Gurudawaras in Pakistan" with colored pictures. He visited U.S.A. and Canada for the promotion of his book about two years back and was very welcomed everywhere among Punjabi community. Our dear friends (Dr. Satnam Singh Bhugra and Dr. Jaswant Singh, both residents of our city East Lansing, Michigan) were the main facilitators of his visit. The book has also been published in Gurmukhi. Akhilesh. The source of my both postings is yesterdays Dawn Karachi.


Name: DullahBhatti -
E-mail: dullabhatti47@yahoo.com
Comments:   Sukhbir ji: I miss myself too...along with others. I think I am aging fast. any ideas how I can put brakes on it?:-)

Akhilesh/Kaurasach: Talking about old mosques and gurdawaras....One can't totally blame governments that came after 47 for the bad conditions of these structures...once our elders finished the ethnic cleansing business, the structures had no other fate but to become malba without worshipers visiting every day. It is good that some NGOs, individuals and governments are taking interest in perserving this left-over heritage of ours. Rather than criticise it we should welcome it....I think this way even if it is not a university(our politicians are big on making claims), it is a college in Nanakana sahib..that is great achievement going forward...even a do-taara hotel is fine.

Talking about Sarai Amanat Khan......I passed through this pinD hudnreds of times..This pinD is the first Sarai on old GT road entering Indian border...our pinD only 3 miles from there...there used to be a sizable Khatri and brahmin community in the village S.A.K...my father's best friend Raj was from this village and it seems he practically spent half of his growing up in there(after partition ..going to high school to GanDiwind..1 km from Sarai A.K)...The Sarai was a walled community with two big gates on North-West and South-East...both gates have beautiful meenakaari, white and blue limestone tiles... I remember going to this place as a child and it used to be beautiful....on a sunny day after rain, the artwork and paint would look like someone has just finished the job. It was all visible from the road from Jhabaal to Rajataal(another heritage site)-Attari(another h.s.). The main street joining the two gates was a bazaar...shops on the fronts and homes in the back...even now walking from one gate through the other in bazaar is a walk to the past...SaraaN as locals call it, is changing..now the main bazaar is the main road outside the pinD...[old parents of uncle Raj lived there until last moments although all of their kids moved far and away...bhapa ji was good at hand reading and jyotish videya though from his turban with long shamla and chaadar dhoti, he looked like a crude jatt of SaraaN..and he was ..he owned more land than most jatts of Sarai...he made my janam-patri..Tewa...growing up when I used to do nalaiqeaN...my mother would worry and always complain to him..bhapaji tuhada Tewa te bilkull jhooTh ay...he would make a sign with his right hand..calm down...his shamla would shake left and right back and forth like kalgi of a rooster and he would say..aweiN na fikkar kareya kar kuRiye..mera Tewa bilkull sahi ay..ehday boohe utte haathi jhoolan ge...this last line would assure my mother...it was a symbolic statement of an expert hand reader..and mother was not any fond of haathis..it were the boohe she would wonder..how big they will be... Tewa is still there but mother have not shown it to anyone since bhapa ji passed away...or may be she have..but she complains...bhapa ji warga Tewa nai koi paRhda..... I will just smile..of course not...bhapaji knew more about what mother need to hear than what was written in the Tewa... my next visit I will dedicate a day to Sarai Amanat Khan..let us se what is left over.:-(]


Name: kaurasach -
E-mail: kaurasach@yahoo.com
Comments:   AKHILESH There were several Hindu temples in West Punjab. Hindus were about 33% of the Punjabi population. Unfortunatley, many were destroyed during partition, and following the other riots (Babri Masjid Destruction). Most of the ancient temples were destroyed during by the invaders. Some like KETAS survived due to their remote locations. I've seen photos of temples in Bhera, Jhelum, etc. KETAS a glorious and ancient Hindu temple has also succumbed to neglect and vandalism. Pakistani Hindus say that they are forbidden to worship in these temples. Had the Hindus been able to practice freely in these temples, they would survive. Also, besides a few gurudwaras that are visited regularly, many have been reduced to heaps of 'malba'. Others have been occupied and vandalized. The more the yatris visit, the better it will be for these historic structures. There is an excellent book by Qureshi on sikh gurudwaras. I think the mosque you are refering to in Amritsar is Sarai Amanat Khan. It looks impressive in the pictures. A REQUEST TO PUNJABIS IN PAKISTAN - TO TAKE PICTURES OF TEMPLES, GURUDWARAS, SAMADHS AND OTHER HISTORICAL STRUCTURES IN THEIR PINDS OR TOWNS BEFORE THEY CRUMBLE I used to go by a beautiful mosque near my maternal village and wanted to take the picture so I can save it for future generations. The day I finally went, it had fallen the day before. I regret it. Since then, I have taken pictures of several muslim structures before they are lost. due to rapid development, the structures are getting lost quickly. Whatever the religion, IT IS EVERY PUNJABI'S HERITAGE.


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal

Suman Ji, Hi. I did not realize that the article on Shiv Kumar Batalvi had been stolen from APNA. I dont know if Safir Rammah Ji has written to the web person at http://www.punjabgov.net/ to remove the article but I'll also write to them on his behalf to either remove the article or give APNA and Safir Rammah full credit for writing it.

Im now curious about who wrote the "heritage story" on Maharaja Ranjit Singh - http://www.punjabgov.net/news.asp?fol_name=heritage\archive&file_name=shiv1&get_pic=&p_title=Glorious Heritage of Punjab&curr_f=1&tot_file=2

Also, I have noticed that there are photos of Gurdwaras that have been taken from http://www.sikhs.org/ on the Punjab governments website, im sure they have also been taken without the permission of Sandeep Singh Brar.

Cant help feeling disappointed in whoever is running the official website for the Punjab government. They're giving themselves a really bad image by stealing stuff and passing it off as their own work. But its not surprising since these are South Asian politicians we're talking about.

Rupe, Interesting article, but i dont know if it is true that Punjabi is the "most ancient and oldest language in the World". Since (From what i have read) Punjabis are descendants of different racial stocks that have mingled and mixed with eachother after migrating to the Punjab at different points in time spanning over a period of maybe 2500 years starting with the Aryans im sure the language would also have changed a great deal along with our racial/ethnic identity.

Punjabis are not a pure race, we have a quite diverse ancestry, so i dont think the language can be the Worlds oldest. Punjabi may have its root origin in Sanskrit, but they remain two separate languages, Sanskrit being far older. Someone please correct me if i am wrong and kindly explain why.

Javed Zaki, Thank you for posting that news item regarding Nankana Sahib. I would love to visit Pakistan's Punjab one day. It is in Pakistan's Punjab (Majha region) where i have family roots. ps, Can you please kindly provide a link to that news item.

Kaurasach, A former head of the ISI is now the head of the PSGPC. This is probably because of the paranoia in South Asia about "infiltration" etc. However, PSGPC is supposed to be far better than the waqf board that was taking care of the Gurdwaras before 1999. I dont think the waqf board did any renovation on the Gurdwaras or even have any Sikhs on their committee.

By the way, is anything being done in West Punjab for the Punjabi Hindus and what is East Punjab doing for the Punjabi Muslims from Pakistan? There is supposed to be a beautiful Mosque at my pind in Amritsar district which has been listed as a 'tourist' site by the Punjab government. I've never been there but i've been told that all the Muslims left the area during the partition. Id be happy to see those families return and take care of the Mosque, which is probably derelict now. (I may try and visit it this November).

Evenin' all.


Name: kaurasach -
E-mail: kaurasach@yahoo.com
Comments:   Regarding the university at NANKANA SAHIB. It is nice to see the growing tolerarnce for sikhs' heritage in Pakistan. Though, I will give my life to see the day when all sikh institutions like Dayal Singh College, and religious places are opened and given to the custody of the sikhs. Without any political agenda or interference from the Pakistani Govt. (There are reports of ISI involvement in the 'caretaking" of PGPC.


Name: Sukhbir Garewal -
E-mail: sugrewal@hotmail.com
Location: New Delhi,      India
Comments:   My dear Rupe,

Much as I would want to not discourage you, I have to somewhere understand the cultural implication of what you are trying to establish and express my views, for whatever they are worth, accordingly. Let me therefore say that I am inclined more to agree with Kaurasach and Dulla Bhatti veer. Let me also honestly say that I am deeply touched by your untiring zest and desire to do something for the language especially in relation to the Punjabi diaspora.It reminds me not a little of my days as a student of the moving image when in my unbridled youthful spirit I would more often than not grossly overread the film-texts and send long notes of analyses to various journals which, mercifully, remained unpublished. In posting my previous mail, my idea was not to hurt you and induce in you the "withdrawal symptoms" which you so distressingly displayed by way of response. I am not trying to curb your curiosity or desire to contribute to the language. I am merely trying to underline the need to continuously self-critisize the kind of work you have undertaken and, perhaps, to economize somewhat your impulse to coin new words as fast as you seem to perhaps do. Let us also not excessively valorise languages such as Bangla as lexically richer than Punjabi. That, having some acquaintance with that beautiful language, is somewhat in the realm of romantic myth-making.

APNA forum is far too liberal and democratic (and I would much rather that it is kept that way) and I greatly admire and value the gentle absence/presence of Rammah Veer Ji, an occasional heart-warming poem or kafi and other referential postings by Zaki saheb (although I wonder why all his contributions to the forum are invariably in duplicate), ever so rare but economic and effective interventions by Suman Ji. I miss Dulla Veer's infectious enthusiasm and, on a lighter note, I miss myself.

Cheers

Sukhbir


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   EXCERPT: Lahore by any name...

By J.L. Kipling and T.H. Thornton

When was the city first built? J.L. Kipling and T.H. Thornton trace the history of Lahore.
Such are the somewhat barren results of inquiries - uninteresting, I fear, to many - into the pre-Muhammadan history of Lahore. They may be briefly recapitulated as follows. The city of Lahore, formerly Lohawar, and possibly the Labolka of Ptolemy, was founded by an ancient Rajput colony some time between the first and seventh centuries of our era, probably as early as the beginning of the second; that it soon rose to be a place of importance, the parent of other colonies, and eventually the capital of a powerful principality, to which it gave its name.
Whether owing to change of dynasty, or to its exposed position on the high road from Afghanistan to India, it was subsequently deserted and the seat of government was removed to Sialkot or its vicinity, where it remained until the period of the invasion of Mahmud of Ghazni in the beginning of the eleventh century; that the conqueror re-occupied the deserted city, and established a garrison in a fort, built possibly, like Purana Qila at Delhi, on the ruin of the old Rajput stronghold.
At the period of the first Muhammadan invasion in the latter part of the seventh century of our era, we find Lahore in possession of a Chauhan prince, of the family of Ajmer. In AD 682 according to Ferishta, the Afghans of Kerman and Peshawar, who had, even at that early period, embraced the religion of the Prophet, wrested certain possessions from the Hindu prince. A war ensued, and in the space of five months seventy battles were fought, with varied success, until the Afghans, having formed an alliance with the Ghakkars, a wild tribe inhabiting the Salt Range of the Punjab, compelled the Raja to cede a portion of his territory.
The next mention of Lahore is in the Rajputana chronicles, where the Bussas of Lahore, a Rajput tribe, are mentioned as rallying to the defence of Chittore, when besieged by Musalman forces in the beginning of the ninth century. At length, in AD 975, Sabaktagin, governor of Khorassan, and father of the celebrated Mahmud, advanced beyond the Indus. He was met by Jeipal, Raja of Lahore, whose dominion is said to have extended from Sirhind to Lamghan, and from Kashmir to Mooltan.
On the advice of a prince of the Bhatti tribe, the Raja formed an alliance with the Afghans, and, with their aid, was enabled to withstand the first invasion. On his succession to the throne of Ghazni, Sabaktagin repeated his invasion. A battle ensued in the vicinity of Lamghan. The Raja was defeated, and made overtures for peace. His terms were accepted, and persons were sent, on the part of Sabaktagin, to take the balance of the stipulated ransom.
On reaching Lahore, Jeipal proved faithless, and imprisoned those commissioned to receive the treasure. On learning of his perfidy, Sabaktagin, in the words of Ferishta, like a foaming torrent, hastened towards Hindustan.
Another battle ensued, in which Jeipal was again vanquished and he retreated leaving the territory to the west of the Nilab, or Indus, in the hands of the invader. Chagrined at his double defeat, he performed the Hindu sacrifice of Johar or devotion, by burning himself to death outside the walls of his capital.
The invader did not retain the conquests he had made, for in AD 1008 a confederation, headed by Anangpal, son of Jeipal, again met the advancing army; now commanded by Mahmud, son and successor of Sabaktagin in the vicinity of Peshawar. In the battle, which ensued, the naphtha balls of the Afghan army, according to a conjectural reading of Ferishta's text, spread dismay among the Hindu soldiery who fled, suffering a great slaughter. Lahore was allowed to remain intact for thirteen years longer. Anangpal was succeeded by another Jeipal, called by Al Baruni, Nardjanpal, while Mahmud pushed his conquests into Hindustan.
But in AD 1022, he suddenly marched down from Kashmir, seized Lahore without opposition, and gave it over to be plundered. Jeipal II fled helpless to Ajmer, and the Hindu principality of Lahore was extinguished forever. A final effort was made by the Hindus in the reign of Modud, AD 1045, to recover their lost sovereignty; but after a fruitless siege of six months they retired without success; and thus says Al Baruni, 'the sovereignty of India became extinct and no descendant remained to light a fire on the hearth.'
Lahore was left in charge of Malik Ayaz, a favourite of Mahmud of Ghazni, whose name appears in many anecdotes of the sayings and doings of the Emperor. He is said to have built up the walls and fortress of Lahore, miraculously in a single night; and his tomb, by the Tanksal or mint, is still revered by Musalmans as the burial place of the founder of Lahore.

J.L. Kipling was the principal of the Mayo School, Lahore. T.H. Thornton was a member of the British administration in India. This handbook was originally written for official circulation mainly for British officers. It documents the historic buildings of Lahore, its changing weather, social traditions, history and arts. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   Varsity in Nankana Sahib, Guru Nanak chair in PU soon

by EMANUEL SARFRAZ

The Punjab government would establish Baba Guru Nanak University at the Nankana Sahib, which would cater to the Sikh students from all over the world. The university would provide opportunities of research and study of Sikh religion and Punjabi culture. A five star hotel would also be established at Nankana Sahib to cater to the visiting Sikh yatrees (pilgrims). A double road from Lahore to Nankana Sahib would also be constructed to ensure easy access to the holy places of Sikhs.
Rana Ijaz, Special Advisor to the Chief Minister Punjab, stated this while addressing a reception hosted in honour of the visiting Mayor of London Borough of Ealing, Gucharan Singh. World Muslim Sikh Federations Pakistan chapter hosted the reception arranged at a hotel in Lahore.
Rana Ijaz urged the Sikh community living abroad to visit Pakistan and also explore investment opportunities here. Sardars can come and invest here. We offer them all facilities in this regard. We are also ready to offer them citizenship of Pakistan. About the establishment of university and a hotel in Nankana Sahib, I have taken up the matter with the governor of Punjab and the chief minister. They have agreed to the development plan. Gurchan Singh disclosed that during his meeting with the Governor and other officials of the local government he was pleased to know that World Muslim Sikh Federations proposal for establishing Guru Nanak chair in the Punjab University had been accepted. He appreciated the good maintenance of Sikhs monuments and holy places. Muslims and Sikhs believe in one God. There are many things that are common between the two religions. We share the same Punjabi culture. Sikh culture and monuments are well preserved in Pakistan. I see there are no security problems for Sikhs in Pakistan. More Sikhs should come and visit the holy places here.
Chief Organiser of Federation, Raja Riaz, spoke about the aims and objectives of the organisation and called for efforts to bringing together the Punjabis of all faiths. He clarified that World Muslim Sikh Federation had not assigned film director Syed Noor to make any documentary for the organistion and the news appearing in a section of press were not correct. Others who spoke on the occasion included Zaigham, Jacqueline Tressler, Sarabjeet Singh and Nazar Lodhi.


Name: kaurasach -
E-mail: kaurasach@yahoo.com
Comments:   Rupe, As I said earlier, none is trying to curb your enthusiasm. But language is slow and steady process. You cannot think or create words in a day. This may end up being a disservice to Punjabi. The "translations" you post sound too 'fake' and weird. BY THE WAY, THIS SITE IS BECOMING STAGNANT. I USED TO LOOK FORWARD COMING TO THIS SITE EVERY DAY. LATELY, NOTHING INTERESTING.


Name: RD -
E-mail: rdhillon@cemdltd.com
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   Sorry Sukhbir, I am not trying to take up all space. It just happens that when I feel I have something to say, tends to be all at once or within a day or two of each other. In that time no one else has gone on, so It appears that I am kidnapping the site. That is not my intention. I am just enthuisatic about Punjabi. But if I am too enthusiatic, I shall no longer return
Rupe


Name: Sukhbir Garewal -
E-mail: sugrewal@hotmail.com
Location: New Delhi,      New Delhi
Comments:   I do not wish to discourage anyone but this extremely pedestrian (my considered but humble view) linguistic hegemonisation of APNA discussion space has to critically self-analyse itself before it is too late. Sukhbir


Name: Rd -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   two new words from Punjabikosh project :
Anorak = Varakhaa Naadh
Windcheater = Vaatnaadh


Name: rd -
E-mail: rupe@panindia.com
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   Very Rare Gurmukhi Calligraphy
Sourse Sikh Heritage
There has been an awful lot of confused connotation of the term 'Gurmukhi'. By sheer mistake and potential influence of folklore many people have been interpreting Gurmukhi as "That which comes from the Mouth of the Guru" Now assess this very brief statement carefully. Something spoken can only come out of a mouth for which the Almighty has bestowed the human being with a unique organ called TONGUE. There are a number of vocal chords instrumental in producing a spoken word. We need a script to produce the images of spoken words on a surface with some writing instrument e.g. a paper and a pen. So speech and writing are two distinct aspects of a language. Therefore Panjabi is a language and Gurmukhi its script. Almost all languages and Gurmukhi have two different terms for writing and speaking. English is a language and Roman its script, Hindi is a language and Dev Nagri its script and Urdu is a language and Persian its script. Contemporary scholars in linguistics have proved that the language of the North-Indian region known as the Punjab is without any doubt the most ancient and the oldest language of the world. As the name and geographical boundaries of this region have been constantly changing so is the profile of its language. The world's oldest scriptural book Rig-Veda was written in this region. It is in the ancient Panjabi, popularly known as Sanskrit. There are at least more than a dozen different scripts being used to write Panjabi since the Vedic period. In 1947 at the time of independence, the Punjab was partitioned. The West Punjab went to Pakistan and the East Punjab to India. The Pakistani Punjabi is written in 'Shahmukhi' script as a counterpart of 'Gurmukhi'. Again the East Punjab was divided into three parts - The hilly areas went to Himanchal Pardesh and the Southern area was carved out to establish the new province 'Haryana'. The Harianvi Punjabi is 'Jaatu or Bangru' written in Dev Nagri and the Hilly Punjabi is Dogri or Pahari. The new Punjabi Suba is perhaps the smallest Punjab of the history of the land. The Main Calligraphy Schools of Gurmukhi

1. The Damdami Taxal's various branches and centres.
2. The Kashmiri School of manuscripts production..
3. The Chamba and Basohli schools of illustrated manuscripts.
4. The Amritsari School of Scriptual Naqqashi.
5. The Anandpuri Sampardaik School of Scriptures.
6. The Chhachhraoli Sanstha of Calligrapjhers.
7. The Paonta Sahib Centre of poetic calligraphy.
8. The Patiala Tradition revived by Bhai Tarlok Singh Artist
. 9. The Kandhi and Kathgarhi Centres of book scribing.
10. The Granthi Bagh Ropar Institute of Gurmukhi.
11. The Gurmukhi Museum, Khadoor Sahib and Goindwal Sahib.
12. The Christian Institute of Gurmukhi, Batala.
13. Various Gurmukhi Schools and Centres of Delhi.
14. The Centres of scribes in Kapurthala and Sultanpur Lodhi.
15. The Gurmukhi Sanstha of Kaithal & Sadhu Gulab Dass Centre.
16. Various schools and centres of different sects using Gurmukhi.
17. Many Centres outside India.

Some Comments on Contemporary Calligraphy

There have been many great calligraphers of Gurmukhi in the past. Some of them were mural painters. The wall of shrines and Royal mansions they embellished have now disappeared. The surviving calligraphy and art of wall paintings is either in a pathetic condition or in most of cases it is subject to our awful negligence. The concrete and marble is rapidly consuming our art relics. Right at the turn of the century Maharaja Ranjit Singh's summer palace at Ram Titwali has been acquired for creating a new dam. The unique art on the walls and ceilings of this temple and the palace will be submerged under the rainy season streams of the Kandhi. There is no movement to save these most important cultural treasures. The only way to keep the memories of this consummating art is to document whatever is left and bring it on to the Internet for the posterity. This is not an easy task. You need comprehensive resources to get the surviving relics recorded. Our team of dedicated heritage lovers has taken a determined decision to do whatever is possible. The present input is the obvious outcome of initial efforts. We may call it the first phase of conservation and preservation of our valuable heritage. We are pleased to portray some examples from private collections' treasures and introduce a few contemporary personalities. 1. Devinder Singh: A Chandigarh based versatile artist of Sikhism is well known for his paintings appearing in The Punjab and Sind Banks Books and calendars on Sikhism. He is a master calligrapher as well. The most outstanding of his masterpieces in the field is the 'Master in Bani', which adorns this section. 2. Imroz: A great all-round and multi-lingual artist of world fame who embellished the Shama Magazine during the 50's and 60's has created the ultimate Gurmukhi Calligraphy through the 'Nagmani' magazine. Some of his books jacket designs are also outstanding. Recently he created an excellent title of poet laureate Surjit Patar and Vismad nad Project. 3. Jaswant Singh Khosa of Malaysia and Gurcharan Singh Lotay of England have calligraphed the Sikh Scripture, which reflects their love of labour even today. 4. Ishwar Chitarkar was a great calligrapher of U.K. Bahadur Singh Sathi is treading on the path of International fame in this field. Dr. C.S.Chan has created 150 calligraphic alphabets and a number of captions. 5. Computer Calligraphy is growing now days. Prof. N.S.Chadha in Birmingham, English man 'Rangej', who studied at Patiala, Dr. Kandola (www.5abi.com) and many others are working very hard in this field. Most of their work is available on the Internet. 6. It is in our knowledge that a lot of innovative work in the field of information technology has been carried out in the North America and Australia.


Name: RD -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
My URL: http://www.sikh-heritage.co.uk/arts/Punjabi/PPPrinting.htm
Location: Ln,      UK
Comments:   http://www.sikh-heritage.co.uk/arts/Punjabi/PPPrinting.htm Proof that we should be constantly inventing new words all the time to enrich even rich languages. Bengali forms a good example in this article-Rupe


Name: rd -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: london ,      uk
Comments:   dulla ji, I agree, but we must still explore the possibilities of ourr language. I merey pass ideas onto Khuswant ji. He chooses the logical words to include. Please if you have any ideas contact him
Rupe


Name: DullaBhatti -
E-mail: Dullabhatti47@yahoo.com
Comments:   Suman ji, kiddaN??? Good catch. Someone in Bhasha Vibhaag probably charged 80 hours of work on this article.:-)

Rupe, janab Internet is Internet all over the world in every language and country.


Name: suman -
E-mail: skashy@yahoo.com
Comments:   Well well. This article, Akhilesh was written by Safir Rammah and has been on the APNA home page for a while. What a shame that his name was not acknowledged - I suppose it is not much different than all the singers who sang Batalvi without ackowledging the poets name. Its called plagiarizing.


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   More words:
Stapler - Kundeetaaraa
Periscope - Jhakee Chashamaa
Intranet - Makaameephaandhee
Internet - Goshatphaandhee


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
Comments:   Grrrrrr

Sorry, i never seem to get the HTML commands right.

Here are the links:

http://www.punjabgov.net/news.asp?fol_name=heritage\latest\&file_name=her1&p_title=Glorious Heritage of Punjab - Shiv Kumar Batalvi

http://www.punjabgov.net/ - Government of Punjab


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal

Dear friends at APNA, I would just like to inform you all that the government of Punjab (East) has put up a page dedicated to Shiv Kumar Batalvi on their official homepage.

I have not read the profile yet but im sure it will be of interest to the members of APNA.

Click here: Shiv Kumar Batalvi

Government of Punjab

http://www.punjabgov.net/images/heritage/shiv.jpg


Name: Khushwant Singh -
E-mail: Khushwant Singh [write@punjabilit.com]
My URL: http://www.punjabilit.com
Location: NY,      USA
Comments:   Dear All
We are looking for people to be involved in new punjabi dictionary. We have already had contributions from PREM project.
If you know any good person who want to work for punjabi language then we can involve him in this project. (he should work for punjabi language not for name or fame)
as we don't need selfish people. for example: In california Sahit Sabha they were fighting because some of them's name weren't in newspaper. We don't want that kinda mess in our project. Any question call me or drop an e-mail i'll call you.
Thanks
Khushwant Singh www.PunjabiLit.com


Name: DullahBhatti -
E-mail: dullabhatti47@yahoo.com
Comments:   Punjabi poet Harbhajan Halwarvi died

Harbhajan Singh Halwarvi dead
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 9
Former Editor of Punjabi Tribune Harbhajan Singh Halwarvi died following a brief illness at the PGI here this morning. He was 60 and is survived by his wife and a son. He was presently working as Editor of Punjabi daily, Desh Sewak. Halwarvi was Editor of Punjabi Tribune for 12 years.
His body was cremated at the Sector 25 cremation ground. The funeral pyre was lit by his son Nikku and brother Avtar Singh. Wreaths were placed on the body by the Adviser to the Punjab Chief Minister, Mr B.I.S. Chahal; the Editor of Punjabi Tribune, Mr Shangara Singh Bhullar; the Editor of Dainik Tribune, Mr Raj Kumar Singh; the General Manager of The Tribune, Mr R.N. Gupta, the Additional General Manager of The Tribune, Mr O.P. Arora; the President of The Tribune Employees Union, Mr Balbir Singh Jandu; the Editor of Ajit, Mr Barjinder Singh Hamdard; A CPM leader, Prof Balwant Singh; the General Secretary of the Akali Dal, Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra; and the President of Chandigarh Press Club, Mr Sarbjit Singh Pandher.
Among those who attended the funeral were the Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, Prof K.N. Pathak; and writers, Mr Waryam Sandhu, Mr Gulzar Singh, Dr Deepak Manmohan, Prof Devinder Singh, Mr Jasbir Bhullar and Prof Labh Singh.
Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, SGPC chief Gurcharan Singh Tohra, Prof Chandumajra and Lok Bhalai Party chief Balwant Singh Ramoowalia expressed deep grief over the death of Harbhajan Singh Halwarvi. In separate statements, they said that it was a big loss to Punjabi journalism.
Expressing sorrow over the death of Halwarvi, Information and Public Relations Officers Welfare Association chief Uma Sharma said that the state had lost a Punjabi poet and journalist.
Mr Pandher said that a condolence meeting would be held at Chandigarh Press Club tomorrow at 11 a.m. to pay tributes to the departed soul. He said that the club remained closed today as a mark of respect to the deceased.
The Punjab Sangeet Natak Akademi has also condoled the death of Halwarvi.


Name: RD -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   Salaam Alaikam
Dear Shahid Jee
Some time ago I promised you a response about my methodlogy relating to the Punjabi words I am compiling. I have sucessfully compleated my section of the Prem project. I have contributed 402 new words for the Punjabi lexicon which have been placed on a data base by Punjabi Sahit ( www.punjabilit.com). I expect at least 25% of these to make it to a new Punjabi dictionary, and even if one single word is used by a Punjabi writer or speaker I have acheived my goal.
Of the 400 words, 50 are old Punjabi words that have simply been readopted, for example Gintara for Calculator. But only 20% of these words are non punjabi orgin. That is that 80% are a compound of existing real punjabi words ( that is minimum Urdu or Sansrit influence). The 20% that are foreign to Punjabi, are mainly Urdu, Hindi, and English. Where English sounded bizzare, I looked into other Indian languages or European ones that sounded more Asian than English. Punjabi is a part of the Indo-European Language group, so this made sense. The Majority of these nouns have been for Animals and sea creatures not indigenous to Punjab or its Sahit. For example Haddock is a english fish, but to specify it from just Muchjhci or use Haddock blindly, I have suggested Robalo ( Spanish name for same fish), which has Punjabi sounding vowels. For most words I have used composites only of Punjabi words. Please await the Gurumukhi/Shahmukhi dictionary. Hopefully it will be out by christmas.
Regards
Rupe.


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
My URL: http://www.punjabilok.com
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Minister stresses onuse of Punjabi

Tribune News Service

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031010/ldh2.htm

Ludhiana, October 9

Mr Jagmohan Singh Kang, Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, Fisheries and Youth Services, Punjab, said that commitment to mother tongue is necessary to preserve Punjabs cultural heritage.

Mr Kang expressed this opinion while presiding over the plenary session of a two-day seminar on Present and future of Punjabi culture, organised by the Centre for Communication, Languages and Culture. He deplored the tendency of speaking English or other foreign languages only to impress others. He cited the example of France, where people give due place to their mother tongue in their daily interaction and are second to none in the field of scientific and economic development. He suggested that efforts must be made to bring back our young generation to the fold of traditional Punjabi culture by organising such seminars and producing documentaries audio and video cassettes depicting various aspects of traditional Punjabi culture.

In his concluding remarks, Dr Kirpal Singh Aulakh, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, said that due to the balanced emphasis given by the university to develop the overall personality of the students, they had excelled not only in academic field but also in sports and arts. He expressed confidence that the research papers presented by the academicians in the seminar would go a long way in understanding the present predicament of the Punjabi culture. He recalled the contribution of Dr Mohinder Singh Randhawa, former Vice-Chancellor, PAU, in the preservation of Punjabi culture by establishing the Museum of Rural History of Punjab.

Dr S.P. Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, stressed the need for scientific understanding of culture. He appreciated the efforts of the centre for communication, languages and culture for bringing eminent personalities in the field of culture on a single platform to discuss the state of affairs and the future directions in the Punjabi culture.

Dr S.S. Gill, Additional Director of Extension Education, Centre for Communication, Languages and Culture, welcomed Mr Jagmohan Singh Kang, Dr S.P. Singh, Dr K.S. Aulakh and other academicians on the occasion.

Dr Surjit Singh Patar, convener of the seminar, while presenting detailed report of the seminar, said that eminent Punjabi writers and thinkers including, Dr Satinder Singh Noor and senior faculty members from other colleges/ universities of Punjab and Delhi, presented the papers and Dr J.S. Grewal, former Vice-Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, Mr Amrik Singh Pooni, former Chief Secretary, Punjab, Mr Gulzar Singh Sandhu, former Editor Punjabi Tribune and Dr S.P. Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University presided over different sessions.

The students who won different prizes in folk singing included Gulrez Akhtar, Manpreet Kaur, Daljit, Jagjit, Liza, Kiran Deep and Charajit of Gurunanak Khalsa College for Women, Ludhiana, Rana Preet Gill, Abhishek Trikha and Avtar Singh of the College of Veterinary Science, Jaswinder Kaur of the College of Home Science and Satnam Singh of the College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, PAU.


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
My URL: http://www.punjabikosh.com
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   To see the Punjabi names for the trees below, go to results on above site.
Chestnut, American (Castanea dentata)
Fir, white (Abies concolor)
Hickory, bitternut (Carya cordiformis)
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
Pine, Austrian (Pinus nigra)
Redbud, eastern (Cercis canadensis)
Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
Bluebeech (Carpinus caroliniana)
Elm, American (Ulmus americana)
These must be typed exactly as above.


Name: rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: london,      UK
Comments:   nUrkVwkw Warp ( Speed) / Mach
New Word of the day
Use Anomolipi
Transliteration: Noor Karhaakaa


Name: rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   Some words from the new dictionary
EtoAwrI /sY@kwrAwrI Electric Saw Etovrmw /sY@kwrvrmw Electric Drill ihmX~KBwg /X~K-K~nw Freezer ( re Fridge) vyhVw / qKqwvyHVI / ptVIvyhVw Patio / Deck


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   Salaam Alaikam,
Sajid Ji,
Yes I can now see them. I did not have knowledge of the HTML. Anyway, the dictionary that will include my Words Development will also have Shahmukhi copy, I have been promised. Will keep you informed.
I can not however see on the input screen options HTML command for choosing a language, only the usual line break
New Paragraph

begin bold end bold begin italics end italics Rupe


Name: Shahid -
E-mail: mshahid47@yahoo.com
Comments:   doastaN laee kujh Panjabi dohay :

lakh lakh waree ghol ghattee kahnoN haal kitoee bedardaN
puchh puchh thakee'aaN aamlaN toN kad sidh'yaaN paesan nardaN

ka'l taeeN mehnay ta'an karan ajj shakal banay hamdardaN
pishliyaN wissriyaN naeeN halay nweN sakkeyaaN maryaaN kardaN

kamleyaaN wakan haal theeyaa phahee dher gh'maN tay dardaN
dill tay tar-o-tar haaee hun jism to wee bay-pardaaN

rukhh chhawaN nah ee aab disay bas tattyaN raytaN gardaN
sutteyaN mahi khoh ghin'na kehee reet bh'rawaN mardaN

hikk kachaa hikk reejh taran hikk ghaflat wich parwardaaN
bhull waisan sabb maan nashay jadd Shahid lagsan fardaaN

Shahid


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Multam, PUNJAB    
Comments:   Rupe Jee if you want to post ur writings here in any gurmukhi font please use font tag of HTML to specify the font. Otherwise you'll see a garbage of words as you are experiencing below. If you dont know how to do it here is an example but only those people will be able to read it who have anmole lippi font installed on their systems
iek CotI khwnI – ruipMdrpwl isMG iF~loN Gulwm hY mY] ik gulqI sI my~rI?
GulqI sI mY ipAwr ik~Qw] ipAwr ik~Qw iek muslmwnI nwl] auNnw nMU smj nihn ,
ipAwr Drm qo Amnw ho qw hY? ADIn sMnU krn chwqy hY]pr ipAwr dy jMg ivc AsIN
kmjwv hoN gy] dykI jvo myry duSmMno, dykI jvo] Azwd hoNgw mY] aus nMU quhwdy
A~kw smny Kq pyjqw] myre nwl iek k~DI sI] aus dy vl autr ky, isr qy ic~TI
ilKqI hY] jB ieh bMdw aus dy Gr pONcU gw, myrI qobsum ny , aus ky kys k~t ky
Kq pVHlYnw] isrw Aqy qobsUm dw ipAwr quhwfy znzIr k~t logw] quhwfy gluq
buqvwrw swfy idl ik twGq tor dU gI] pMjwbI iekQw nklI kMdw nMU im~qwaU gI]
s~fw iekQw!

Hope You will be able to see this on ur system if u have anmol lippi font installed on your system.


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: london,      UK
Comments:   The following is in Anmolipi font. This paragraph is the begining of a story about a Sikh and Muslim in love. Like Shakeaspere Romeo and Juliet they have sectarian problems. But Unlike Movie Gadar, the appraoch here is to use them as Metaphors for Pakistan and India and show that they are both Punjabi, but have been split apart just because of one single difference.
Please read on . I also have it in Picture format if someone know how to place it in Discussion forum.
Rupe
iek CotI khwnI ruipMdrpwl isMG iF~loN Gulwm hY mY] ik gulqI sI my~rI? GulqI sI mY ipAwr ik~Qw] ipAwr ik~Qw iek muslmwnI nwl] auNnw nMU smj nihn , ipAwr Drm qo Amnw ho qw hY? ADIn sMnU krn chwqy hY]pr ipAwr dy jMg ivc AsIN kmjwv hoN gy] dykI jvo myry duSmMno, dykI jvo] Azwd hoNgw mY] aus nMU quhwdy A~kw smny Kq pyjqw] myre nwl iek k~DI sI] aus dy vl autr ky, isr qy ic~TI ilKqI hY] jB ieh bMdw aus dy Gr pONcU gw, myrI qobsum ny , aus ky kys k~t ky Kq pVHlYnw] isrw Aqy qobsUm dw ipAwr quhwfy znzIr k~t logw] quhwfy gluq buqvwrw swfy idl ik twGq tor dU gI] pMjwbI iekQw nklI kMdw nMU im~qwaU gI] s~fw iekQw!


Name: Rupe -
E-mail: rdhillon@cmedltd.com
Location: London,      UK
Comments:   If I write a short story in Gurmukhi Punjabi, will it be accepted by APNA website?
Rupe


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   Folklore retold

DR AMJAD PARVEZ

First of all, Punjabi Adabi Board must be congratulated for carrying out research in Punjabi literature and taking out a regular journal and many books. The latest is a research piece by Zahid Hasan on the folklore 'Sassi-Punnoo' written by Lakh Shah. The word 'Folklore' has been taken from the German language expression, Volk Slied. It means spontaneity. Hence, folk has all those elements buried in its spirit that encompasses feelings, thoughts, customs and beliefs prevalent in masses since long.
In the Punjab, this term gave birth to many folk songs and stories. The story of 'Sassi-Punnoo' happens to be one of them. In the customs of marriage, the dances like Luddi, Bhangra, Jhumar, Sami and other folk dances are also the outcome of the customs of this soil.
In the Punjabi folklore, the tale of Sassi and Punnoo stands apart from the rest. This story is of great demand in Sindh, Balochistan, Kutch, Rajhistan and Hind. This story is in the blood of many generations this soil has given birth to. Many customs are affiliated with this story because the basic element of the story is the truth of love. Basically the story has reached us through masses what we call in Urdu 'Seena Ba Seena' rather than through the books, states Zahid Hasan in the prologue to the book titled 'Sassi Lakh Shah'. This story as is popular as that of Heer-Ranjha, Sohni Mahiwal and Mirza-Sahiban.
Zahid Hasan says it could be a myth, a mixture of myths or some poets' creation.
The story took birth in the lands of Bhanbore. Sassi was a 'Brahamzadi', who falls in love with the prince of Kaitch but the story ends up in their death. Adam Jan was told by a fortune teller that a girl would be born to him and that she shall fall in love in her youth and disgrace him. He decides to kill the girl when born. The nature had its own course. The nurse saved the baby on the request of her mother. The King had a wise deputy who advises him not to kill the girl as he would suggest to the king a trick to avoid getting disgraced. They would put the girl in a box and sent that box along with many jewels on the flow of a river. The box reached the washer men. One washer man adopts her and tells to everybody that a girl was born to him. Since the box had the seal of the king embossed on it, the washer man knew the truth. As the baby girl had a face that of a moon, their foster parents named her 'Sassi'. Sassi grew up as a pretty girl. While playing with her friends once in the fields, a fortune teller looks at her hand and tells her that she was a princess and would be married to the prince of Makran named 'Punnoo'. This revelation had a lot of effect on Sassi's mind and she would remain thinking about the prince from that time onwards. When her mother saw Sassi's condition, she told her the truth of her actual background. Sassi wrote to her father but was rebuked. Sassi became very unhappy upon receiving this negative response. The king, however, made a palace for Sassi. She wrote Punnoo's name all over the palace and announced that she was waiting for Punnoo. Some traders came to know of it and convinced Punnoo to visit Sassi. Punnoo lands in the gardens near Sassi's palace. His camels start destroying her gardens. At this juncture of the story, Punnoo's parents trap him to return to his home. The folk song 'Tera Luteya Sheher Bhanbore, Saassi-e-Bekhabrey' is most appropriate for this situation.
Sassi started on foot for Balochistan following foot prints of the camels of Punnoo. A Shepherd named Kaka in the deserts of Lasbala tries to rape her. Sassi prays that before she is disgraced the earth should open and she should be buried. That is what happens. Kaka thought that she was a Faqeer, a God's person and sat on her grave till Punnoo reached the grave. When told of this unfortunate happening, Punnoo in his desperation too prays to God that he may be buried in the same grave. The grave opens and he too gets buried. The Shepherd put two stones at the head of the grave to make it look like two graves.
The rest of the book gives a concise outcome of the research work carried on this story in the past. Zahid Hasan gives more than seventy references. Many poets have used this story both in Punjabi and Sindhi languages. In the book titled 'Gaich' printed by Sindhi Adabi Board, the stories of Sassi-Punnoo, Umar Marvi, Sohni Mahiwal, Momil Ranu etc. are given. Many folk songs are being sung since ages on these themes. A chapter on the presence of 'Tasawuf' in the story of Sassi is reserved in the book under review. Hashim Shah says 'Pharya Pandh Hoi Nirbandhan, Tut Gai Dore Patangon/ Sassi Oh Na Dharvi Aahi, Bahun Par Peer Palangon'. Khwaja Farid says 'Sohney Yaar Punal Da/ Har Ja Ain Zahoor/ Awal Aakhir Zahir Batin/ Os Da Jaan Zahoor'. Zahid Hasan informs of some other poets who have been involved in the story of Sassi-Punnoo one way or the other like Dr. Waheed Qureshi, Amrita Preetum, Hafiz Barkhurdar, Hafiz Musalmani Walla, Shafqat Tanvir Mirza, Hashim Shah etc. The story as said by Hashim Shah has been the most famous one so far. Sunder Das Araam has been a good Farsi poet, says Zahid Hasan.
He has lived in Jhang for most of the time and worked on Sassi-Punnoo (1749). Haji Muhammad Safoori died in 1934 and did some work on this folklore keeping the work of Hazrat Saleh Muhammad and Mir Sher Ali.
The contributions of Ghulam Farid, Maulvi Ghulam Rasool, Ghulam Haider Mastana, Maula Bukhsh, Daem Iqbal Qadri, Ali Miskeen, Nur Ahmad Nuri, Pir Muhammad Shah, Soofi Azmat Parvez, Abdul Majeed Pasroori, Mian Nizam Din and many others have been substantial.
A major portion of the book has been reserved on the works of Lakh Shah for which Zahid Hasan deserves commendation!


Name: Javed Zaki -
E-mail: zakimoha@msu.edu
Comments:   Folklore retold

DR AMJAD PARVEZ First of all, Punjabi Adabi Board must be congratulated for carrying out research in Punjabi literature and taking out a regular journal and many books. The latest is a research piece by Zahid Hasan on the folklore 'Sassi-Punnoo' written by Lakh Shah. The word 'Folklore' has been taken from the German language expression, Volk Slied. It means spontaneity. Hence, folk has all those elements buried in its spirit that encompasses feelings, thoughts, customs and beliefs prevalent in masses since long.
In the Punjab, this term gave birth to many folk songs and stories. The story of 'Sassi-Punnoo' happens to be one of them. In the customs of marriage, the dances like Luddi, Bhangra, Jhumar, Sami and other folk dances are also the outcome of the customs of this soil.
In the Punjabi folklore, the tale of Sassi and Punnoo stands apart from the rest. This story is of great demand in Sindh, Balochistan, Kutch, Rajhistan and Hind. This story is in the blood of many generations this soil has given birth to. Many customs are affiliated with this story because the basic element of the story is the truth of love. Basically the story has reached us through masses what we call in Urdu 'Seena Ba Seena' rather than through the books, states Zahid Hasan in the prologue to the book titled 'Sassi Lakh Shah'. This story as is popular as that of Heer-Ranjha, Sohni Mahiwal and Mirza-Sahiban.
Zahid Hasan says it could be a myth, a mixture of myths or some poets' creation.
The story took birth in the lands of Bhanbore. Sassi was a 'Brahamzadi', who falls in love with the prince of Kaitch but the story ends up in their death. Adam Jan was told by a fortune teller that a girl would be born to him and that she shall fall in love in her youth and disgrace him. He decides to kill the girl when born. The nature had its own course. The nurse saved the baby on the request of her mother. The King had a wise deputy who advises him not to kill the girl as he would suggest to the king a trick to avoid getting disgraced. They would put the girl in a box and sent that box along with many jewels on the flow of a river. The box reached the washer men. One washer man adopts her and tells to everybody that a girl was born to him. Since the box had the seal of the king embossed on it, the washer man knew the truth. As the baby girl had a face that of a moon, their foster parents named her 'Sassi'. Sassi grew up as a pretty girl. While playing with her friends once in the fields, a fortune teller looks at her hand and tells her that she was a princess and would be married to the prince of Makran named 'Punnoo'. This revelation had a lot of effect on Sassi's mind and she would remain thinking about the prince from that time onwards. When her mother saw Sassi's condition, she told her the truth of her actual background. Sassi wrote to her father but was rebuked. Sassi became very unhappy upon receiving this negative response. The king, however, made a palace for Sassi. She wrote Punnoo's name all over the palace and announced that she was waiting for Punnoo. Some traders came to know of it and convinced Punnoo to visit Sassi. Punnoo lands in the gardens near Sassi's palace. His camels start destroying her gardens. At this juncture of the story, Punnoo's parents trap him to return to his home. The folk song 'Tera Luteya Sheher Bhanbore, Saassi-e-Bekhabrey' is most appropriate for this situation.
Sassi started on foot for Balochistan following foot prints of the camels of Punnoo. A Shepherd named Kaka in the deserts of Lasbala tries to rape her. Sassi prays that before she is disgraced the earth should open and she should be buried. That is what happens. Kaka thought that she was a Faqeer, a God's person and sat on her grave till Punnoo reached the grave. When told of this unfortunate happening, Punnoo in his desperation too prays to God that he may be buried in the same grave. The grave opens and he too gets buried. The Shepherd put two stones at the head of the grave to make it look like two graves.
The rest of the book gives a concise outcome of the research work carried on this story in the past. Zahid Hasan gives more than seventy references. Many poets have used this story both in Punjabi and Sindhi languages. In the book titled 'Gaich' printed by Sindhi Adabi Board, the stories of Sassi-Punnoo, Umar Marvi, Sohni Mahiwal, Momil Ranu etc. are given. Many folk songs are being sung since ages on these themes. A chapter on the presence of 'Tasawuf' in the story of Sassi is reserved in the book under review. Hashim Shah says 'Pharya Pandh Hoi Nirbandhan, Tut Gai Dore Patangon/ Sassi Oh Na Dharvi Aahi, Bahun Par Peer Palangon'. Khwaja Farid says 'Sohney Yaar Punal Da/ Har Ja Ain Zahoor/ Awal Aakhir Zahir Batin/ Os Da Jaan Zahoor'. Zahid Hasan informs of some other poets who have been involved in the story of Sassi-Punnoo one way or the other like Dr. Waheed Qureshi, Amrita Preetum, Hafiz Barkhurdar, Hafiz Musalmani Walla, Shafqat Tanvir Mirza, Hashim Shah etc. The story as said by Hashim Shah has been the most famous one so far. Sunder Das Araam has been a good Farsi poet, says Zahid Hasan.
He has lived in Jhang for most of the time and worked on Sassi-Punnoo (1749). Haji Muhammad Safoori died in 1934 and did some work on this folklore keeping the work of Hazrat Saleh Muhammad and Mir Sher Ali.
The contributions of Ghulam Farid, Maulvi Ghulam Rasool, Ghulam Haider Mastana, Maula Bukhsh, Daem Iqbal Qadri, Ali Miskeen, Nur Ahmad Nuri, Pir Muhammad Shah, Soofi Azmat Parvez, Abdul Majeed Pasroori, Mian Nizam Din and many others have been substantial.
A major portion of the book has been reserved on the works of Lakh Shah for which Zahid Hasan deserves commendation!


Name: Sajid Chaudhry -
E-mail: sajid@brain.com.pk
My URL: http://www.apnaorg.com
Location: Multan, Punjab    
Comments:   Dear Akhilesh
Image u r trying to paste is so big in size. I can't paste image here. Better to give a link to that image
Map of Punjab


Name: Hassan Shah -
E-mail: hassan.shah@skynet.be
My URL: http:// alf.bay.tay.
Location: Brussels,      Belgium
Comments:   No,it didn`t work,Akhilesh. I asked some posts ago if anybody could tell how to paste an image. Nobody bothered. Anyway, keep trying.


Name: Akhilesh -
E-mail: HiTMaN9497@aol.com
Location: ,      Europe
Comments:   Sat Sri Akaal

Im just trying to work out how to paste images so please ignore this post if it fails.

I found this map of Punjab from 1909. I like to refer to it as 'Greater' (Maha) or 'Undivided' Punjab. I think it makes for a good guide to use when considering where the Punjabi language and culture should be promoted and taught.

Im sure everyone knows what comprises 'Maha' Punjab but it isnt very often that you come across a detailed map of the entire Punjab.

I notice Delhi seems to have been apart of Punjab, at least, during the British Raj.

Here it is: (If it doesnt work my apologies)







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