Padma Shri Hans Raj Hans Appointed Chairman of Sufi and Folk Music Heritage Chair at Guru Kashi University

By Vivan Singh | May 1, 2025 | Categories: EDUCATION, INDIA

New chair aims to preserve and promote Punjab’s rich musical traditions through academic and cultural initiatives

New Delhi: In a major initiative to safeguard and celebrate Punjab’s vibrant musical legacy, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, has announced the establishment of the Sufi and Folk Music Heritage Chair under its Faculty of Visual and Performing Arts. At a press conference held today at the Chandigarh Press Club, renowned singer and Padma Shri awardee Hans Raj Hans was formally welcomed as the Chairman of the newly established chair.

The Chair is designed to foster the study, preservation, and global promotion of Punjab’s Sufi and folk music through education, research, documentation, and community engagement. Joining Hans Raj Hans in this endeavor are Prof. Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, Dean of the Faculty, who has been appointed Executive Director, and Dr. Aman Sufi, who will serve as Project Coordinator.

Vice Chancellor Dr. Rameshwar Singh emphasized the importance of the initiative in his address, stating, “We are proud to establish this Chair, which will act as a bridge between our cultural past and future. It will help preserve invaluable musical traditions and provide academic depth to the study and practice of Sufi and folk music.”

An Advisory Board consisting of eminent scholars and cultural figures from India and abroad will guide the Chair’s activities. Notable members include:

• Chief Patron: Sardar Gurlabh Singh Sidhu, Chancellor, Guru Kashi University
• Puran Shah Koti, Sufi Guru and mentor to Hans Raj Hans
• Sardar Charanjit Singh Batth (USA)
• Dr. Dalbir Singh Kathuria (Canada)
• Preet Inder Dhillon (UK)
• Prof. D.N. Jauhar, former VC, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University
• Prof. Dr. Jaspal Kaur Kaang, former Chair, Guru Nanak Sikh Studies, Panjab University
• Prof. Dr. Hukum Chand, former Dean, Faculty of Music, MDU Rohtak
• Prof. Dr. Neelam Paul, former Chair, Dept. of Music, Panjab University

Expressing his gratitude, Hans Raj Hans said, “I’ve spent my life singing the verses of Sufi saints and the songs of Punjab’s soil. This Chair is a way for me to give back—to document, preserve, and pass on this treasure to future generations through the academic world.”

Prof. Dr. Gurpreet Kaur outlined the Chair’s vision, which includes hosting workshops, preserving oral musical traditions, collaborating with international institutions, and organizing national-level cultural festivals to connect youth with traditional music.

Mrs. Usha Singh, Lady Vice Chancellor, congratulated Hans Raj Hans and lauded his dedication to Punjabi music and cultural heritage. The press event was attended by dignitaries including Er. Sukhwinder Singh Sidhu (General Secretary, Balaji Education Trust), Dr. Dalbir Singh Kathuria, Prof. D.N. Jauhar, and Prof. Dr. Neelam Paul. Several Advisory Board members also joined virtually, extending their support.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Er. Sukhwinder Singh Sidhu, followed by a networking lunch for media and guests.

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