Ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh uses non-Sikhs to spread message of Gurbani in album

New Delhi, Nov 03: Jagjit Singh, the famous Ghazal singer, is today known round the world for his soulful voice. It’s been a four decades long journey for him and his magic to appeal the innermost feelings of millions of hearts has improved over the years. Recently on the occasion of Tercentenary celebrations of ‘Guru-ta-Gaddi’ (guruship) of Guru Granth Sahib, Jagjit Singh launched his new album ‘Guru Manyo Granth’. He said that the main idea behind launching this album was to celebrate the Tercentenary of Guru-ta-Gaddi of Guru Granth Sahib. The 10th Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh had accorded the Guruship to the Guru Granth Sahib. He had told the Sikhs that whatever guideline or knowledge they wanted to gain, they should read the Guru Granth Sahib to get it, the Ghazal king stated. “To commemorate that decision of Guru Gobind Singh we have launched an album. There are so many celebrations going on in the country, throughout the year. A huge fair is being held at Sri Hazoor Sahib in Nanded. Celebrations are going in Amritsar as well. This is an album I have dedicated to the occasion." “We have tried to compose the songs as per the written shabads. I have got the songs sung mostly by non-Sikh singers so that the message of Gurbani can be spread. And non-Sikhs could also get to know the meaning of Gurbani. The message of Gurbani is not for a single community but for the entire humanity,” said Jagjit Singh. “I included four Sikh singers and 16 non-Sikh singers. Also, the singing style is more classical,” Singh added. The Ghazal maestro said that media could play a major role in the promotion of ghazals. “Once media starts giving it preference, the ghazal will get recognition. Unfortunately, the media is giving more importance to contemporary music now,” Singh said. Jagjit Singh rued the fact that Punjabi music lacks variation these days. “It also lacks a classical base. Punjabi music is now more pop, and vulgarity is there in today`s music,” he added. ANI