Sidhu gives Rs 2 lakh to ailing folk singer

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 25

Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu today visited Dhadhi folk singer Idu Sharif, a paralytic, and handed over financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to him.

The minister was accompanied by chairman of Punjab Kala Parishad Dr Surjit Patar, secretary general Lakhwinder Singh Johal and Nirmal Jaura to the residence of the singer at Manimajra here.

Sidhu was conferred the Honesty Award during Baba Farid Mela recently where he was also given the prize money of Rs 1 lakh. The minister had then announced that he would add a similar amount and give aid to Sharif, who is facing a tough time.

Sidhu prayed for the speedy recovery of the legendary singer. He said though the amount was not big, it carried the blessings of Baba Farid. On the occasion, Sharif and his son Vicky rendered the song "Zindagi de rang sajjna".

The minister said the BCCI had decided to give pension to former cricketers considering their economic problems. He said similarly, famous artistes, litterateurs and folk singers of Punjab, who instead of going commercial devoted their life to the culture and folk art, needed to be given assistance in the twilight of their life through the creation of a fund. He said constitution of such a fund would be deliberated.

Govt may create fund to help artistes

The government will deliberate on creating a fund to help artistes, litterateurs and folk singers, who instead of going commercial devoted their life to the culture and folk art, in the twilight of their life. — Navjot Singh Sidhu, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister