Gursharan Singh remembered on birth anniv for revolutionary spirit, pro-people theatre

Famous playwright and theatre actor Gursharan Singh, fondly remembered as Bhaji, was remembered on his 96th birth anniversary at a function organised by the Gursharan Singh Yadgar Trust at his ancestral home, Guru Khalsa Niwas in Ranjitpura, last night.

Rich tributes were paid to the son of the soil who was instrumental in shaping the career of several theatre artists who earned a name for themselves in Punjabi and Bollywood cinemas.

A discussion was held about the valuable contribution made by Gursharan Bhaji in the field of revolutionary theatre. On the occasion, the leaders of the supporting organisations released a book, ‘Voice of Palestine’, edited by Amolak Singh and Yash Pal, which raises awareness against the genocide of the people of Palestine.

Earlier, the event began with an expression of grief and sympathy with the families killed and displaced in the floods.

The keynote speaker at the event, Prof Atul from Jawaharlal Nehru University, while expressing his views on the valuable contribution made by Gursharan Bhaji in revolutionary theatre and social-democratic field, said he, by firmly upholding revolutionary principles through the medium of pro-people theatre, dedicated his entire life to sensitise and organise the oppressed, working class, farmers, workers, women, youth and backward classes for democratic rights. He devoted his entire life to theatre to create a healthy culture and a society free from exploitation and equality.

Renowned human rights activist Dr Navsharan said that the current government was imposing severe restrictions on the freedom of expression and social activists, including Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and Gulfisha Fatima, have been detained in jails for the last five years without any charges or evidence under the stringent UAPA law and they are not being granted bail under a conspiracy.

Eminent democratic thinker Dr Parminder said that Gursharan Bhaji fearlessly confronted communal terrorism and government oppression and exhorted people to raise their voice against the oppression by domestic and foreign governments on tribals, Palestinians, Maoists, Dalits, farmers and workers. Shiromani playwright Kewal Dhaliwal shared his memories of the theatre he did with Bhaji. He said his acting influenced him to join theatre.

Amolak Singh said sincere efforts to take forward the legacy of Gursharan Bhaji should be put in.

Buta Singh Mahmudpur, convener of the Operation Green Hunt Anti-Democratic Front Punjab, said that it is a good practice to raise one’s voice against the mistreatment of tribals and Maoists in public democratic institutions.

At the beginning of the event, artists of Manch Rangmanch, Amritsar, Kushagar Kalia, Harshita, Dharminder Masani and Jagsir Jida, presented their songs.

Dr Areet, daughter of Gursharan Bhaji, thanked the Gursharan Singh Heritage Conservation Committee and various supporting organisations and the audience on behalf of the Gursharan Singh Memorial Trust.