Book on ragas in Guru Granth Sahib released
Tribune News Service
Patiala, August 3
The book, ‘Raga Ratan’, by Tej Pratap Sandhu and Anurag Singh was released by the Gurmat Sangeet Chair, Punjabi University, Patiala. Vice-Chancellor SK Sandhu (IAS), Principal Secretary, Education, while releasing the book said the book was a historical step as it depicts the ragas in Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the form of photography. It has opened new directions in the art of photography by using the latest technology in the field of mass communication media.
Gurmat Sangeet Chair, Punjabi University, lauded the initiative. Prof Gurbhajan Gill while discussing Sandhu’s journey in the field of photography said the vast research done on the ragas of Sri Guru Granth Sahib was the foundation of the book.
He also announced the copyrights for publishing ‘Raga Ratan’ in English and Punjabi version.
Highlighting the ‘introductory thesis’ of the book, Anurag said the book presents the pictorial fusion of musical melodies (ragas) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the realm of truth. The visuals of every musical measure (raga) are presented along with a brief description on its nature. The bani inscribed in the raga is followed by its transliteration and translation in English, which will be helpful in understanding the ‘raga prabandh’ of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Dr Gurnam Singh, founder Prof and head, Gurmat Sangeet Chair, said Sandhu through the years of devotion in this work had put life in portraying the ragas according to their time and season. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has especially been supportive in the effort. He also thanked the former Vice-Chancellor, Dr Jaspal Singh; Publication Bureau, Punjabi University, and all those who supported the publication of the book.
