SGPC sets up first ever ''dhadi'' and ''kavishri'' college in Amritsar

GS Paul 

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, July 15

In a first, the SGPC has set up special curriculum for 'dhadis'  and 'kavishries', who narrate historical 'vaars' (tales) and ballads from the times of Guru Hargobind Singh.

A college named after renowned Dhadi and Sikh Scholar Giani Sohan Singh at Guru Ki Wadali, Chheharta, will be made operational this year.

SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal said the aim was to preserve the talent of reciting ballads that were introduced to propagate the Sikh religion and cultural heritage.

The three-year special course will be taught free of cost at Giani Sohan Singh Sital Dhadi (ballad) College.

The young aspirants who maintain 'sabat surat' look (unshorn hair and beard) and having knowledge of basic Sikh history, principles, rehat maryada (tenets) will be eligible for admission. Though, there is no mention of gender condition as of now, the minimum requisite qualification is Plus Two and the admissions will be accepted from July 17.  

In the first phase, 40 seats are being offered. The interview will be conducted by a designated panel to gauge the interest of the student. The chosen candidates will also be offered scholarship of Rs 1,200 per month.

At present, SGPC is facing acute shortage of 'dhadi jathas' and 'kavishries'. It has been proposed that those who successfully complete the course could be absorbed by the SGPC at different gurdwaras under its control.  

"This would be the first college from where trained dhadis and kavishries would emerge. They would be given theoretical and practical training during the course. The dhadis and kavishries play a vital role in propagating Sikh religion from the ancient times. There are many renowned dhadi and kavishri jathas who have been contributing in this direction, but we were not getting fresh talent in this field. We aim to prepare a young lot offering them better prospects in this field. This will also a step to enlighten the Sikh youth about adopting the values preached by Gurbani in Sikh society and to safeguard them from drugs and other intoxicants," he said.

SGPC Dharam Parchar Committee's additional secretary Balwinder Singh Jaurasingha said the candidates need to come along with their identity cards and education certificates to undergo the interview. "We have made ample hostel arrangement in the college premises for outstation students", he said.