Kothey Pona residents mourn Rajvir’s untimely demise

Residents of Kothey Pona village in Ludhiana are in mourning after the tragic death of their beloved singer Rajvir Jawanda. The community had come together to organise a path in the hope of his recovery, but unfortunately, their prayers were not answered.

While they thought of reopening the main gates of the parental house of Jawandas to welcome him, they received the news of his death.

Villagers led by sarpanch Raju Singh said they were shocked on hearing the news about Rajvir’s death at the hospital but were not ready to believe till the hospital authorities declared the same.

“When we were gathering to perform the path to pray for the long life of Rajvir Jawanda, social media reports regarding his death started pouring in and we had to conclude the path in a hurry,” said Raju.

Shiv Singh Jawanda, a close friend and immediate neighbour of the singer, recollected that Rajvir had started performing during his school days at Sanmati Senior Secondary School where he studied up to Class X. He did his Class XII from a convent school at Sidhwan and graduation and music studies from Lajpat Rai Memorial College, Jagraon.

Rajvir’s father Harkaran Singh was an ASI of the Punjab Police. Even during his service as a wireless operator in the Punjab Police, Rajvir continued his humble disposition towards his peers and villagers. Residents of the region appreciated his songs which highlighted cultural heritage of the state and social bonding among families.

Dheean, Khush Reha Kar, Jamme Nall Dey, Sukh and Sakoon were among most loved songs of Rajvir while his three films ‘Kaka Ji’, ‘Subedar Joginder Singh’ and ‘Zind Jaan’ were also favorites among his fans.

Activists of farmer unions remember his support to the Samyukt Kisan Morcha.

Villagers said the cremation of the policeman-turned-singer would take place at Kothe Pona village at 11 am on Thursday.

Raghbir Singh Jagga, an artiste, said hundreds of singers, lyricists and fans of Rajvir, besides government officials, will be attending the cremation.

Jagga said Rajvir’s fans have appreciated the gesture shown by the administration by cancelling the star night scheduled for Wednesday at the Saras Mela. The move is a mark of deep respect to the departed soul and to mourn the immense loss to the world of Punjabi music, he said.

The body of the singer reached the village late on Wednesday evening.