Gurdas Maan criticised for supporting ‘one nation, one language’ : The Tribune India

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Tribune Web Desk
Chandigarh, September 23

Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan has found himself in controversy after he came out in support of the ‘one nation, one language’ idea.

In a conversation with a radio host, Maan was asked about the debate over Hindi imposition, to which he said: “This uproar is being created by idle people on Whatsapp and social media.Those who are hard-working continue to focus on nation building, their mother-tongue, culture and work in their own style.”

Maan said the nation should speak ‘Hindustani’—“a mixture of common words of Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi.”

The singer has been criticised heavily on social media for his views.

“We watch Hindi films and listen to Hindi music, so if can listen to it, we can also learn to write in Hindi,” he said.

Maan then referred to lines from his popular song ‘Ki Banu Duniya Da’, saying: “Har boli sikho sikhni vi chahidi. Par pakki vekh ke kacchi nai dhai di.”

Maan said: “One nation must have one language, so that one can get his words understood, even in south (India). If you cannot do so, what is the use of being a Hindustani? France has own one language and its people speak it. Similarly, Germany has one language that the entire country speaks.”

Here is how social media reacted to his statement:

@gurdasmaan ਚਾਰ ਪੀੜੀਆ ਦੇ ਪੈਸੇ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਬੋਲੀ ਤੋਂ ਇਕੱਠੇ ਕਰਕੇ ਹੁਣ ਤੈਨੂੰ ਆਹ ਵੇਹਲਿਆ ਦੇ ਕੰਮ ਲੱਗਦੇ ਆ। ਨੌਜਵਾਨਾ ਲਿੱਚ ਨਸ਼ੇ ਨੂੰ ਵਧਾਵਾ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਤੂੰ ਆ ਜੇਹੜੀਆ ਤੇਰੀਆ ਕੇ ਪੀ ਐੱਸ ਗਿੱਲ ਨਾਲ ਯਾਰੀਆ ਰਹੀਆ ਉਹਦੀ ਵੀ ਸਾਨੂੰ ਕੋਈ ਭੁੱਲ ਨਹੀ #gotohell #nationalist #gurdassmann #rssdachamcha pic.twitter.com/VEkAFvvEqn
— Daljeet Singh Algon (@DaljeetsAlgon) September 20, 2019

Wah oye sajna Gurdas Maan.

At one time Gurdas Maan sang peans to Panjabi language. He talked about the need to adopt, assimilate the mother tongue. He showed a whole generation the beauty and richness of Panjabi.

Today, he... https://t.co/OcclL4YW5q
— Amandeep Sandhu (@_asandhu) September 22, 2019

Those opposed to his remarks also protested at Maan's show in Abbotsford, Canada.

Ppl protesting against @gurdasmaan outside Abbotsford Entertainment Centre B.C.
Audience members who had bought Mann’s show tickets,left his show to join the protests against him.
Say no to #OneNationOneLanguage pic.twitter.com/VkqITN6K4L
— Bajwa ☬ (@ShakkrPara) September 22, 2019

However, there were some who came out in support of Maan, calling the controversy "meaningless".

I'm glad @gurdasmaan took a stand and stood up for himself and responded to the most meaningless controversy. Everyone that went against him proved his point. Vehle loke have nothing better to do than to stir the pot over nothing.
— Gagan Sharma 🇮🇳🇨🇦 (@IamGaganSharma) September 22, 2019

I watched his interview, I don’t feel he has any hatred towards punjabi. He advocating learning more languages. Not sure what is wrong with it. He is damm right about one thing only “vehlad” would make issues
— Bill mehrok (@Billmehrok) September 21, 2019

People are holding signs in Punjabi, to protest against Gurdas Maan, in a nation where the official languages are English and French. Let the man have his own opinions. O PM lageya? Our community kills free thought and speech #gurdasmaan
— Kabir (@iamkabiraa) September 22, 2019