Folk singers need better deal in hill society: Chander Singh ‘Rahi’
By Raju Gusain Dehradun, 21 Dec: (Source : Garhwal Post)
Chander Singh ‘Rahi’ is among the legendary folk singers of Uttaranchal. This 64 year old artist holds the unique distinction of singing in the pure folk form in the hill state. He boasts of having a collection of around 2500 folk songs of Garhwal and Kumaon. In his music career spanning over 40 years, Rahi has contributed to the preservation and promotion of Uttaranchali folk. Born on 28 March, 1942 at village Ginwali in district Pauri, Rahi now lives in New Delhi. He is here these days to attend a number of functions. Garhwal Post spoke to the folk artist on the past, present and future of Pahari folk. Some excerpts:
How do you view the current position of folk in Uttaranchal?
It is pathetic! I am sorry to say that though I am also a member of the ‘Uttaranchal Sahitya, Sanskriti evam Kala Parishad’, the State Government has done little for promotion and preservation of Pahari folk. The scene is horrible, as in towns like Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haldwani and Kotdwar, an inferiority complex prevails among highlanders with regard to speaking Garhwali and Kumaoni. I will add that no sincere effort has been so far made for the preservation and promotion of Uttaranchali art and culture.
What is the attitude of the youths?
It’s not at all good. When I ask parents, whether their children speak Garhwali, they say that athough their children understand, they cannot speak the Pahari language. A culture is sustained by its language. If we lose our language, we lose our culture. I am not against youths speaking fluent English or any other languages of the world but they should also speak their own languages.
Why have traditional folk singers lost their place in hill society?
Simply because they did not receive due respect. The prevailing casteism was the main reason for making the condition of the folk artists a pitiable one. It is sad that we are willing to respect members of a band from Najibabad or Rishikesh, but not our own folk balladeers. Folk artistes in the hills were mostly scheduled caste people and they were given rough treatment. As a result the young ‘Bedas’ are no longer interested in continuing their traditional work.
What should be done to revive the fortunes of traditional balladeers?
First of all, hill society should pay respect to their traditional singers and musicians.
What measures do you suggest for preservation and promotion of traditional folk?
Traditional balladeers like the ‘Bedas’ should be involved in training youths. Awareness workshops should be conducted for youths by involving the traditional musicians. The need of the hour is to make a digital library of the folk songs and music of Uttaranchal. The requirement is also of compiling notations of the Dhol and other musical instruments of the hill state.
How do you view the VCD culture?
It is an attack on Uttaranchal culture. It offers vulgarity. Most the VCDs are cheap and market driven. I am not against modernisation but present day Garhwali/Kumaoni VCDs lack sober presentation.
What is your future project?
I am planning to host an eight hour non-stop singing programme in Dehradun next year. I will sing devotional songs for two hours, Garhwali/Kumoani songs for four hours and Gazal/Qawwali for another two hours. Besides this my new album is all set to hit the market in 2007. I have done a comprehensive study on the songs, musical instruments and dances of the Central Himalayas. The ‘Uttaranchal Sahitya, Sanskriti evam Kala Parishad’ is going to publish my research in a book form.
Source : Garhwal Post
