Punjabi by nature.... #JLF...Jaipur Lit Fest 2013

There were lots of beautiful moments at the 5 day Jaipur Lit Festival 2013, which has just got over. One such session was 'Punjabi by Nature' in which authors Ravindra Singh, Kishwar Desai, Navtej Sarna, Shauna Singh Baldwin shared their views moderated very ably by Nirupama Dutt. Held at the highly innovative Google Mughal tent the discussion was cute, crisp and totally Punjabi in nature.

Interesting anecdotes were shared by all the Punjabis on the dais....and they read out from their respective books. One thing must be said that Punjabis' can be found all over the globe, and the way they adapt to all things new goes a long way in outlining their resilient nature. They had to bear the brunt of partition when the Nation was bifurcated in two parts, in what is now known as Pakistan. Most of the Punjabis preferred to migrate to India and those who resisted were driven out by the communal flames which broke out at that time. Starting from scratch with nothing, displaced and in some cases losing their loved ones in the communal riots, in a strange and new city is enough to land anybody into deep depression. But not so Punjabis', they have fought tooth and nail for their existence, their identity, their survival and finally their pride for their Motherland. All this churning has naturally made them tough and as I said resilient. That probably explains their rough nature and tough exterior, but in most cases, a soft interior and a heart full of gold. Having lost everything they wouldn't want to lose out again.... So much for their nature. But

                                                           


Punjabis are also known for their fun loving nature as well as food loving palate. Known for their hard work and industrious nature, they work hard in the day, whether it means working as a farmer in their fields, or working as businessmen in their industries. At night they love to party or eat their favorite food which many of us would believe is butter chicken or sarson da saag teh maken di roti....
Many of them,mostly the young, love listening to loud music or the men do the bhangra and the giddha which is performed by the women folk of Punjab. That also explains the success of rap music of say Honey Singh or full throat ed music and lyrics of say Gurdas Mann, Amrinder Gill, Malkit Singh and countless others. For the older crowd it is melodious ghazals or countless number of Punjabi folk lore available throughout the length and breadth of Punjab.
So its a fact that Punjabis can't live without their music, their good food, and of course how can one forget their love for fast and expensive cars. You go to any remote village in Punjab and you'll come across the costliest of models and the snazziest of cars which are all available. You name the brand and they are all there. whether its Ford, Renault, Volkswagen, Toyota, Honda or anything new which hits the market has to first debut in Punjab.So this is the vivacious character of Punjab and its people.
Literature has also blossomed so far as Punjabi writers are concerned. Names which immediately come to mind are, Amrita Pritam, Balraj Sahni, Rupinderpal Singh Dhillon, Kartar Singh Duggal, Balwant Gargi, Sharif Kunjahi, Chaman Lal, and countless others...
How can one forget the Punjabi contribution to Bollywood... Whether its the actors, songwriters musicians directors or producers, Punjabis are really dominating the film industry, although its a fact that Hindi film industry welcomes talent in any form and from any region....and those who have the talent have made it big there.
Last but not the least the defense forces of our Country have a lot of Punjabis contributing their might and have always come forward in the defense of the Nation. In fact Punjabis have made their mark in all fields of life, whether medicine, law, or any other profession...
Punjabis have therefore contributed their mite to dance, song, literature, and of course living in the fast lane is their passion. The latest fashion trends are also either emanating from Punjabis or its being consumed by them at a rapid pace. So the views expressed by the speakers is fully justified by the zinda dili and the josh present in the Punjabis. Their Punjabiyat so to say, yet Punjabis easily assimilate all cultures, celebrate and respect other religions and are generally by nature tolerant. So all in all, a good tolerant race full of fun, zest for life and known to live life Kingsize. So for all the kakas', and bhapes', its Cheers for Punjabis.....Everybody else, I love u all.....