A conversation
by Rajbir Singh on February 26, 2011
A painter while painting our home wrote ॐ (OM: A Hindu symbol) on a wall on the terrace of our home. This conversation involves a person, whom I’m not going to name, and myself:
Him (Pointing towards the ॐ symbol): Why did you write ॐ there? You’re a Sikh.
Me: The painter did.
Him: How dare he write that in a Sikh’s home. You didn’t say anything?
Me: No. Does that matter?
Me (Thinking): I thought God is one and religions are there just to make us better human beings. Being a Hindu or a Sikh does not matter. What matters is being a good human being.
2010: The year that was…
by Rajbir Singh on December 30, 2010
Wow! Can’t believe 2010 is almost gone and I still feel like it is the start of the year. I know I’m posting this after a really long time. After more than six months, I guess! What did I do all this time? Hmm, I don’t know. I wanted to write on so many topics but I didn’t. I think about writing about something and then I forget. I think I should write on a diary first and then type it here. That, I think, will be a lot better and easier for me. I’ve been asked by a couple of people on why I’m not updating my blog. This post is for someone who’s asking me to write from last few days. I know you’re reading this.
Coming back to topic… The year 2010 was a mixed bag for me. I enjoyed it, I hated it and I enjoyed it. A roller coaster ride. I hate summers and they didn’t bring any goodness into my life. September started bringing the goodness.
I enjoyed the beginning of the summer with my friends on a holiday at Fagu (near Shimla). Enjoyed every bit of it. Fagu connected me back to mother nature. A beautiful, peaceful and cool place. I think this holiday came after a couple of years. Wish I could enjoy the snowfall at Fagu now in winters.
I learnt a lot in 2010. From the experiences of good and bad. I’m thankful to God for giving me some very good friends. They have always stood for me. Yes, there were a few misunderstandings but they have been solved with those who mattered. Another thing that happened in 2010: I’m no longer a gadget freak and I also almost quit Twitter! Haha! Good riddance. They don’t excite me as much as they once did. What is still the same in me and I think it will always be like this: I’m still a kid. I enjoy being a kid.
Now coming to the music part! Well, I think music didn’t excite me much this year. My current favorite album is ‘Ik kudi Punjab di’. I’ve been listening to its songs from last few months and I’m still in love with them. The best tracks of the album are- Sochan vich, Gal teri, Tera mera naa and Pyar. Shinda’s album got released recently but IMHO it sucks. Also, I’m listening to Shiv Kumar Batalvi’s poetry in the form of songs sung by Hans Raj Hans. They are beautiful and heart touching.
2011… Hmm… I’m gonna work hard. A lot harder. Also, I’ve many expectations. Somethings which are very important. I wish they will happen this year. Really. I’ll pray.
Hope you too have a happy and prosperous 2011!
And here’s a beautiful song ‘Ajj din chareya tere rang varga’ by Shiv Kumar Batalvi and sung by Hans Raj Hans:
Songs I’m addicted to from last few weeks
by Rajbir Singh on April 8, 2010
Saahaan ton vi nere by Amrinder Gill:
Paani panjan dareyavan wala by Satinder Sartaj:
Hashar by Babbu Maan:
World Cup Kabbadi, Punjab 2010 needs your support
by Rajbir Singh on April 3, 2010
The first World Cup Kabbadi started off in Y.P.S. Patiala ground with brilliant performances by various cultural groups and artists on April 3, 2010. The well known Punjabi artists who performed in the opening ceremony were: Jasbir Jassi, Saleem, Satwinder Bitti, Manpreet Akhtar, Sarbjit Cheema and Lakhwinder Wadali.
Dharmendra and Sunny Deol (wearing a turban) were the guests in the first match. Sunny looked handsome in the turban.
The first match was between India & U.S.A. and India comfortably won it with 62 / 26. The commentary was by Bhagwant Maan, Principal Sarwan Singh, Makhan Singh and others. Bhagwant Maan did wonderful job & the occasional Beebo Bhua jokes made it more entertaining. Principal Sarwan Singh is the best commentator for Kabbadi. He is for Kabbadi what Jasdev Singh was for Hockey.
This was the first time I ever watched a Kabaddi match with interest & I must say I loved the game. Try watching the game once & I’m sure you’ll love it too. It needs your support. The players need your support. Cricket is not the only game in this world. Give other games and their players a chance to rise, shine and make us proud. Please!
From what I’ve read in the newspapers Union Government will be performing random dope tests on the players in the World Cup and even in local clubs’ Kabbadi matches. That is a really great start by the Govt by trying to end the drug menace right from the start of a player’s career.
All the matches will be telecast live on PTC News.
I almost forgot to say: Go India go!
Bhagat Singh: The forgotten hero
by Rajbir Singh on March 23, 2010
Shaheed Sardar Bhagat Singh, a freedom fighter who sacrificed his life for the country, has been forgotten by the governments- both Union Government & Punjab Government. While Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth Anniversary is celebrated across India by the Union & State Governments and is a national holiday, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev & Rajguru have been forgotten. Why only Mahatma Gandhi’s photo is printed on the Indian currency notes? Either the Union Government doesn’t consider Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev & Rajguru as freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for our freedom or they have adopted partisan approach. Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev & Rajguru are the real heroes. They gave us freedom!
This song portrays the truth:
Song: Bhagat Singh
Artists: Nishawn Singh, Honey Singh
Do we even remember them?
by Rajbir Singh on March 23, 2010
Do you know what significance 23 March has in the lives of the Indians? This day in 1931 three freedom fighters Sardar Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru were hanged by the British. Do we even remember the three heroes who gave their lives for our freedom? I bet they must be ashamed of all of us for what we did to India.
I’m thankful to Shaheed Sardar Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru for the freedom. I respect them. I salute them.
Music review: Sartaaj by Satinder Sartaaj
by Rajbir Singh on March 20, 2010
As the blog title itself suggests- music is my passion. It helps me to unwind myself. I’ll be writing music reviews & most of them will be of Punjabi albums by known Punjabi singers or upcoming singers whose albums are worth a review.
Dr. Satinder Sartaaj a PhD in Sufi Music, known for the beautiful lyrics of his songs, started off with performing live shows & became a household name after he became popular on Youtube. This is his first studio recorded album*. The album is a collector’s edition which comes with a booklet. It is available on Speed Records in Punjab and worldwide on Universal.
Now coming back on topic, I’m going to review all the songs in the album:
- Sai- A beautiful song which is a sort of prayer to the almighty. Rating: 4/5
- Paani panjan dariayavan wala- The lyrics portray the (negative) changes in Punjab and Punjabis. Rating: 4.5/5
- Nikki jehi kuri- The song is based on a real life adventure of Dr. Sartaaj. Once again the lyrics are awesome. Rating: 5/5
- Filhaal- The song with best music in the album, in my humble opinion. Rating: 5/5
- Jitt de nishaan- The only song which I didn’t find up to the mark. Perhaps it’s just the music or may be both lyrics and music. Rating: 2.5/5
- Ammi- Awesome song. I’ve no words to explain the awesomeness. The song describes the unconditional love & sacrifices of a mother for her child.
- Gall tajurbe wali- A good song. I didn’t like the music much though. Rating: 3.5/5
- Dil pehlan jeha ni reha- Another excellent song. Rating: 4.5/5
- Heeriye fakeeriye- Awesome lyrics! I’ve heard this song earlier recorded of a live show (like many others in the album). I liked the live version more than this one. This one is way too slow. A bit faster & it would have been awesome. I’ll give it 4/5 just because of the slowness.
- Sabh te laagu- Not a great song as per my liking. It’s okayish stuff. Rating: 3/5
I’ll give the album an overall rating of 4/5. Don’t compare the overall rating with individual ratings. I didn’t do maths for this!
A must buy for Punjabi music lovers. To add to the awesomeness this is a collectors edition CD which comes with booklets. The booklets have the lyrics of the album in Punjabi as well as translated in English and some other information.
*Based on what I’ve read about him in newspaper articles.
A song dedicated to my mom
by Rajbir Singh on March 14, 2010
Love you mommy!
Song: Ammi
Singer: Satinder Sartaaj
The song describes the love & sacrifices of a mother for her children.
Hello world!
by Rajbir Singh on March 13, 2010
Hi there! Finally! Phew! I’ve got this blog running! I deserve some sort of national award for this. I’m temporarily using a wonderful ready made theme. I love it! I’ll soon redesign it myself.
I’ll write about life, music & myself in the blog. Expect some rants, music reviews & other nonsense of my life. A golden chance to know me! I know you’re thankful for the wonderful opportunity given by me!
Ready?
Note: The views expressed in this blog are mine & does not belong to my organisation.