Prof Kartar honoured for reviving kirtan music

LUDHIANA: Professor Kartar Singh, who has taught music in city colleges for over 30 years, was honoured with the World Sikh Lifetime Achievement Award, 2011 in London for his lifelong contribution to reviving the traditional form of Gurmat Sangeet. The award was given by UK-based NGO on October 9 at a function that had over 700 people.
The professor, an octogenarian is a legendary figure and epitome of dedication to kirtan music in its original form.Born in Ghumanke village, Lahore, when Singh was only 10 he started instructing students of Malwa Central College of Education for Women, Ludhiana, in 'ragas'. Later he went on to become the head of music department at Guru Nanak Girls College, Ludhiana, where he taught for 27 years.
During his 70 year-long musical journey, he has won many accolades and was assigned the service of restarting 'kirtan' with stringed instruments at the Golden Temple. He also performed at the Common Wealth Games, 2010. On receiving the award, Singh said, "In the name of 'kirtan', singing has sadly adopted film tunes. '' He added that he is on a mission to rekindle the original form of spiritual music in genuine 'ragas'.