Chandigarh, April 20: Punjab Minister of Local Government, Tourism, Cultural Affairs, Archives and Museums Navjot Singh Sidhu reiterated on Wednesday that Punjabi culture will be taken to new heights. Sidhu said our cultural policies will be made under the guidance of wise scholars and expressed his happiness on being a part of the five-day “Vaisakhi Da Swag” Folk & Food Festival dedicated to Dr. M.S. Randhawa.
The two-day Randhawa Utsav concluded at the Punjab Kala Bhavan on Wednesday, with Punjabi Pride Awards given to various artists of Punjab. The function was also attended by Punjab Governor V.P. Singh Badnore and many personalities contributing to Punjabi culture.
On the first day, Kavi Darbaar was organised, which was led by one of the best poets of Punjabi, Padma Shri Dr. Surjeet Patar. Many other poets participated in the Kavi Darbar. Later, cultural performances, including folk dances, were performed by the team of Peter Sodhi.
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Punjabi Pride Awards include prize money of Rs 1 lakh and Academic awards include Rs 50,000. Punjabi Pride Award was presented to 3 artists:
1. Uma Gurbaksh Singh- First lady artist of Punjab
2. Paramjeet Singh- Renowned Painter
3. Kirpal Singh Kasel- Renowned Writer
The Academic award was presented to 3 artists:
1. Surjeet Patar- Renowned Writer
2. Avtarjeet Singh Dhanjal- Renowned Painter
3. Priti Sapru- Famous Actress
Apart from this, Punjabi singers Preet Harpal, Kaur-B, Nachhatar Gill and Kaler Kanth performed on the stage and they were also awarded a token of respect.
