Padma Shri Hans Raj Hans joins Guru Kashi University as Chairman of Sufi and Folk Music Heritage Chair
Chandigarh, May 1, 2025 : In a step towards preserving Punjab’s musical traditions, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, has announced the establishment of the Sufi and Folk Music Heritage Chair under its Faculty of Visual and Performing Arts. The university formally welcomed celebrated singer Padma Shri Hans Raj Hans as Chairman of the Chair during a press conference held today at the Press Club in Chandigarh.
The Chair aims to promote Punjab’s rich legacy of Sufi and folk music through research, education, documentation, and public engagement. Alongside Hans Raj Hans, Prof. Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, Dean of the Faculty, has been appointed Executive Director, while Dr. Aman Sufi will serve as Project Coordinator.
Speaking at the press conference, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, Vice Chancellor of Guru Kashi University, said:
“We are proud to establish this Chair, which will act as a bridge between our cultural past and future. It will help preserve invaluable musical traditions and provide academic depth to the study and practice of Sufi and folk music.”
Dr. Singh also introduced an Advisory Board comprising eminent personalities from around the world, who will guide the Chair’s work:
– Chief Patron: Sardar Gurlabh Singh Sidhu, Chancellor, Guru Kashi University – Puran Shah Koti, respected Sufi Guru and mentor to Hans Raj Hans – Sardar Charanjit Singh Batth, USA – Dr. Dalbir Singh Kathuria, Canada – Preet Inder Dhillon, UK – Prof. D.N. Jauhar, former Vice Chancellor, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Agra – Prof. Dr. Jaspal Kaur Kaang, former Chairperson, Guru Nanak Sikh Studies, Panjab University – Prof. Dr. Hukum Chand, former Dean, Faculty of Music, MDU Rohtak – Prof. Dr. Neelam Paul, former Chairperson, Department of Music, Panjab University
In his address, Padma Shri Hans Raj Hans expressed his gratitude and said:
“I’ve spent my life singing the verses of Sufi saints and the songs of Punjab’s soil. This Chair is a way for me to give back—to document, preserve, and pass on this treasure to future generations through the academic world.”
Prof. Dr. Gurpreet Kaur outlined the Chair’s planned activities, which include workshops, documentation of oral traditions, collaborations with international institutions, and national-level cultural festivals to engage students and the wider public.
Mrs. Usha Singh, the Lady Vice Chancellor of Guru Kashi University, also joined the event and congratulated Padma Shri Hans Raj Hans on his appointment and expressed her appreciation for his lifelong contribution to Punjabi music and cultural heritage.
Those present at the event included Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, Er. Sukhwinder Singh Sidhu (General Secretary, Balaji Education Trust), Dr. Dalbir Singh Kathuria, Prof. D.N. Jauhar (former Vice Chancellor, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Agra), and Prof. Dr. Neelam Paul from Panjab University, Chandigarh.
Prof. Dr. Neelam Paul and other advisory members also shared their congratulations virtually, praising the university’s efforts and the leadership behind the Chair.
Er. Sukhwinder Singh Sidhu delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of the university team, faculty, and all dignitaries for supporting this cultural milestone. The press conference concluded with a networking lunch for the media and guests.
