Prayagraj: Speaking at the “Vimarsh” program organized by the North Central Zone Cultural Center, Prayagraj, renowned folk singer Udaychandra Pardesi said that folk songs are living carriers of our cultural consciousness, social values, and eternal traditions. Folk songs have played an important role in spreading the tradition of the sixteen sacraments to the public and preserving it from generation to generation.
The program was inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp by Center Director Sudesh Sharma, Chief Speaker Udaychandra Pardesi and renowned tabla player Anup Banerjee.
Expressing his views on the topic “Colors of Folk Songs with Sixteen Rituals,” Udaychandra Pardesi elaborated on Indian folk traditions and rituals. He said that folk songs are a vibrant manifestation of our eternal culture, which serve to enrich life, enhance sensitivity, and enrich culturally.
In his speech, he explained that folk music is not just an art for him, but a family legacy. His grandfather used to sing folk songs by playing the Sarangi during the British rule, while his father was a skilled harmonium player. Due to the musical environment he had at home since childhood, he began practicing harmonium playing and folk singing from his school days. Remembering his guru, Mohammad Khalil Sahib, he said that his guru played a significant role in helping him understand the depth, soul, and rich tradition of folk music.
Udaychandra Pardesi stated that he has written several important books aimed at preserving and promoting folk literature and folk songs. His first book, “Beti Lok,” is based on folk songs, while his second, “Badarin Buhar Kajri Ke Bahar,” focuses on Kajri and folk art. His third book, “Life Ke Sang Lokgeeton Ke Raj,” has been published.
During the conversation, he elaborated on the sixteen sacraments described in the Sanatan tradition, explaining that these sacraments are the foundation of a person’s physical, mental, intellectual, and spiritual development. He said that Indian folk songs contain beautiful and meaningful references to every sacrament of life, and that folk tradition has served to disseminate them to the masses.
Expressing concern, he said that many folklore traditions are on the verge of extinction due to the influence of modernity and changing lifestyles. Therefore, collective efforts to preserve, promote, and document them are the need of the hour.
During the program, the chief speaker moved the audience by presenting Ganesh Vandana “First let me convince you, Gauri’s son”, Saraswati Vandana and Dharti Mata Vandana.
The audience at the event asked numerous questions related to the topic, which the keynote speaker answered in detail. He called for connecting the new generation with folk songs and folk genres, and encouraging their study, research, documentation, and performance.
At the end of the program, Center Director Sudesh Sharma honored the keynote speaker Udaychandra Pardesi by presenting him with a shawl and a plant.
