By Raj Singh
LOS ANGELES — The 2nd Annual Punjabi Cultural Night 1988, was celebrated with gay abandon on the night of May 28, at the Pasadena City College auditorium. The Punjabis in large numbers turned up to witness the cultural events.
The Institute of Gurmat Studies trained youngsters started the show with their shabad “Deh Shiva.” Pammi and Ravi followed them with “Parnam Shahida Noo,” and the two entertained the audience with another song “Peeche Peeche Munda.”
A very popular song that evening was by Rashpal “Sade Pind De Kuri.” The people were next entertained to an excellent dance by Ravi Mann and Kaajal Kiran, “Dil Kehenda Hay Chak Ke Le Ja Wann.” Harpreet, Roina, Jyoti, Tarvinder, Sonia, and Suman danced well their solo numbers which were well appreciated by the audience. Hardev, Harminder and Karnail, entertained the crowd, which applauded well to the beats of their songs.
A Punjabi program cannot be complete without dances and there were plenty of them.
Suman and Pammi stole the hearts with the opera “Mirza Sahiba”. It was one of the highlights of the evening. Deep with Kaajal and Sukhi danced well their ‘Boliyan.’ The special effects enlivened the atmosphere.
Any Punjabi show must have Bhangra and sure there it was. Produced by Kanwaljit Johal it turned out to be a fitting finale. The participants came from as far as Vancouver, (Canada). The ladies too cannot be left behind. Trained by Baljit K. Sidhu and Jasbir K. Brar the girls held everyone. Spellbound with, their Gidhas; which, concluded, he show.
Dr. Jasbir S. Mann and his team of dedicated colleagues have to be congratulated for making this a successful show for the second year. It is a welcome sign of our times that the involvement of youth, as witnessed here, is bound to keep our culture alive. This show was sponsored by 60 families each contributing $50.00. According to Dr. Mann, the chief organizer, this show will help in the promotion and development of Punjabi culture, and also bring the Sikhs and others into an emotional focus to the Punjab problem. It will also raise funds for people who lost their dear ones during the attack on. The Golden Temple in 1984, lastly, it will bring together all sections of the com: munity. Indeed, these are noble thoughts and WSN offers to Dr. Mann and his colleagues, Congratulations for a job that was planned well and executed admirably.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 10, 1988
