In push to stringed instruments of Sikh heritage, book on Gurmat Sangeet out

PATIALA: As part of efforts to revive stringed instruments of Sikh heritage, a former faculty member of Patiala-based Punjabi University has composed a unique symphony based on the 31 ragas in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Gurnam Singh, former dean and founder professor of Gurmat Sangeet department at Punjabi University, has composed the symphony, named Gurmat Raaganjali. The details of the symphony have been shared in the book 'Raag Naad Journey', which was recently released by the jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Harpreet Singh.
The book has information about the basics of Gurmat Sangeet, all stringed instruments used in Gurmat Sangeet, 31 main ragas as a background, and details of the composition. Anyone could refer to the book to learn and play the composition By Prof Gurnam. "All those attached to Gurmat Sangeet must listen to this unique and rare composition that brings to them the essence of the musicology in Sri Guru Granth Sahib and connects them with the divine and sacred realm of Gurmat Sangeet," said Prof Gurnam.
He added the book will help in the recognition of ragas and stringed instruments of Sikh Gurus, while the next generation of Sikhs and western world of music could recite this music of Gurmat Sangeet too.
He said his student, Leena Singh, who founded Sikh Heritage Symphony, assisted in this effort and prepared students for performing Gurmat Raaganjali on Sikh heritage instruments. He added Gurpreet Singh and Rajwinder Singh accompanied in music recording of the dilruba and the tabla.
Gurmat Sangeet Association will distribute the book. "Raag Naad is the foundation of Shabad Kirtan in Sikh faith. Sikhism's founder Guru Nanak Dev spread the divine message of Gurbani to mankind through Raag Naad. Shabad Kirtan has also been accompanied by stringed instruments Rabab, Saranda, Taus, Dilruba etc in all Guru Sahibans' times, so these are integral part of Gurmat Sangeet," he said.