Tribune Web Desk
Chandigarh, September 23
Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan has found himself in controversy after he came out in support of the ‘one nation, one language’ idea.
In a conversation with a radio host, Maan was asked about the debate over Hindi imposition, to which he said: “This uproar is being created by idle people on Whatsapp and social media.Those who are hard-working continue to focus on nation building, their mother-tongue, culture and work in their own style.”
Maan said the nation should speak ‘Hindustani’—“a mixture of common words of Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi.”
The singer has been criticised heavily on social media for his views.
“We watch Hindi films and listen to Hindi music, so if can listen to it, we can also learn to write in Hindi,” he said.
Maan then referred to lines from his popular song ‘Ki Banu Duniya Da’, saying: “Har boli sikho sikhni vi chahidi. Par pakki vekh ke kacchi nai dhai di.”
Maan said: “One nation must have one language, so that one can get his words understood, even in south (India). If you cannot do so, what is the use of being a Hindustani? France has own one language and its people speak it. Similarly, Germany has one language that the entire country speaks.”
Here is how social media reacted to his statement:
Those opposed to his remarks also protested at Maan's show in Abbotsford, Canada.
However, there were some who came out in support of Maan, calling the controversy "meaningless".