Nature has a plan, there’s a hidden message in everything: Sartaaj

Gurnaaz Kaur

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 9

Creating new songs, ‘riyaz’, distance recording and supporting the needy are some of the tasks keeping Sufi singer-lyricist Satinder Sartaaj busy during the lockdown.

There is nothing new or unusual in staying at home for the poet. In fact, the question about challenges of being homebound is surprising for him. “If I am not travelling for shows, I am always at home with my family. As I don’t go out much, I can’t feel the difference,” he smiles.

Satinder agrees that roads are deserted but he still believes in painting a positive picture of it all. “I know it’s a difficult time but look how clear the sky is, how better the air quality is, how beautifully the wildlife is reclaiming its space,” he says.

For someone who has found his muse in nature and all things serene, the time is worth it. “I have a studio at home that is called ‘Nazam Gaah’. It is a cosy corner for creativity and my entire day is spent there. I am composing many songs these days. We are trying to distance-record since my music producer is in the UK.” And whenever he is not in the studio, he is with his family.

“All discussions in my family are carried over a cup of tea. It is a daily ritual of sorts,” he says. Pained at the suffering of people, Sartaaj has been active on ground zero through his foundation. “It’s the hardest time for the planet. When I saw how the poor are struggling for food and basic necessities, I decided to do something to help them. We are in touch with the UT Administration and supplying whatever is needed.”

A sensitive man as he calls himself, he wants people to have faith in God and count their blessings. “Nature has a plan. There is a hidden message in everything. It isn’t the first time that mankind is going through such a disastrous pandemic. We have survived before and we can do it again.”

He says the positive side to the current hardship is “that we have a roof over our head, food on our plates, water supply and clean air. Thankfully, we have advanced equipment and sincere doctors who are giving their 100 per cent to save lives. I bow in gratitude to them. We must value them and we must follow the Administration oders.”