Indecent? Not in Punjab

Punjab is now home to a unique agitation. The women here are saying a loud no to lewd and objectionable lyrics used in modern Punjabi songs. The Istri Jagriti Manch, an organisation comprising concerned women in the state, protests by staging dharnas in front of the houses of the "lewd and vulgar" singers.

Says Gurbax Kaur Sangha, President of the Manch, "As responsible citizens, it becomes our duty to save our culture. These so -called singers have long been singing lecherous songs which cannot be listened to sitting with a family. Our point is clear – these singers are making a lot of money through singing but are running away from their social responsibility. We only say that you sing good songs and produce good videos. If you do not do so, we will compel you to.”

Indeed, vulgarity has been an issue with the popular Punjabi songs. Sample Daljit's song: "Lak 28 kurhi da, 47 weight kurhi da (The girl's waist is 28, her weight is 47)", admittedly written in a drunken stupor by lyricist Bachan Bedi, who has since apologised for it. The Manch has been staging dharnas in front of the houses of singers Diljit Dusanjh, Geeta Zaildar, Miss Puja, Yo Yo Honey Singh and Gippy Grewal and have even burnt their effigies.

These protests have caught the fancy of others, with more women joining in hordes. "We have launched a membership drive all over the state. As of now, we are a group of one thousand women and we hope to double the figure in the near future," says Sangha.

Speaking to TSI, noted Punjabi poet Parminderjeet said, "Their effort is praiseworthy but the ambit of the protests should be widened. Lyricists and recording companies are equally responsible for polluting our culture. It is good that women themselves have taken initiative and men should support them." So what's next, ladies? The bars?