A recent song by punjabi singer Ranjit Bawa has captivated a lot of controversy. While the opinions are quite diverse, I would want to take you through each line and then try to get you in a better position to have a crystal-clear envision. Let’s start.
Kaisi Teri Mat Loka Kaisi Teri Budh A,
Oh Bhukeyan Layi Mukkiyan Te Pathran Nu Dudh A,
What kind of wisdom, o human you have. Lifeless stones get abundant milk and those who are hungry get nothing.
Oh Je Main Sach Bauta Boleya Te Mach Jana Yudh A
Gareebade Di Shoh Madi, Gau Da Moot Shudh A,
If I speak the truth, battles may follow. A mere touch of an under-privilaged is awful but cow’s urine is considered the purest.
(Animals are precious but each human beings should be much more valuable.)
Ho Gatre Janau Te Cross Gal Pa Laye, Vichar Apnaye Na Te Bane Apna Laye,
We have quite successfully acquired the our respective religious attires, but failed to adopt the values.
Chaudhran De Bhukheyan Asool Sare Kha Laye,
Gotan Anusar Gurduware Vi Bana Laye
The greed of power had made us forget our principles. Even the God’s places are divided amongst castes and creeds.
Band Kamre Ch Vehndiyan Hawavan Nu Luka Lawo
Oh Chann Surjan Sitareyan Nu Chhatan Te Jarha Lavo,
Oh Pani Nadiyan Samundran Da Saran Ch Bana Lawo,
Nature never discriminated. But go on, if you can, take the winds and hide them behind your doors.
Sun, moon, stars – take them to your private terrace.
Go on and take water from rivers and oceans and store them.
Na Sada Pawe Parchhawan Ann Vehdeyan Ch La Lawo,
Oh Marjana Aape Asi, Eh Pabandiyan Laga Lawo,
Ho Jaoge Maile Hathi Maarna Zaroor A
Take away and refrain us from everything and we ll die on our own. You won’t even need to get your hands dirty to kill us.
Shahukaro Manneya Tuhanu Koi Thod Nai
Ann Pani Chhat Kapre Di Sanu Bhala Lod Nai
I know being rich, you have enough.
But what makes you think we dont need water, roof, clothes?
Oh Ghar Chhote Dil Vadde Gall Sidhi Mod-Ghod Nai
Tuhade Katal Vi Maf Sade Jhooth Nu Vi Chhod Nai
We may have small homes, but our hearts are large enough to speak the truth. And the truth is, this society forgives a murder by you and cant ignore our small lie.
Ho Ucheyan Nu Kare Ucha Madeyan Nu Rolda Balle Tere Shehar Da Ae Khoob Dastur A
The powerful becomes more powerful and the destitutes get much worse. That’s the unfortunate fate of mankind.
This song for me was untarnished truth in its absolute form. It was the voice of the impoverished. It was about the values of humanity that we have forgotten. It’s about our failure to learn what the religion was made to teach us.
I dont think this has any controversy. This is plain truth. Those who couldn’t digest it, howled and raised questions.
Kudos to this man who really put this out.