Famous Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan is facing criticism from fans across the world, for supporting the idea of ‘one nation, one language’.
Last week, a video clip from his radio interview with Red FM had gone viral after the singer came out in support of 'one nation, one language' idea.
While making his point, he quoted examples of France and Germany, which also have national languages. He stated that people should focus on their mother tongue, but must not forget the ‘aunt’ [Massi] in the process.
The singer, who is currently in Canada for his concerts, has since faced protests over his views, from a section of the Punjabi community.
During his recent performance at Abbotsford in British Columbia last week, a group of Punjabi locals staged a protest and shouted slogans against Maan and the show's organisers.
‘Traitor of Punjab’s Mother Tongue,' read a large sign held by one of the protestors.
One of them, a local resident, Charanjit Singh Sujjon took his protest inside the venue, which agitated the singer to an extent that he hurled abuse at the protestor, video of which has since gone viral.
Maan also said, “Desh ch chitta rehan nahi dena, dandi ch chitta rehan nahi dena” (We shall finish the drugs in the country, and we shall also not leave any white hair in the beard).
Speaking to the media after the event, Sujjon said that his conscience did not allow him to stay silent and so he protested against Maan for supporting the 'imposition' of Hindi as India's national language.
Earlier during a press conference, Maan had defended his opinion saying - “The mother tongue should be respected and preferred, but Indians must have one language and that is ‘Hindostani’.
“This uproar is being created on social media, by those who do not have any other work. Making negative comments against others has become a common occurrence. Those who are sincere in promoting their mother tongue and culture, continue their work their own way," Maan added.
SBS Punjabi has reached out to Gurdas Maan for comment.
