He replaces another popular Punjabi artist Satinder Satti, whose appointment towards the fag end of the tenure of the previous Akali Dal-BJP government had raised many eyebrows.

In his thanksgiving words, Dr. Patar promised to launch a people’s movement to propagate Punjabi culture, folk arts and literature.

Photo By: Life in Chandigarh

Speaking on the occasion, Navjot Singh Sidhu reiterated the state government’s resolve to constitute a ‘Cultural Parliament’ soon to initiate meaningful and constructive deliberations leading to strategies aimed at popularizing Punjabi art and culture. Modern tools of communication, including internet and social media, would be liberally used to ensure faster penetration into every household in Punjab, he added.

Member of Parliament from Ludhiana Ravneet Bittu was among several dignitaries present.