Rajasthan’s noted folk musicians, culture enthusiasts and friends to pay musical homage to key heritage conservationist JOHN SINGH. By Karan Bhardwaj
The demise of John Singh could be heartbreaking to thousands of heritage lovers but the noted culture restorer wanted his death to be yet another excuse to celebrate art and music of Rajasthan. For that reason, the Jaipur Virasat Foundation, a brainchild of Singh, will organise ‘sangeet sabha’ (music gathering) instead of ‘shok sabha’ (condolence meeting) on Sunday.
Groups of noted folk musicians like Bhanwari Devi, Sumitra Mahajan, Jamna Mali, Ghazi Khan, Kachra Khan, Barkat Khan and other Manganiyars will offer musical tribute to their ‘beloved John da‘.
The last rites are being organised tomorrow at Singh’s farmhouse. Ten racing motorbikes will lead the procession at the funeral site. “Even the flames will be greeted with devotional and spiritual songs that he personally liked. He always wanted to stay close to musicians. He had deep affection and respect for their vocal skills. So we have requested them to recite some his favourite compositions. He used to listen to Kabir’s verses like Maati kahe kumhaar ko, tu kya rundhe mohe ek din aisai hoyega, main rundhungi tohe,” Vinod Joshi, community director, Jaipur Virasat Foundation, told Born of Web.
The 75-year-old Singh passed away Wednesday night due to cardiac arrest. For over 50 years, he has played key role in promoting art and culture of the state. He was a catalyst in establishing Jaipur Virasat Foundation, an NGO behind some of the most iconic literary and music festivals in Rajasthan. They started Jaipur Virasat Festival, a part of which later became Jaipur Literature Festival. The Virasat Foundation is also a major force behind Jodhpur RIFF, a music festival that draws tremendous respect and recognition in India and abroad for providing platform to local and international artistes alike.
Since early 2000s, John Singh and his trust have also been organising Shekhawati Utsav (programmes) to highlight local talent of Shekhawati province. “John da was a visionary. He and I used to travel remote areas of Rajasthan to trace fresh talent in folk music. In early 2000s, we spent countless nights among villagers and discovered many vocalists and dancers who have earned an identity today. We presented them across many cultural festivals organised by JVF and other organisations,” said Joshi, also a confidant of John Singh.
In 1960s, John along with his wife Faith, started craft-apparel brand Anokhi. The brand expanded exponentially and today boasts over 25 stores in India and abroad. Anokhi also lures foodies for its unique cafe, driven by organic, homegrown ingredients from their farm on the outskirts of Jaipur.
Recounting his early meetings with John Singh, Sanjoy Roy, organiser of Jaipur Literature Festival, said, “I met John and his wife Faith at Edinburgh Festival in 1999. I had already known about his restoration work of monuments as the convenor of INTACH. It was always fascinating to see his enthusiasm about built heritage. What I am impressed with is the fact that he never looked at anybody for help. If he wanted to do something, he would go ahead, put his own money and take all risks. He was a maverick with a generous heart. He has left not only tangible assets like many art and cultural festivals but also intangible assets in form of revival of dying folk music.”
After coming from Edinburgh Festival, John and Faith wanted to replicate the model in Jaipur. So they set up heritage festival which took place for a couple of years. Within that festival, they had a literature segment which was later handed over to Sanjoy. Today, it is called Jaipur Literature Festival, one of the largest literary festivals across the globe.
