SAMBALPUR: Singers of famed Sambalpuri folk song ‘Rangabati, Rangabati...’ Jitendra Haripal and Krishna Patel, who were conferred with DLitt (Honoris Causa) at the fourth convocation of University of Culture in Bhubaneswar on Friday, dedicated the award to Sambalpuri folk culture and artistes. The singer, however, expressed anguish at the deteriorating standard of Sambalpuri folk songs.
Haripal, whose song has carved a niche for itself in music world, submitted a petition to Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Aurobinda Padhi seeking his intervention to ensure that folk songs retain their original glory.
Releasing a copy of the letter before leaving for Bhubaneswar, Haripal said if urgent steps are not taken to retain the originality of Sambalpuri folk culture, it will soon lose its value.
Explaining that obscene and vulgar lyrics have entered Sambalpuri folk songs, Haripal said this has distanced renowned singers from Sambalpuri songs. Popular and prominent Sambalpuri folk singers are now confined to singing for Prasar Bharati, he said.
Raising objections to the lyrics of songs aired on local TV channels, he called for reasonable censorship on video albums. He also pleaded with the Culture Secretary to take steps to establish Sambalpuri Folk Song, Dance and Music Research Centre to work on development and enrichment of folk culture of the region.