Sociology Department of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar organizes Seminar on Music, Modernity and Consumer Culture in Punjab
Amritsar
Department of Sociology, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, organized a one-day seminar on the theme “Music, Modernity and Consumer Culture in Punjab”, sponsored by the ICSSR–North Western Regional Centre (NWRC), Chandigarh.
The keynote address was delivered by renowned sociologist Prof. Paramjit Singh Judge (R), Department of Sociology, GNDU, who connected the ongoing transformations in Punjabi society with the perspectives of Sociology of Culture and Sociology of Music.
He elaborated on the evolution of Punjabi music and how it reflects broader social changes, laying a strong foundation for the day’s deliberations.
Prof. Swaraj Raj (Former Head, Department of English and Dean, Faculty of Languages, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib) in the plenary session spoke on the popular culture and modernity. He examined this through linguistic analysis.
Two parallel technical sessions were subsequently held. Eminent scholars including Dr. Rakesh Thakur (Associate Professor of Sociology, Post Graduate Government College Chandigarh) and Dr. Jasbir Singh (Head, Department of History, Panjab University, Chandigarh) shared their perspectives on themes such as representation in music, social change, popular culture, and consumerism in the Punjabi context. Dr. Rupan Dhillon (Head, Department of Psychology, GNDU) discussed the socio-psychological impacts of music, with a particular focus on gender representation in Punjabi music. Research scholars from different disciplinary backgrounds also actively participated in the parallel session and presented their views on issues such as digital society, media, and gender dynamics.
A panel discussion was organized under the chairmanship of Prof. Sukhdev Singh (Rretired Professor and Dean, GNDU; Vice Chairman, INTACH). The discussion focused on caste, gender, and class within the broader debate on modernity. Panelists included Dr. Sikander Singh (Dean Student Welfare, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University), Prof. Maninder Singh (Head, School of Punjabi Studies, GNDU), Dr. Manu Sharma (Head, Department of History, GNDU), and Mr. Saurabh Sharma (Deputy Registrar, IKGPTU). The panel highlighted the impact of globalization, modernization, and masculine culture on traditional and popular Punjabi music, content consumption, and issues related to women and caste.
The valedictory session featured noted historian Prof. Rajiv Lochan (Retired Professor, Punjab University, Chandigarh), who provided a historical evaluation of music, culture, and popular culture in Punjab. Former Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, New Delhi Mrs. Meetu Lochan, also appreciated the seminar and congratulated the organizers for the insightful presentations and expert participation.
The inaugural session began with a welcome note by the Convener of the seminar, Dr. Rachana Sharma, along with the Head of the Department, Prof. Satnam Singh Deol. She expressed gratitude to ICSSR NWRC, Chandigarh for its support, and acknowledged the Guidance, and Leadership of the Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Karamjeet Singh, Dean Academic Affairs- Prof. Harvinder Singh Saini, Registrar- Prof. Karamjit Singh, Dean Student Welfare cum Head of the Department Prof. Satnam Singh Deol, faculty members, research scholars, and participants from various departments. Gratitude was also extended to the North West Indian Sociological Association (NWISA) for being the knowledge partner.
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