User:Hans Raj Hans

Profile
Hans Raj Hans stands tall among all Sufi singers, with his unusual ability to present this genre of music in its truest form. His voice and style of singing is indeed suited to Sufi renditions. He has been honored by Padam Shree Award the highest civilian award, presented by Hon’ble President of India Mrs. Pratibha Patil for his inimitable and significant contribution in the field of music. He has also been honoured by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his contribution in popularizing Punjabi music. Has Raj Hans is most versatile in his singing and this has been time and again proven by his various singing styles not only in Punjabi folk but also in Punjabi movies, classical and Bollywood music. However, due to his immense love for Sufism, he has dedicated his life to Sufism and to let it grow and live in the hearts of people forever.

His performances have not only established him as a musical treasure in his own country, India, but have gained him worldwide fame. In appreciation of his contribution to Sufiana Singing, San Jose University, California, USA had appointed him as visiting Professor of Sufism. A recipient of numerous honors from the beginning. He was awarded Punjab State Singer Award (Raj Gayak) by the Punjab Government. He has been conferred lifetime fellowship by Punjabi University, Patiala, in recognition of his originality and versatility.

His ever-growing fame has earned him the Sangeet Natak Academy Award, an award that very few people have the honor of receiving.

He has made a great impression amongst renowned music artists and prestigious film personalities.Lata Mangeshkar had extended a special invitation on her birthday where Hans Raj Hans spellbound the eminent personalities of film industry with his magical performance of his evergreen song “Yaara Sili Sili”. The legendary late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Sahib specially invited Hans Raj Hans from Jalandhar for the film “Kacheche Dhaage” to sing the track “Ishq Di Galli Vich”, his debut Hindi film. Hans Raj Hans has worked with Mr. A.R. Rehman for the film “Nayak”

What makes him truly exceptional is the message of love, peace and brotherhood that he promotes through his music. Hans Raj Hans has be en performing for the past 13 years on 14th August at the India - Pakistan Wagah border, which is witnessed by thousands of Indians and Pakistanis including the prominent officials of both the countries.

He also helped in fundraising along with Bill Clinton for the India American Society and raised 1.5 million USD for the Gujarat earthquake victims. His contributions include his active participation in fund raising initiatives across the world for humanity, peace and save the girl child cause. He delivers a truly moving message through his gayakee (singing) - “na nasha karo na vaar karo, je karna hai ta pyaar karo” (Don’t indulge into any kind of drugs or violence. Indulge completely into love).

He considers it his responsibility to pass on the teachings of great Sufi saints to others. Hans Raj Hans has dedicated his life to the soulful music and would like to see music as a non-commercial education. For this very reason he has a lifetime dream to establish a sangeet ashram for the preservation of traditional tunes and Sufism.

Biography
Hans Raj Hans born at village shafipur near Jalandhar, he hails from peasant family. He was fond of singing from the very childhood. he drew inspiration from the street singer who frequented the village in early hours of the morning chanting devotional songs. He is the disciple of  USTAD PURAN SHAHKOTI SAHIB, from whom he has had the formal training. He revers his GURU and has profound respect and admiration for him. It is because of the Great Master that he was lured into SUFIANA STYLE of singing. ‘HANS, his surname was affectionately bestowed on him by his guru.