Folk Games Symbolize the ‘Charhda Kla’ Spirit of Punjabi Psyche: VC Prof. Pushpinder Singh Gill

Folk Games Symbolize the ‘Charhda Kla’ Spirit of Punjabi Psyche: VC Prof. Pushpinder Singh Gill

Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ April 16,2026

“Our folk games are not merely physical activities; these are the living heritage of our history. These games symbolize the ‘Charda Kla’ (ever-ascending spirit) of the Punjabi psyche. Preserving and promoting them is the need of the hour.”

These views were expressed today by Prof. Pushpinder Singh Gill, Vice-Chancellor of The Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University,Patiala while presiding over a national seminar on the folk games of Punjab.

During the seminar, held at the Prabhat Parwana Memorial Trade Union Center in Baradari, Prof. Gill emphasized that while modern international sports are essential for global recognition, local folk games provide a foundational strength and community bond that no modern sport can match. He said that the university is working toward making these games a formal part of the academic curriculum, ensuring that children in Punjab’s villages feel as much pride in learning ‘Gatka’ as they would in any Olympic sport. He stressed the need for institutional steps to secure the future of these traditional sports.

Chief Guest Dr. Manmohan Singh, a renowned  cardiologist said that folk games connect us to our roots. He remarked that sports are not just about winning but about learning, highlighting that while modern organized sports have become complex and expensive, folk games remain simple, affordable, and effective.

Renowned folklorist Dr. Gurmeet Singh delivered the keynote address, explaining that folk games contribute significantly to physical and mental well-being. He detailed how the gestures, movements, and vocabulary used in these games carry deep meanings rooted in the human subconscious. He further said that many modern sports find their origins in village-level folk games.

Dr. Gurbhajan Gill, attending as a guest of honor, remarked that in an era dominated by AI and the pressures of globalization, it is a priority to protect our heritage, including folk games. He suggested that developing a robust sports culture is vital for making Punjab drug-free and expressed concern over how commercialism has overshadowed traditional pastimes.

The inaugural session was moderated by Seminar Convener Dr. Manpreet Kaur, who shared insightful commentary on the subject. The vote of thanks was delivered by University Registrar Colonel Parminder Singh Gill.

Following the inaugural session, a panel discussion featured Prof. Surjit Singh Bhatti, Dr. Harjit Kaur, and sports journalist Navdeep Singh Gill, moderated by Dr. Amreek Singh. Subsequently, various scholars presented research papers covering Punjab’s history, culture, the classification of folk games, and the integration of these games into school and university curricula.

The concluding session was moderated by Dr. Sanman Kaur. Other prominent personalities in attendance included Dr. Surjit Singh, Dr. Gurmukh Singh, Dr. Satish Kumar Verma, Dr. Rajinderpal Singh Brar, Dr. Maan Singh Dhindsa, Dr. Paramveer Singh, and Dr. Amarjit Singh.