Raj Sadosh/Abohar.
The birthplace of Ghazal king Padma Vibhushan Jagjit Singh in Sriganganagar will be developed as his memorial. It will cost Rs 1.10 crore. The construction of the memorial is likely to begin next month, MLA Raj Kumar Gaur said.
Jagjit Singh was born 82 years ago in G-25 govt quarter that had been allotted to his father Amar Singh Dhiman, a junior engineer in Civil Lines. Dhiman was a native of the village of Dalla in Punjab and his wife Bachan Kaur belonged to Ottalanvillage in Samrala, Ludhiana.
(SUBHEAD)This residential quarter is in a very dilapidated condition, a government employee's family lives in it. Every year on the birthday and death anniversary of Jagjit Singh, RD Burman Fans Club and other NGOs organize programs to remember Jagjit Singh by presenting his ghazals or songs. Ever since his death, his fans have been continuously demanding that the birthplace be converted into a memorial.
Union Minister Arjun Meghwal had six years back announced plans to develop a memorial for Jagjit Singh during a program in Sriganganagar. He had also promised to provide funds but the process did not move forward.
Gaur said that a museum and hall will be developed after renovating the G-25 quarter. This will also give a boost to tourism. Fans of globally known Jagjit Singh will be able to organise musical programmes which will give a boost to cultural activities in the region. The site-plan of the memorial has been prepared. The estimated cost of the entire project will be Rs 1.10 crore.
In the month of April, the work will be started with Rs 31 lakh from MLA discretionary fund. The additional budget will be borne by the State Government and Urban Improvement Trust. Jagjit Singh's 82nd birthday was celebrated on February 8 by NGOsat his birthplace.
