Bhubaneswar: When there is devotion and dedication, language won’t be a barrier, said UK-based doctor Dr Rajinder Pal Singh.
Recently, Dr Rajinder and his wife Dr Kapilmeet Kaur sung Odia Bhajan ‘Ahe Nila Saila, Prabala Mata Barana….’ quite beautifully. The video went viral on social media.
Though they are Punjabi and settled in Manchester, their Odia pronunciation is flawless.
“I was born in Bhubaneswar. I studied in Stewart School and BJB College in Bhubaneswar, and completed MBBS from SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. Then I did MS in Aligarh. After staying for some years in Punjab, we shifted to UK. However, I can speak and understand Odia,” said Dr Rajinder.
“My wife is a classical singer. Though she can’t speak and understand Odia, I tried to teach her Bhajans of Lord Jagannath,” he said.
Dr Rajinder is a devotee of Lord Jagannath and loves art and culture of Odisha.
“Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikh faith, had once visited Jagannath temple. Bhai Himmat Singh was one of the Panj Pyare, or the Five Beloved in Sikhism. He was born in 1661 in Puri. We, Punjabis have a great connection with Lord Jagannath. I am a devotee of Lord Jagannath,” said Dr Rajinder.
The famous Pipili Chandua with Lord Jagannath at the centre adorns the wall of his office chamber.
“We husband and wife are preparing more Odia Bhajans. Though I am not a singer, I can give my wife company… she is fabulous singer,” he added.
Though doctors by profession, both husband and wife have been spreading Odia and Lord Jagannath culture globally.
