THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Ramesh Chander
The writer is A Retired Career Diplomat.
A renowned lyricist and a missionary writer, Bhula Ram, famously known as Chann Gorayanwala passed away on May 5-6, 2026 at the ripe age of 97. He was known and recognized for his sterling contribution to Punjabi poetry and song writing by the masses particularly by the Dalit communities as he was a missionary writer against the social evils like graded inequality, caste system and all sorts of social discriminations prevalent in the country and the society at large. His passing away ends of an era in Punjabi literature, where his words once resonated across generations and cultural platforms. A son of the soil, he was born in Gorayan, a small industrial township in Jalandhar in an ordinary family. Though Chan Goryanwala was an unassuming intellectual yet he earned recognition for his exceptional command over the Punjabi language and his ability to capture human emotions through his lyrics. Chan Gorayanwala wrote more than a dozen books as reported by the Tribune. He was a State Awardee for his excellent contribution to literature and culture of not only Punjab but also throughout India and beyond.
Chan Gorayanwala was fully dedicated to the community who often highlighted themes related to the SC (Scheduled Caste) community, including pride, social issues, and cultural identity of the weaker sections of the society. He was an ardent follower of Guru Ravidass and Babasaheb Ambedkar and such he wrote repeatedly on the mission, philosophy and legacy of these icons with a view to empower the marginalized segments of the society. But unfortunately he did not get his due recognition from the Manuwadi mindsets.
Chann Gorayanwala was a Punjabi cinema personality known for acting in films like Balbiro Bhabi and Shinda (1981), and for his work in the music departments of Laajo (1983), Putt Jattan De (1983), and Gabhroo Punjab Da (1986). He is also credited as a lyricist for Sarpanch (1982) and Nimmo (1984), as per the information accessed from the Social Media. His most popular songs include ‘Chandigarh rehan waliye, assin pendu nahin dilan de marre’ and “Mittran Da Challey Belna” among others.
Bhula Ram – Chan Goryanwala was the Chan (Moon) of the community in real terms. In spite of the fact that he was a well-recognized and successful personality in the literary and film realms, he remained a flag holder and spokesperson of Dalits to carry forward the caravan of Guru Ravidass and Babasaheb Ambedkar throughout his life. I did not know him personally except seeing him once on the stage of Bootan Mandi’s celebrations of Guru Ravidass Jyanti some years ago. The Who’s Who of Punjabi music namely; Narinder Biba, Hans Raj Hans, Surinder Shinda, Sudesh Kumari, among others sang his spiritual and missionary songs which were fully acclaimed by the community. Some of these are –
· Kanshi Vich Aya Shenshah by Narinder Biba
· Pehlan Guru Ravidass Nu Dhio; Jado bhi Koi Kam Krna by Hans Raj Hans
· Tenu Bhim Kahan Jan Rab Kahan by Sudesh Kumari
· Mein Bhi Hai Khuralgarh Jana Mayen Meriey by Amrita Virk
The Tribune has rightly reported, “Tributes poured in from various sections of society, including writers, artists, and admirers, who remembered him as a humble personality and a guiding force in Punjabi literature. Several literary organisations and cultural bodies expressed condolences, highlighting his lifelong dedication to enriching Punjabi heritage.”
With this, I pay my humble tributes to Bhula Ram – Chan Goryanala and pray for peace to the departed soul. His demise is an irreparable loss not only to the community but also to the society –
Badi Mushkil Se Hota Hai Chaman Mein Didawar Paida
