Social Awareness In Punjabi Folk Songs

Abstract

This research article explores the theme of social awareness in Punjabi folk songs, emphasizing their role as both cultural artifacts and vehicles of collective consciousness. Punjabi folk songs, deeply rooted in oral tradition, reflect the lived realities, values, and struggles of the Punjabi people. Beyond entertainment, they embody social, moral, and cultural messages that shape and preserve community identity across generations.The study highlights how these songs address essential social values such as love, respect, family bonds, hard work, and communal harmony, while also exposing social issues including poverty, gender inequality, migration, and injustice. Folk songs serve as an archive of people’s emotions and struggles, offering insights into the history and socio-cultural transformation of Punjab. They are also a means of protest, resistance, and resilience, providing a collective voice against oppression and inequality.Furthermore, the research examines the role of folk songs in reinforcing national identity by connecting individuals to their roots through references to land, culture, and spirituality, particularly in Sufi-inspired poetry. The paper also discusses the aesthetic and linguistic beauty of these songs, showcasing their use of metaphor, symbolism, and musicality in conveying deeper meanings.

By analyzing the social function of Punjabi folk songs, the article underlines their relevance in contemporary contexts, including how modern folk expressions continue to inspire awareness through media and popular culture. This study argues that Punjabi folk songs are not only artistic expressions but also powerful tools for cultivating social consciousness and preserving cultural identity