Dev Thareekewala is famous for his Punjabi lyrics called ‘kali’, a short song native to Punjab.

A cultural programme was also organised by the Society today. Idu Sahrif, a popular Punjabi Dhadi singer, mesmerised people with poetic excerpts from Heer, a love epic from Punjab. He also sang Dulha, a saga of Punjabi self-respect, and young Dulha’s spirit to fight Mughal emperors to avenge his father’s death.

Dev’s kalis have reached the Punjabis all over the globe through popular singer Kuldeep Manak. The Society also honoured Dev with a memento and a cash prize of Rs 21,000 for his service to Punjabi culture.

The Society also honoured Idu Sahrif with a cash prize of Rs 25,000, and Sanmukh Singh Azad, a Punjabi lyricist, with Rs 11,000. Sanmukh Singh did not have any financial resources to avail medical services in his old age.