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Take a moment to think first before you cast your vote. That’s the message that UK-based singer-songwriter and professional kirtani Taren Kaur is trying to put across in her latest song ‘Vote Akh Khol Ke Paiye’. The song was released just days before Punjab, India, goes to elect 117 members to the Punjab Assembly on Saturday (4 February 2017). The state elections has witnessed a spirited challenge by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) against the traditional heavyweights of Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP combine and the Congress. “Recently, in the UK, the Brexit movement happened and many people admitted to not understanding what their decision to vote actually meant. Afterwards many people regretted not taking the time to inform themselves and understand the consequences of what would happen. “So the reason I decided to sing this song is as it’s not supporting any political party, but instead it is spreading the message of using your vote wisely,” Taren tells Asia Samachar when asked what prompted the song. ਵੋਟ ਅੱਖ ਖੋਲ ਕੇ ਪਾਈਏ ਆਉ ਇੱਕੋ ਮੱਤ ਬਣਾਈਏ, ਵੋਟ ਅੱਖ ਖੋਲ ਕੇ ਪਾਈਏਪੰਜਾਬ ਇਹ ਮੇਰਾ ਆਪਣਾ ਹੈ, ਇਹਨੂੰ ਚੰਗਿਆਂ ਹੱਥ ਫੜਾਈਏ। What prompted you to record the song? When I received and read the lyrics I thought they were very relevant and meaningful. I think when it comes to elections there is a lot of propaganda and parties are obviously trying to encourage more people to vote for them. But the important thing is that people should take the time to make an informed decision on who they vote for. It’s about coming together as a community and making the best decision for the betterment of Punjab. So the message in this was to just take a moment to think first before you make your vote. Recently, in the UK, the Brexit movement happened and many people admitted to not understanding what their decision to vote actually meant. Afterwards many people regretted not taking the time to inform themselves and understand the consequences of what would happen. So the reason I decided to sing this song is as it’s not supporting any political party, but instead it is spreading the message of using your vote wisely. When we are given the opportunity to Vote, it is our chance to use your voice to make a decision for the greater good. What is your take on the state of Sikhs in Punjab today? The state of Sikhs in Punjab has changed so much over the years. So many more youth are falling into problems with drugs and alcohol, and are losing their way. Many people are falling into debt and struggling to survive. From the outside we think that everything is fine but many people are suffering and struggling in their every day lives. It’s important to educate the Sikh Youth in Punjab and encourage them to learn about the disadvantages of addiction and instead motivate them to take up other hobbies and interests that could improve their lives and careers. And instead of judging others, I feel encouragement and love is vital. Supporting one another is so important, and working together to make the difference in Punjab. https://youtu.be/Jvguy6-ckAo Singer: Taren Kaur (UK) Music Produced By K J Singh Lyrics by Singh G Guitar/Pluck/Backing Vocals: Kannu nagi Recording Engineer: Lakshman Parsuram Special Thanks: Dindae Sheena SikhSound For Making The RØDE Microphones Ribbon Mic Available For Our Recording In Mumbai!

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/delhi/filing-of-nomination-begins-feb-8-last-date/359216.html

https://www.sikh24.com/2017/02/04/singh-sabha-london-east-defies-sikh-rehat-maryada-by-allowing-hindu-ritual-in-darbar-hall/#.WJddx-uXeK0

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-news/2017/02/04/sikh-groups-plans-for-wolves-church-to-become-community-centre/