"Punjabis do not need to give proof of patriotism"
Officials pulled the plug on Shubh’s India tour at the last minute because he posted an image of India back in March 2023.
The image was in relation to the blackout in Punjab, created by the well-known artist Inkquistive (Amandeep Singh).
Shubh got an insane amount of backlash as did Inkquisitive as the original image has parts of Northeast India blacked out.
This was amid rising tensions within India and both Shubh and Inkquisitive was accused of inciting a type of divide.
However, both refused this allegation and merely posted the image in support of Punjab at the time.
After his tour got cancelled, Shubh stayed silent until September 21. He posted a lengthy statement on his Instagram which read:
“As a young rapper-singer hailing from Punjab, India, it was my life’s dream to put my music on an international dais.
“But the recent happenings have tumbled my hard work and progress, and I wanted to say a few words to express my dismay and sorrow.
“I’m extremely disheartened by the cancellation of my tour in India.
“I was highly amped up and enthusiastic to perform in my country, in front of my people.
“The preparations were in full swing and I was practicing with my heart and soul for the last two months. and I was very excited, happy, and ready to perform.
“But I guess destiny had some other plans. India is MY country too. I was born here.
“It is the land of my GURUS and my ANCESTORS, who didn’t even blink an eye to make sacrifices for the freedom of this land, for its glory, and for the family.
“And Punjab is my soul, Punjab is in my blood. Whatever I am today, I am because of being Punjabi.
“Punjabis do not need to give proof of patriotism.
“At every turn in history, Punjabis have sacrificed their lives for the freedom of this country.
“That’s why it’s my humble request to refrain from naming every Punjabi as a separatist or anti-national.
“My intent in resharing that post on my story was only to Pray for Punjab as there were reports of electricity and internet shutdowns throughout the state.
“There was no other thought behind it and I definitely didn’t intend to hurt anyone’s sentiments.
“The accusations against me have deeply affected me.”
“But as my guru has taught me ‘Manas Ki Jaat Sabai Ekai Pachanbo’ (All the human beings recognised as one and same) and taught me not to be afraid, not to be intimidated which is the origin of Punjabiyat.
“I will continue to work hard. My team and I will be back soon, bigger and stronger.”
Inkquisitive also released his comments on his Instagram. In the last part of his statement, he states:
“To showcase I am not an ignorant artist or one not to consider the feelings of those who respectively messaged me about the addition of Jammu and Kashmir, I have attached a new rendition of the artwork in my next slide.”
He continues:
“But this still does not change my concept by any means.
“With every abusive word having been thrown at me, what will it be next?
“I unapologetically create what I believe in, what the world wants to see or say about my work is not in my hands once it is uploaded.
“Despite me adding in those regions you should revisit this post in 24 hours and see what abuse continues to get thrown.
“Better yet the original post is still uploaded, the comments there are far from ‘healthy critique’.
“It’s not about the ‘damage having been done’, it’s unfortunately a realisation of controlled minds and the toxic world we live in and those in higher power setting the trend despite what intentions you have in mind.
“I stand with Shubh…And everyone who believes in the truth of my work and continues to find time and be on this journey with me.”
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