The song, which is titled after its first lyric, “Asi Murdabad Nahi Keh Sakde, Bhul Ke Vi Pakistan Nu” (We cannot ever curse Pakistan, not even by mistake), deftly combines themes of spirituality, legacy, and inter-national harmony. The founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who lived a large portion of his life in present-day Pakistan, is also strongly linked to it.
Sikhs across the border find great resonance in Zara Gill’s lyrics. Regardless of political differences, the song reminds listeners that the holy ground where Guru Nanak walked and preached cannot be disregarded. It is a sincere show of appreciation and spiritual affinity with Pakistan, a sentiment that is rarely reflected in India’s increasingly polarizing political environment.
