JKAACL organises literary event

Srinagar, Oct 21: A Punjabi Kavi Darbar was organised by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (JKAACL) at the conference room of Tagore Hall, Srinagar today under the guidance of Secretary JKAACL, Harvinder Kour.

The Kavi Darbar was dedicated to the late Surjit Patar, a leading Punjabi poet and intellectual.

Er Narinder Singh (IAS) was the chief guest on this occasion, while Ajit Singh Mastana, a noted Punjabi poet from Kashmir, presided over the programme. S. Popinder Singh Paras, Editor of Sheeraza Punjabi, JKAACL, shared the dais. The programme was attended by intellectuals, writers, poets, and lovers of literature.

Welcoming the guests and the audience present at the event,  Harvinder Kour Secretary JKAACL, stated that it is an appreciable step for JKAACL to organise such a literary event to pay tribute to the noted poet.

She remarked that Punjabi culture has been enriched by the poetry of Surjit Patar and mentioned that the Academy aims to organize literary events in both regions of Kashmir and Jammu.

A number of prominent, well-known, and young poets presented their poetry in different genres of literary art. The poets who presented their creations included M S Jugnu, Dr Shan, Ichpal Singh, H.S. Upashak, Iqbal Singh, Jasbir Kour, Sulinder Singh Sodhi, Kewalpal Singh, Kawalnain Singh, Ranveer Singh, Paramjit Singh, Manmeet Singh, and Tejpal Singh, among others.

In his introductory discourse, S. Popinder Singh stated that the Academy is organizing literary events in all the languages of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, providing access for youth and promoting the Punjabi language in the far-flung areas of the valley and Jammu region. He added that JKAACL has organized such memorial events to honor the contributions of great writers, poets, and intellectuals.

In his address, Er Narinder Singh Bali IAS (Secretary & MD, APD Department) appreciated the efforts of JKAACL to promote regional languages, including Punjabi. He emphasised the need to reach the masses to make all regional languages accessible in their respective areas and acknowledged the contributions made by the late Surjit Patar in the field of Punjabi literature. Ajit Singh Mastana, while speaking on this occasion, appreciated the poetry presented by participating poets, highlighting its varied hues and its reflection on issues related to human values, nature, and life in the contemporary world, and paid rich tribute to the departed soul.

The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Popinder Singh, Editor of Sheeraza Punjabi, while the vote of thanks was extended by Dr Anwar Mirza, Chief Editor of Pahari.