SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 5: The J&K Punjabi Sahit Sabha Srinagar, in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), organised a one-day Punjabi Seminar to commemorate the 59th Annual Day of the Punjabi Sahit Sabha Srinagar at Tagore Hall, Srinagar.
The programme brought together eminent Punjabi writers, poets, scholars, intellectuals and literary enthusiasts from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The event highlighted the importance of promoting Punjabi language and literature and showcased the literary and cultural activities undertaken by the Sabha and JKAACL.
Harvinder Kour, Secretary, JKAACL; R.S. Rajan, President, Punjabi Sahit Sabha Srinagar; Ajit Singh Mastana, renowned Punjabi poet and writer; and Popinder Singh Paras, Editor, Sheeraza Punjabi, JKAACL, along with other distinguished personalities, were present on the occasion.
Secretary, JKAACL, appreciated the initiatives of the Punjabi Sahit Sabha Srinagar for the promotion of Punjabi language and literature. She highlighted the various initiatives and support extended by the Academy for literary and cultural activities across Jammu and Kashmir and stressed the importance of collaborative efforts for enriching the regional literary tradition.
The Chief Guest, S. Jaipal Singh, in his address, said that the Punjabi Sahit Sabha and the Cultural Academy are making significant efforts towards the promotion and development of Punjabi language and literature. He appreciated the initiative of organising such programmes and observed that literary and cultural activities provide the younger generation with meaningful opportunities to remain connected with their language, literature and cultural heritage.
In his address, Additional Secretary, JKAACL, Lal Chand said that the Academy is committed to organising Punjabi literary-cum-cultural programmes at regular intervals, including in far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir, so that the rich Punjabi literary and cultural traditions reach wider sections of society.
R.S. Rajan highlighted the activities and achievements of the Punjabi Sahit Sabha Srinagar and presented an overview of its annual progress. He expressed gratitude to JKAACL for its support and cooperation in organising the annual event.
Speaking on the occasion, Ajit Singh Mastana appreciated the efforts of the Punjabi Sahit Sabha Srinagar and JKAACL in providing a common platform to writers, poets and cultural practitioners. He observed that literary gatherings serve not only as platforms for presenting poetry and ideas but also as important links between generations, helping preserve Punjabi language, literary traditions and cultural heritage.
Popinder Singh Paras, appreciated the cooperation extended by the Academy in making the programme meaningful. He said that JKAACL remains committed to promoting literary and cultural activities and providing platforms to writers, poets, artists and young literary enthusiasts. He emphasised that such literary-cum-cultural programmes help encourage wider participation and strengthen the younger generation’s connection with Punjabi language and culture.
The second session featured a vibrant Punjabi Folk Culture Programme, in which folk artists from the Jammu Division presented traditional Punjabi folk music. Master Kuldeep Sharma and Party, enthralled the audience with their performances, adding a colourful cultural dimension to the celebrations.
The cultural programme was followed by a Punjabi Mushaira, in which poets from the Kashmir Division presented their poetry. Dr. Baljit Singh Raina, noted Punjabi poet, writer and literary personality, also participated in the Mushaira. In his literary observations, Dr. Raina highlighted the richness, expressive strength and evolving dimensions of Punjabi poetry. He spoke about the relationship between language, literary creativity and the social and cultural experiences of the people, emphasising that poetry preserves the emotional and cultural memory of society while giving voice to contemporary realities. He also presented his poetry, which was warmly appreciated by the audience.
The programme provided a vibrant blend of literary discourse, poetry and Punjabi folk culture, reflecting the diverse dimensions of Punjabi language and its rich cultural heritage in Jammu and Kashmir.
The event concluded with appreciation from the literary fraternity for the joint efforts of the Punjabi Sahit Sabha Srinagar and JKAACL in organising the 59th Annual Day celebrations and providing a meaningful platform for the promotion of Punjabi language, literature and folk culture.
