JKAACL hosts ‘Ru-Ba-Ru’ with ghazal writer Ajit Singh Mastana

Jammu, Jan 17: The Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL) Friday organized a special literary program, ‘Ru-Ba-Ru’, to celebrate the life and literary contributions of S. Ajit Singh Mastana, a renowned Punjabi poet and ghazal writer of Jammu and Kashmir.
The event was held at K.L. Saigal Hall, Writers’ Club, Jammu, and witnessed the participation of eminent writers, intellectuals, and Punjabi literature enthusiasts. The presidium included prominent personalities such as S. Jaipal Singh (Retired Deputy Commissioner), Harvinder Kour (JKAS, Secretary JKAACL), Dr. Arvinder Singh Amn (former Additional Secretary, JKAACL), Dr. Baljit Singh Raina (President, Punjabi Lekhak Sabha, Jammu), Ajit Singh Mastana, and S. Popinder Singh Paras (Editor, Sheeraza Punjabi, JKAACL).
During the event, two poetry collections by S. Ajit Singh Mastana were formally released. Research papers on his literary contributions and the newly released collections were presented by scholars R.S. Rajan and S. Rattan Singh Kanwal, who highlighted Mastana’s poetic prowess and his contributions to Punjabi literature. In her welcome address, Harvinder Kour commended the efforts of JKAACL in organizing literary programs across the region. She praised the Punjabi section, led by Popinder Singh Paras, for engaging youth and promoting the language. She also encouraged similar initiatives to strengthen the presence of Punjabi in educational and cultural spaces.
S. Jaipal Singh, while addressing the gathering, emphasized the need to make Punjabi more accessible in various spheres of life. Dr. Arvinder Singh 4added that involving the younger generation is crucial for preserving and promoting the mother tongue. Reflecting on his journey, S. Ajit Singh Mastana shared his personal experiences and literary evolution. He credited his mother, teachers, and spiritual mentors for shaping his creative vision. Born on July 18, 1947, in Bla village, Kashmir, Mastana pursued Mechanical Engineering and served as an Assistant Engineer in the Border Roads Organization (BRO) before retiring.
A prolific writer, Mastana has authored five Punjabi poetry collections, earning several accolades, including the prestigious Best Book Award from JKAACL in 1997 for ‘Kesar Chhitaan’. His work has been featured in various literary magazines like Sheeraza, Aabru, Kalidhar, and Ekam. He has actively contributed to literary and social organizations, serving as President of Punjabi Sahit Sabha, Srinagar, and as a Member of the General Council of JKAACL. The program concluded with heartfelt tributes from literary stalwarts, including Dr. Baljit Singh Raina and S. Rajinder Singh Raina (former Joint Director, Doordarshan). They lauded Mastana’s efforts in enriching Punjabi literature and encouraged similar platforms to honour other literary figures. The event underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage and inspiring future generations to embrace their linguistic roots.