Srinagar, Oct 21: A Punjabi Kavi Darbar was organized today by the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (JKAACL) at the Conference Room of Tagore Hall, Srinagar,. The event was dedicated to the memory of the late Surjit Patar, a celebrated Punjabi poet and intellectual. Er. Narinder Singh Bali, IAS (Secretary & MD, APD Department), was the chief guest, while the event was presided over by renowned Kashmiri Punjabi poet Ajit Singh Mastana .Ms. Harvinder Kour, JKAS, Secretary of JKAACL was also in the presidium. Also sharing the dais was S. Popinder Singh Paras, Editor of Sheeraza Punjabi, JKAACL.
The Kavi Darbar was attended by a distinguished gathering of intellectuals, writers, poets, and literature enthusiasts who came together to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Surjit Patar. In her welcome address, Ms. Harvinder Kour expressed her appreciation for the JKAACL’s initiative to pay tribute to such a towering figure in Punjabi literature. She highlighted the rich contributions of Surjit Patar to Punjabi culture and poetry and reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to organizing literary events across both Jammu and Kashmir.
Several prominent poets, including M.S. Jugnu, Dr. Shan, Ichpal Singh, H.S. Upashak, Iqbal Singh, Smt. Jasbir Kour, Sulinder Singh Sodhi, Kewalpal Singh, Kawalnain Singh, Ranveer Singh, Paramjit Singh, Manmeet Singh, and Tejpal Singh, presented their poetry in a variety of genres, captivating the audience with their literary expressions.
In his opening remarks, S. Popinder Singh Paras noted the Academy’s ongoing efforts to promote regional languages across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the importance of making Punjabi language and literature accessible, particularly in far-flung areas of both regions. He also underscored JKAACL’s commitment to honoring the contributions of great writers, poets, and intellectuals.
Chief Guest Er. Narinder Singh Bali IAS commended JKAACL for its efforts in promoting regional languages, including Punjabi, and stressed the importance of reaching wider audiences to further the cause of these languages. He also lauded the late Surjit Patar’s immense contributions to Punjabi literature, which continue to inspire generations.
Ajit Singh Mastana, in his presidential address, praised the participating poets for their thought-provoking verses, which touched upon themes of human values, nature, and contemporary life. He paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Surjit Patar, recognizing his indelible impact on Punjabi poetry.
The proceedings were conducted by S. Popinder Singh Paras, Editor of Sheeraza Punjabi, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Anwar Mirza, Chief Editor Pahari.
