Under the leadership of the Directorate of Student Welfare, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), the PAU Young Writers’ Association (YWA) organised a glittering book release ceremony at the Students’ Home. The event marked the public release of “Chatto Pehar Malangi”, the fifth ghazal collection by Dr. Jagwinder Jodha, Editor (Punjabi) at the Communication Centre in the University.
The ceremony was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor of PAU, Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal. Other dignitaries present on the dais included Director Student Welfare Dr. Nirmal Jaura; Additional Director Communication Dr. Tejinder Singh Riar; Additional Director Extension Education Dr. Prabhjot Singh Sandhu; former IPS (Retd.) and eminent writer Mr. Gurpreet Singh Toor; District Language Officer, Ludhiana, Dr. Sandeep Sharma; noted writer Mr. Ram Singh, PCS, and Deputy Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Ludhiana, Mr. Jasdev Sekhon.
While releasing the book, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Gosal stated that PAU has always promoted Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat; particularly keeping a passionate approach towards Punjabi literature, which is the reservoir of our rich culture. This, he said, is the reason why many renowned writers of Punjab have remained associated with the institution. Dr Gosal also referred to the Social History and Rural Life Museum established by Dr. Mohinder Singh Randhawa at PAU, which is an epitome of our rich roots and legacy. He remarked that the museum stands as a testimony to our consistent commitment towards the preservation and promotion of Punjabi culture and heritage. Appreciating the younger generation of teachers contributing to literary creation, Dr. Gosal expressed hope that Punjabi literature would continue to enrich the vast pool of literature across all genres, would flow uninterrupted and grow deeper and stronger.
On the occasion, Additional Director Communication Dr. Tejinder Singh Riar highlighted the University’s efforts, not only in Punjabi literature, but also in agricultural literature. He said that publishing monthly journals, magazines and a wide range of agri-bulletins and further disseminating them among farmers is a hallmark of the University. He further added that on the digital platform as well, the Punjabi weekly agricultural newspaper ‘Kheti Sandesh‘ reaches lakhs of farmers every week. Besides agricultural literature, he endorsed that the University would persistently promote Punjabi literature, providing an apt platform to young creative minds to express in a free environment.
Dr. Sandeep Sharma and Sh. Sukhjinder Ferozepur presented their crucial analytical insights on Dr Jodha’s book. Mr. Gurpreet Singh Toor inspired students to adopt constructive values and aspire to become responsible citizens along with achieving academic excellence. On this occasion, Mr. Ram Singh and Dr. Apminder Pal Singh Brar also addressed the gathering, sharing their critical inputs.
Earlier, welcoming the audience, Director Student Welfare Dr. Nirmal Jaura said that the Young Writers’ Association has been functional in the University for decades with the singular objective of instilling love for literature and culture among students. As a result, more than 150 books by writers, who have been members of the Association from time to time, have been published.
Associate Director Culture Dr. Rupinder Kaur Toor affirmed that such literary events would continue to be organised in the future to encourage writers. Poets present at the event – Mr. Prabhjot Sohi, Ms. Komaldeep Kaur, and Prof. Mandeep Aulakh – recited their poems and engaged the audience in a literary dialogue.
Among others present on the occasion were Dr. Kamaljeet Singh Suri, Dr. Harmeet Singh Kingra, Dr. Ashoo Toor, Dr. Ravinder Chandi, Dr. Simarjeet Kaur, Dr. Gurveer Kaur, Dr. Inderpreet Kaur, Ms. Gulneet Chahal, Registration Officer Mr. Satvir Singh, along with a large number of students and faculty members who share a penchant for poetry and literature in general. The programme was seamlessly conducted by Mr. Gurpreet Virk. President of YWA, Dr. Bikram Singh, proposed a vote of thanks.