10th literary festival begins at historic Khalsa College

The 10th Amritsar Literature Festival and Book Fair began at Khalsa College in presence of all members of the Khalsa College Governing Council. Rajinder Mohan Singh Cheena, Pro-Chancellor, Khalsa University, and Secretary, Khalsa College Governing Council, along with Guru Nanak Dev University Vice-Chancellor Prof Karamjit Singh, former diplomat Navdeep Singh Suri, and Khalsa University Chancellor Dr Mahal Singh inaugurated the festival.

Chinna, while stressing on the importance of promoting literature, said, “Literature is an important aspect of life. Books give direction to life. Along with increasing knowledge, books sharpen and refresh human mind. Taking into account the objective of development and promotion of book culture, this literature festival and book fair is organised every year.”

Navdeep Suri said he reached high positions only on the strength of knowledge gained through reading. “The present generation needs to connect with books to not just increase their knowledge, but also sustain linguistic heritage that otherwise will be lost to generalisation. Books teach lessons beyond any classroom and introduce an individual to places and stories that help gain a personality,” he said.

The five day literature festival will host a series of book exhibitions, literary sessions and cultural performances by eminent artistes.

Many book sellers from different regions across Punjab have been invited to display stalls and promote Punjabi as well as vernacular literature.

Dr Atam Randhawa, Principal, Khalsa College, said, “This fair has made its own identity outside Punjab and abroad. Its uniqueness compared to common fairs is that it is a literary fair, whose aim is to promote books as heritage.”

The first day hosted a panel discussion with Pingalwara Charitable Society Director Dr Indrajit Kaur about Bhagat Puran Singh’s dedication to human life and his selfless services for the welfare of humanity. Noted author and Sikh scholar Dr Heera Singh and Dr Indrapreet Singh Dhami discussed various aspects of child psychology on the occasion.

After this, Shiromani children’s writer Baljinder Mann and famous artiste Kamaljit Singh Nilo performed for the audience comprising mostly students. The book fair would continue till November 19.