GNDU faculty Dr Manjinder Singh, poet Jaswinder felicitated

The Kendriya Punjabi Lekhak Sabha, in collaboration with the School of Punjabi Studies of Guru Nanak Dev University (NDU), gave away special honours and awards to Punjabi literary experts, including poets and writers.

The event was hosted at GNDU. Kendriya Punjabi Lekhak Sabha president Darshan Buttar said in the present times, there is a need to recognise the rich literary and cultural heritage of the Punjabi language so that the next generation remains connected to the roots of its rich heritage.

Among the prestigious awards given by the Sabha, the Best Critic Award was presented to Dr Manjinder Singh; the Harbhajan Singh Hundal Poetry Award to poet Jaswinder; the Dr Tarsem Sahitya Sadhana Award to Balbir Parwana; and the Giani Hira Singh Jathebandak Award to Karam Singh Vakil. The award included a cash prize of Rs 11,000 and a badge of honour.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Manjinder Singh said efforts should continuously be made to promote Punjabi globally. He said while recognizing the unique identity of Punjab and Punjabi, there is a need to highlight its universal appeal. Renowned columnist Satnam Singh Manak, while advocating for the betterment of the mother tongue, said to make Punjabi employment-oriented, employment opportunities should be created in schools, colleges and other institutions.

Thinker and novelist Dr Manmohan, while objecting to the vulgar content and vocabulary being served at various platforms of social media, said disrespecting the language used by the Gurus, pirs and fakirs in their daily life is not justified at any level.