Gursharan Singh memorial to be organised in Barnala on Sept 27

The Gursharan Singh Memorial Trust has announced that the birth anniversary of renowned playwright and progressive thinker Gursharan Singh, popularly known as Bhai Manna Singh, will be marked in a modest manner this year.

The decision has been taken in solidarity with the lakhs of people in Punjab affected by the recent floods and the extensive damage caused.

Instead of the earlier planned function at Virsa Vihar, the programme will now be held at Bhai Gursharan Singh’s ancestral house, Guru Khalsa Niwas, Ranjitpura, on September 13. Organisers said a smaller gathering would be more appropriate in light of the hardships being faced across the state.

Giving details, Dr Parminder and playwright Keval Dhaliwal, convenors of the Gursharan Singh Heritage Committee, said the programme would feature talks by JNU Professor Dr Atul and social activist Dr Navsharan. They will highlight Bhai Gursharan Singh’s immense contribution to revolutionary theatre and democratic people’s movements. Under Dhaliwal’s direction, the Manch Rangmanch group will also present revolutionary songs. People’s cultural organisations have been invited to take part.

In a special message, Amolak Singh, president of Punjab Lok Sabhyacharak Manch, announced that the annual state-level memorial will be held on September 27 at Tarksheel Bhavan, Barnala. The event will include discussions, songs and plays dedicated to Gursharan Singh’s memory. The Trust and other organisations have pledged full support.