Punjabi magazine ‘Wagah’ promises to break cultural barriers

Neha Saini

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 25

Nearly six months after its launch and two editions later, Punjabi magazine “Wagah’’ has been attempting to get young readers out of their collective amnesia about Punjabi literature. And this is just a small step towards a larger goal, according to its patron and Punjabi writer Charanjit Sohal, who was one of the contributing writers for “Akhar” magazine, a bi-monthly Punjabi magazine published by late Punjab poet Parminderjit. Sohal says “Akhar” had managed a consistent readership that was limited yet loyal. “But after the sudden demise of Parminderjit and subsequent suspension of Akhar’s publication, there was a void that needed to be filled. So, came in Wagah.” 

The quarterly magazine has a panel of prominent writers like Dr Swarajbir, Tejinder Bawa, Prof Satyapal Gautam, Maheep Singh and Sohal himself. With its 1,000 plus subscription across Delhi, Chandigarh and Punjab, “Wagah” reaches to overseas readers in Canada as well. Like all other lifestyle and culture magazines, “Wagah” comprises of opinion pieces, features, poetry and social commentary on various issues. But it also has something extra for its readers. 

“We have a dedicated space for theatre and we feature a play in each edition. The theatre-related content is edited by Kewal Dhaliwal,” says Sohal. True to its title, “Wagah” also has a space for India-Pakistan idea exchange with its contributing writers from across the border. 

“We have featured write-ups of Pakistani writers like Nazm Hussain Saaed and Maner Niyazi. It is more like a cultural magazine than a lifestyle or literature heavy magazine.” With past examples of Punjabi magazine having to shut down due to financial and literary content losses, Kewal dhaliwal, who is one of the members in its panel, says that the strong content and conviction of its patrons is what will sail the magazine through. “We have young writers, who are coming up with content that connects with today’s youth. We have across border idea exchange, a space for the best of the think tanks in Punjab and beyond. So, the final product is eventually a satisfying 200 pages of impactful words,” he says. 

Though still in its early stages, “Wagah” has been appreciated across the literary circles. But Sohal says that the magazine is more about passion for “punjabiyat” rather than money. “My idea behind starting this venture was anything but money. I want “Wagah” to be known as a reflection of the best in punjabi literature.”