Novelist Manmohan Bawa gets Rupinder Mann Memorial Award

Charanjit Singh Teja

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 21

Renowned trekker, novelist and painter Manmohan Bawa was awarded with 5th Rupinder Mann Memorial Award at the Punjabi Bhawan here today.

Eminent novelist Jaswant Singh Kawal presided over the award function.

Speaking about the man in whose name the award was constituted, lyricist Jagdev Mann said Rupinder Mann was a versatile personality from Sheikh Daulat village. He was a good kabaddi player, social worker and literature lover. He motivated rural youth to take up social work and sports, and study literature.

Prof Ravinder Bhattal presented a poetic biography of Manmohan Bawa, named “Verowal da Bawa”.

Dr Rajnish Bahadur and Dr Karantipal threw light on the historical novels penned by Bawa. Playwright Dr Atamjeet Singh shared Bawa’s trekking achievements and writing style.

Rajwinder Singh Rahi, organiser of the event, said Manmohan Bawa contributed a lot to the Punjabi literature. His novels on ancient and medieval history of the region are among the best in Punjabi literature.

Gurbhajan Singh Gill, former president, Punjabi Sahit Akademi, said, “Manmohan Bawa’s novels show concern for the social, political and economical crisis in Punjab. He is worried about Punjabi youth.”

A large number of residents and NRIs from Sheikh Daulat village were present on the occasion. Literary personalities, including Pritam Singh Mann, Karamjit Singh Buttar, Rashpal Singh Gill, Sukhpreet Singh, Parbjot Singh, Tarlochan Lochi, Ranvir Singh and Budh Singh Neelon, attended the function.