Surjit Patar remembered on 1st death anniversary

The Punjab Arts Council in collaboration with the Surjit Patar Foundation, Language Department, Punjab, and Punjabi Lekhak Sabha organised a tribute-giving event, marking the first death anniversary of poet Surjit Patar at the Punjab Kala Bhavan, Sector 16.

The programme began with a ceremonial lamp lighting, followed by a welcome address by thinker Amarjit Garewal. Swarjit Savi shared upcoming initiatives of the Arts Council, including a new campaign titled ‘Sahon Punjab di’. Eminent scholar Tejwant Gill delivered the Surjit Patar Memorial Lecture, praising his deep insight, poetic finesse and people-oriented voice. Yojana Rawat from Panjab University presented Hindi translations of Patar’s poetry, which touched on Punjab, Punjabi language and human relationships.

Gurshaminder Jagpal followed with English renditions of Patar’s verses. A ‘kavi darbar’ session saw participation from poets, including Gurdev Chauhan (Canada), Swarnjit Savi, Jaswant Zafar and Jagdeep Sidhu, whose readings were warmly received.

The event concluded with musical tributes by Manraj Patar and Anujit. Anujot Kaur performed on Patar’s ghazals such as “Tu? Phulla? Jogi Zamin Rakhi?...”, while Manraj rendered pieces like “Kujh Kiha Ta? Hanera...” and “Ki Khabar si Jagg Tainu Injh...”

The proceedings were smoothly conducted by Ashwani Chaitley and Yograj Angrish. Notable attendees included Bhupinder Patar, Nirmal Jora, Praveen Kumar and many other admirers and literary figures.