He uses this opportunity to pen down drama pending for long

Avneet Kaur

Nawanshahr, May 8

Dr Devinder Kumar, a Punjabi writer, has been utilising his free time effectively during the lockdown. He is completing works that he had kept aside for long.

Dr Devinder, a retired assistant professor from Sikh National College, Banga, and currently working as a professor in the Punjabi department at Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, says, “I have been using this lockdown period to explore such works, including writings, which got sidelined because of my busy schedule and commitments.

The writer says that he begins his day in the nature’s lap doing some yoga and meditation. Afterwards, he spends time reading books, online journals and doing some research work on the drama he is penning down. “Although we are stuck at our homes, we are still very much connected with the outside world through technology. If you ask any person if he/she is getting bored at home, I think the answer is no, because by now everyone has found how to entertain themselves and they are busy either on social media, cooking, painting, watching movies, writing, practicing their hobbies etc”, he added.

So far, he has written three books as a critique, while nine of his books in the form of dramas based on social issues and human rights have been published and widely acknowledged by readers.

Besides, Devinder has been spending time with his Phd students helping them with their research work via video conferencing. “I have four students who have been doing their research work under my guidance. I have divided 40 to 60 minutes time slot for each one of them. I think this is the best time for everyone who has been longing for a break. We should make the best use of this time and explore our creative sides”, he added.

He said for information as well entertainment purpose, he along with his writer friends have been organising an online symposium after every two weeks. “We are a group of 30 persons, all writers and poets by profession. We collectively decide a topic to be discussed during the symposium and everyone is given time to deliver their thoughts and opinions”, he said.

“This activity takes most our time and keeps us busy other days too as it takes time preparing about the topic”, Devinder said, adding he also make sure that he stays away from rumours and invest his time in rational things.