Lyallpur Khalsa College’s Punjabi Dept celebrates 75 yrs with cultural festivities
The Postgraduate Punjabi Department of Lyallpur Khalsa College celebrated its platinum jubilee on March 19–20, marking 75 years of its establishment. The first day was dedicated to various activities related to Punjabi language, literature and culture, while the second day featured cultural programmes, interactive sessions and theatrical performances.
At the outset of the second day’’s programme, Balbir Kaur, president of the College Governing Council, extended a warm welcome to all attendees. She described the Postgraduate Punjabi Department as the pride of the college, calling it a cradle that has produced eminent personalities in various fields related to the Punjabi world. Principal Dr Rashpal Singh Sandhu formally addressed the gathering, noting that the department is among the pioneering ones, having started MA Punjabi classes in 1950 and stated that personalities associated with this department have achieved a special place in Punjabi language and literature, contributing significantly to establishing the college’’s global reputation.
The chief guest on the second day was Laljit Singh Bhullar, Cabinet Minister, Punjab government. In his address, he emphasised the urgent need for collective efforts to promote the mother tongue, Punjabi, in the contemporary era. He expressed pride that the department had dedicated 75 years to the propagation of Punjabi language, literature, and culture and acknowledged that the department has been home to distinguished scholar-teachers, writers and artistes who are recognised worldwide. He considered it his privilege to be part of the platinum jubilee celebrations. Special guests included Navjot Kaur (chairperson, PEDA), Kanwardeep Singh (chairperson, Child Rights Commission, Punjab), Dr Manjinder Singh (Head, School of Punjabi Studies, GNDU, Amritsar), Dr Harbans Singh Bolina and Dr Baljit Kaur Riar. They were accorded a guard of honour by NCC cadets and were honoured with bouquets and mementos by Principal Dr Rashpal Singh Sandhu and Head of Department Dr Harjinder Singh Sekhon.
Students presented a variety of performances, including a ‘Nukkad Natak’ (street play) on social issues, ‘Bhandan Diya Naklan’ (traditional comedy skits) that filled the atmosphere with laughter and captivating folk songs and giddha performances. A special theatrical performance of ‘Tiktan Do Lai Lai’, directed by Narinder Sanghi in collaboration with Punjab Kala Parishad, Chandigarh, was staged, featuring film actors Hardeep Gill and Anita Devgan. A heritage village display and a book exhibition with around 12 publishers were held on both days. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Harjinder Singh Sekhon, Head of the Punjabi Department.
