Rishtian Di Mehak rekindles the meaning of relationships in a changing world

Punjabi Sahitya Sabha, Hoshiarpur, in collaboration with the Office of District Language Officer, organised a literary function here today to launch ‘Rishtian Di Mehak’, a prose book authored by Principal Gurdial Singh Phule. The event also featured a discussion session and a Kavi Darbar.

The programme began with tributes to poet Shriram Arsh, comedian Jaswinder Bhalla and writer Hardeep Singh Sethi. A two-minute silence was also observed in memory of Punjabis who lost their lives in the recent floods.

Sabha president Tripta K Singh welcomed the guests and congratulated the author. Giving an overview of the book, Dr Harpreet Singh said the work covers diverse subjects and reflects the author’s humanistic approach. “The book guides us in maintaining the purity of relationships that are fast eroding in today’s capitalist era,” he noted.

Writer Madan Veera offered a critical reading of the book, observing that Phule’s constructive perspective as a teacher adds depth, but his medieval approach towards culture appears limiting. Other speakers, including Tripta K Singh, also expressed their views.

Chairing the discussion, Dr Karamjit Singh emphasised the challenges of prose writing. “Prose demands wide and deep reading. Principal Teja Singh set the finest example of this tradition in Punjabi literature. Gurdial Singh deserves congratulations for this book, but future works should draw from broader cultural elements,” he said.

In the second session, a Kavi Darbar brought together poets Principal Das Bharti, Hardyal Hoshiarpuri, Surinder Kangvi, Meenakshi Menon, Raj Kumar Ghasipuria, Tirath Chand Saroya, Jaswant Singh, Bhupinderpreet Kaur and Satish Kumar. Their latest works drew warm appreciation from the audience.

On this occasion, the writer and members of the presidium were honoured with books. The stage proceedings were conducted by Dr Jaswant Rai. Among the audience were Harvinder Sabi, Gurpreet Singh, Inspector Maninder Singh, Ravi Singh, Mangal Singh, Shakuntala Devi, Manharpreet Kaur, Ravnoor Kaur and Anhadnad Kaur.