Skep Literary Society keeping the flame of Punjabi thought alive

In an era increasingly dominated by electronic gadgets, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the growing presence of e-paper replacing traditional print, the space for deep thinking and creative contemplation often seems under threat. At a time when the human mind risks becoming dependent on machines, books and ideas continue to stand as the most reliable refuge. Recognising this urgency, a group of writers and thinkers in Phagwara came together nearly a decade and a half ago to establish Skep Literary Society, an initiative dedicated to preserving and promoting Punjabi literature and thought.

The society, originally envisioned by writer-engineer Ravinderjeet Singh, began modestly with about 10 members under the first presidency of celebrated ghazal poet Moj Phagwarvi. Over the years, the society has grown steadily, now counting around 50 members, including prominent poets and writers from across the Doaba region. Today, the organisation is led by noted storyteller Ravinder Sote as the president, with acclaimed columnist and author principal Gurmeet Singh Palahi serving as its patron.

Skep’s achievements in the literary sphere are remarkable. The society has published anthologies of its members’ works, including the well-received series ‘Shabad Sirjihare’. It organises a monthly ‘Kavi Darbar’ (poets’ assembly) on the last Sunday of every month, along with regular ‘Face-to-Face’ sessions that highlight the life and work of eminent Punjabi writers such as Jaswinder Phagwara, Balbir Kaur Babbu Saini, Ashok Tandi and Baldev Komal.

One of Skep’s proudest traditions is the annual felicitation of people’s poets and writers, honouring figures such as Gurcharan Roshni, Sarwan Rahi, Sant Sandhu, Jaspal Jirvi and Bhajan Singh Virk with a citation, shawl and honorarium. Collectively, the society’s members have published close to 100 volumes of poetry, fiction and essays, strengthening the Punjabi literary corpus.

Beyond print, Skep has embraced the digital medium. Its online magazine ‘Prateechbimb’ has published 25 issues featuring contributions from distinguished authors, including Gursharan Ajeeb, Dr Joga Singh and Gurbhajan Gill. The society has also taken initiatives to promote Punjabi books through fairs, exhibitions and direct sales, ensuring literature reaches readers at the grassroots level.

The society’s literary gatherings have attracted the participation of well-known voices from Punjab and beyond — journalists such as Satnam Manak and Lakvinder Johal, authors such as Harjinder Kang and Kripal Singh Shergill, and cultural figures, including Sukhi Bath and Kamal Banga from Sacramento. A recent milestone was the large-scale event ‘Khetar Chidra Milni’, which brought together leading poets and writers such as Gurbhajan Gill, Lakvinder Johal and Tarlok Loona for a vibrant exchange of ideas.

At its core, Skep embodies its own symbolic name derived from the English word. It means “a leafless flower stalk growing from the base of a plant”. The society has become a resilient shoot of creativity rising against the winds of digitisation, striving to offer something meaningful and beautiful to society through Punjabi literature and thought.