Storytelling is patient & meditative process, says writer at literary event

Punjabi Sahit Sabha, Hoshiarpur, in collaboration with the District Language Office, organised a literary programme and discussion at the Digital Library, Hoshiarpur, with noted Punjabi writer Jarnail Singh present on the occasion. The event centred on an engaging discussion of his story-writing process and creative journey. The programme was presided over by poet Surinder Kangvi.

Elaborating on his method, Jarnail Singh described writing as a patient, almost meditative process. “I may carry a story within me for months,” he said, “until it gathers enough truth and shape to be written with honesty.” For him, storytelling is neither hurried nor mechanical; it is an organic unfolding where observation, research and imagination converge.

At the beginning, Dr Jaswant Rai, research officer, welcomed the guests and presented a condolence resolution. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jaswant Rai introduced the life and works of Jarnail Singh. He said that coming from a simple family background, the writer developed a deep love for reading, which inspired him to become an author. Jarnail Singh has written six original and one edited short story collections, along with an autobiography. He has received many honours, including the Shiromani Pravasi Sahitkar Award (2011) by the Language Department and the prestigious Dhahan Award of 25,000 dollars for his book ‘Kaale Varke’.

Jarnail Singh, while sharing his experiences, said that his early stories were based on farming life, army life and breaking relationships. His later works reflect the struggles of Punjabis living in Canada, including generation gap, cultural stress and conflicts. He explained that he first finds a base idea, then collects material through research and finally shapes it into a story with imagination. He added that he believes more in quality than quantity and sometimes a story remains in his mind for months before being written.

He also shared detailed insights into the creation of his famous stories like ‘Kaale Varke’, ‘Towers’ and ‘Patteyan Naal Dhakke Jism’. During the interactive session, scholars including Dr Karamjit Singh, Dr Shamsher Mohi, Dr Harpreet Singh, Dr Darshan Singh, Kultar Singh Kultar, Satish Kumar and Dr Kuldeep Singh asked questions, which the writer answered thoughtfully.

Later, a Kavi Darbar (poetry session) was organised, where poets like Madan Veera, Teerath Chand Saroa, Jaswant Singh, Hardayal Hoshiarpuri, Rajinder Sachdeva, Ashok Puri, Raj Kumar Ghasipuria, Rabinder Sharma, Ravi Singh, Lakhwinder Ram, Shashi Kumar, Jagmohan Singh, Karamjit Singh and Harjit Singh presented their fresh compositions.