Surjit Patar Art Fest ends, over 200 students from 20 colleges attend
The three-day state-level Surjit Patar Art Festival organised by the Punjab Arts Council here at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) concluded. The closing ceremony and prize distribution were graced by Punjab’s Minister of Tourism and Culture, Tarundeep Singh Sond, who emphasised the urgent need to connect the younger generation with literary and cultural heritage. He highlighted the significance of quality literature and books in shaping young minds and praised the role of art and literature in fostering a more compassionate and socially responsible society. Sond also shared that the Punjab Government was actively working on preserving and promoting Punjab’s literature, art, heritage, and history, and the Surjit Patar Art Festival was a significant step in the direction. Honouring the literary giant, he remarked that Dr Patar was an icon of Punjab, Punjabi language, and culture, and his legacy would continue to live on through his words.
PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal lauded Dr Surjit Patar’s literary contributions and their impact on the PAU’s academic and cultural environment. He reiterated the university’s commitment to nurturing literary and artistic expression among students. He also announced the formation of the “Surjit Patar Student Literary Society”, which shall serve as a hub for literary activities at the university.
Chairman of Punjab Arts Council Swaranjeet Savi highlighted that the festival was part of the larger Punjab Nav Nirman Maha Utsav, with literary and artistic events across villages, towns, and educational institutions. He added that by the end of March, various eminent writers, artists, and young talent would have participated in these celebrations.
Dr Nirmal Jaura, Director of Students’ Welfare, PAU, shared:, “Dr Patar had always envisioned initiatives to connect the youth with their literary and cultural heritage. The Student Art Festival at the PAU was initially launched by Dr Patar years ago, and it is now celebrated in his honour.”
Dr Rupinder Kaur, Associate Director (Culture), PAU, revealed that over 200 students from 20 colleges participated in the festival. Special guest Dr Bikram Singh Gill discussed the evolution of cultural traditions in modern society, emphasising the continued relevance of ancient customs, despite technological advancements.
The festival also featured a kavishri (poetic singing) competition, with judges Satinder Pal Singh Sidhwan, Pali Khadim, and Pritam Rupal evaluating the performances. Prominent guests included Dr Charanjit Singh Aulakh, Dharam Singh Sandhu, Navjot Singh Mander, Amarjit Singh Tanda, Harpal Singh Mangat, Dr Surjit Bhador, Ravinder Ranguwal, and Jasmer Singh Dhatt.
