Month-long literary events kick off to mark Punjab Day

The Language Department on Saturday launched a month-long series of literary and cultural programmes to mark Punjab Day and promote the Punjabi language. The celebrations began with a week-long book fair at Bhasha Bhawan, Patiala.A state-level event was also organised at the Kalidas Auditorium of the North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala, under the supervision of Director Jaswant Singh Zafar.

Eminent economist and former Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Dr Sardara Singh Johl presided over the function, formally inaugurating the event by hoisting the department’s flag. The Best Punjabi Book Awards were presented during the ceremony, and singer Manraj Patar captivated the audience with his literary renditions.

The absence of Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, who was to be the chief guest, was conspicuous.

In his address, Director Jaswant Singh Zafar outlined the department’s recent initiatives, stating that a large volume of literary and educational material is being prepared in digital format to make Punjabi literature accessible globally. “Vocabularies, classic Punjabi and world literature are being made available on the department’s website,” he said.

On the occasion, the department released two new publications — Uchian Ummeedan, translated by Kuldeep Singh Kabarwala, and English-Punjabi Vocabulary.