Punjabi University remembers noted writer Santokh Singh Dhir

Tribune News Service

Patiala, August 30

Punjabi University, Patiala, organised a two-day international webinar in memory of internationally acclaimed Sahitya Akademi Award winner Punjabi writer Santokh Singh Dhir. Organisers of the event said, “Dhir’s literary works are even more relevant in today’s scenario as they promote brotherhood and social bonding.”

Eminent Punjabi writer Gurbhachan Singh Bhullar said there was a need for establishing the Santokh Singh Dhir Chair at the university as a tribute to his contribution to Punjabi literature. “Dhir had penned more than 50 books on various genres and the same would emerge as a source of inspiration to the upcoming generations”, he said.

Critic Dr Sukhdev Sirsa said the emergence of Dhir in the literary arena had changed the scenario as well as the vision of Punjabi literature. He recalled his classic stories ‘Koi ikk sawaar’, ‘Sawer hon tak’ and lauded his commitment for the downtrodden.

Dr Bhim Inder Singh, head, Department of Punjabi Literature and Research Studies, said Dhir rose to literary heights with his pro-people writings despite belonging to a marginalised family.