Punjabi Sahit Academy Organizes Felicitation Ceremony on Foundation Day

Ludhiana, October 26, 2025: The Punjabi Sahit Academy, Ludhiana, organized a Felicitation Ceremony on October 24 to commemorate the Academy’s Foundation Day. The event was presided over by Dr. S.S. Johal. Among the dignitaries present were Academy President Dr. Sarabjit Singh, Senior Vice President Dr. Pal Kaur, General Secretary Dr. Gulzar Singh Pandher, and representatives of Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, Rashpal Singh and Ravi.

In his welcome address, Dr. Sarabjit Singh elaborated on the Academy’s ongoing literary activities and publications, as well as its forthcoming projects. He also mentioned a series of literary dialogues and announced a Book Fair to be held from November 21 to November 25 at Punjabi Bhawan.

Dr. Gulzar Singh Pandher, General Secretary of the Academy, highlighted the achievements of various literary personalities and shared insights about the event. He made special mention of Dr. Sukhdev Singh Sirsa, Dr. Guraikbal, Prof. Ravinder Bhathal, and Dr. Hari Singh Jachak for their contributions in organizing the function.

A number of distinguished scholars presented detailed papers on the personalities being honored:

Dr. Gurmel Singh read a paper titled “Dr. Sadhu Singh’s Critical Perspective”;
Dr. Harvinder Singh Sirsa read his citation, and Dr. Sadhu Singh was conferred the “Dr. Ravinder Singh Ravi Award.”

Varghis Salamat read “Karmyogi Photographer and Mystic Poet: Baba Bajwa”;
Hari Singh Jachak presented the citation, and Harbhajan Singh Bajwa received the “Mall Singh Rampuri Award.”

Bhagwant Rasulpuri presented “A Name of Integrity and Commitment: Jatinder Pannu”;
Dr. Gurcharan Kaur Kochhar read her citation, and Jatinder Pannu was honored with the “Jagjit Singh Anand Award.”

Dr. Heera Singh presented “Dr. Dharam Singh – A Dedicated Researcher”;
Surinder Kaile read his citation, and Dr. Dharam Singh was honored with the “Kartar Singh Shamsher Award.”

Dr. Surjit read “The Artistic Journey of Painter Sidharth”;
Karamjit Garewal read the citation, and Sidharth received the “Amrita-Imroz Award.”

Dr. Sompal Heera presented “A Playwright Who Revived Traditions”;
Dr. Gurikbal Singh read Dr. Atamjit’s citation, who was honored with the “Gursharan Singh Award.”

Dr. Paramjit Singh presented “Dr. Kanwaljit Kaur Dhillon – A Multifaceted Talent”;
Mandeep Kaur Bhambra read the citation, and Dr. Kanwaljit Dhillon received the “Prof. Nirpjeet Kaur Gill Award.”

Dr. Gurmukh Singh read about Jasbir Mand;
Jasvir Jhajh presented his citation, and Jasbir Mand received the “Amol Pratap Award.”

Dr. Arvinder Kaur Kakra’s paper “The Bold Feminist Voice in Poetry: Neetu Arora” was read by Harvinder Singh Sirsa;
Trilochan Lochi read her citation, and Neetu Arora was honored with the “Jagjit Singh Lyallpuri Award.”

Prabhjot Sohi read “A Fresh Breeze – Meet Anmol”;
Rajdeep Toor read the citation, and Meet Anmol received the “Dr. Mohanjeet Award.”

Dr. Jagwinder Jodha’s paper “A Distinct Chapter in Modern Punjabi Ghazal: Taan Supne Ki Honge” was read by Balwinder Singh Garewal;
Varghis Salamat read Raman Sandhu’s citation, who received the “Kulwant Jagraon Award.”

Dr. Shamsher Mohi read “The Tragic Situation of the Common Man and His Liberation in Ghazals: Pawan Parinde Te Parwaz”;
Hari Singh Jachak read Dev Raj Dadar’s citation, who was also honored with the “Kulwant Jagraon Award.”

 

Dr. Sadhu Singh expressed gratitude and reflected on Punjab’s tragic history, remarking that Punjab’s spirit lives through its Gurus. Dr. Dharam Singh observed that Punjabi scholars are becoming more self-aware and analytical. Dr. Kanwaljit Kaur Dhillon emphasized the need for greater social recognition of women’s contributions. Jatinder Pannu stated that one must repay the debt to the Punjabi language and soil.

Presiding over the event, Dr. Sardara Singh Johal congratulated the Academy, saying that creativity does not depend on degrees and that the future belongs to women, who are advancing rapidly. He also offered several suggestions regarding the awards process.

Dr. Pal Kaur, Senior Vice President, thanked all the honored guests and participants.
Prominent attendees included Surinder Chahil, Prof. Amarjit Parag, Prof. Jagdev Singh, Satbir Rampuri, Gurmez Bhatti, Balbir Singh Maan, Amrinder Sohal, Prabhjot Rampur, Swaran Palla, Dr. Soma Sablok, Sandeep Samrala, K. Sadhu Singh, Trilochan Jhande, Amarjit Sherpuri, Jatinder Hans, Bhagwan Dhillon, Inderjit Pal Kaur, Surinder Gill, Balwinder Singh Zirkh, D.P. Maur, Inderjit Kaur Lote, Amreek Talwandi, Jagpal Jagga, among others.