SRINAGAR, JUNE 18: Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), in collaboration with the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, today organized one day seminar at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, on the life, works and literary contributions of eminent Punjabi short story writer Harbhajan Singh Sagar.
The event brought together noted literary personalities, scholars, writers, researchers and readers to remember the rich legacy of one of the most distinguished contemporary voices in Punjabi fiction.
The event was attended by Dr. Rawail Singh, Convener, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi; Khalid Hussain, Member, Sahitya Akademi; Harvinder Kour, Secretary, JKAACL; Lal Chand, Additional Secretary, JKAACL; Popinder Singh Paras, Editor, Sheeraza Punjabi; and Sandeep Kour, Assistant Editor, among other distinguished guests.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rawail Singh elaborated on the various initiatives being undertaken by the Sahitya Akademi for the promotion of Punjabi literature, language and culture across the country. He particularly highlighted programmes aimed at encouraging young writers and fostering literary engagement among the younger generation. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts among literary institutions to preserve India’s diverse linguistic heritage.
Delivering the keynote address, Khalid Hussain presented a comprehensive overview of the life, literary journey and creative achievements of Harbhajan Singh Sagar. He emphasized the author’s unique narrative style, deep humanism and commitment to portraying the realities of contemporary society through his fiction. He observed that Sagar’s writings continue to inspire readers and emerging writers alike through their artistic excellence and social relevance.
In her address, Harvinder Kour, Secretary, JKAACL, spoke in detail about the Academy’s ongoing efforts to promote literature and recognize eminent literary personalities through a variety of programmes, including the popular “Meet the Eminent” series. She paid rich tributes to Harbhajan Singh Sagar, describing him as a significant contributor to Punjabi literature whose writings have earned wide appreciation and recognition in literary circles. She noted that such seminars provide an important platform for critical engagement with the works of leading writers and contribute to strengthening literary discourse.
Highlighting the collaborative efforts of JKAACL and Sahitya Akademi in organizing the seminar, Popinder Singh Paras remarked that Harbhajan Singh Sagar’s literary contributions have greatly enriched Punjabi literature. He particularly referred to Sagar’s acclaimed short story collections Diary, Yatri and Bandh Darwaze Da Birtant, noting that these works reflect a profound understanding of human emotions, social realities and contemporary concerns. He further informed the gathering that Yatri and Bandh Darwaze Da Birtant were honoured with the Best Book Award by JKAACL, a recognition of their literary excellence and enduring relevance.
A number of scholarly papers examining various dimensions of Sagar’s life, literary philosophy, narrative techniques and contribution to Punjabi fiction were presented by Popinder Singh Paras, Dr. Pritam Singh, Rattan Singh Kanwal, Amanpreet Kour and Gurpreet Kaur, among other scholars and researchers. The presentations generated meaningful discussions and critical insights into the thematic richness and artistic significance of Sagar’s writings.
Whike speaking on the occasion, Sandeep Kour highlighted the significance of literary seminars in preserving and promoting regional languages and literary traditions. She expressed gratitude to the JKAACL, Sahitya Akademi and all participants for their contribution towards making the programme a meaningful literary gathering.
In his remarks, Ajit Singh Mastana offered a critical appraisal of the papers presented during the seminar. Reflecting upon Harbhajan Singh Sagar’s literary journey, he highlighted the writer’s creative vision, narrative strength and commitment to depicting the complexities of human experience. He observed that Sagar’s stories occupy an important place in contemporary Punjabi literature and continue to resonate with readers across generations.
A large number of writers, scholars, students, readers and literary enthusiasts attended the seminar, making it a vibrant and meaningful celebration of Punjabi literary heritage.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment by the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and the Sahitya Akademi to continue working together for the promotion, preservation and dissemination of Punjabi language, literature and culture through collaborative literary initiatives and scholarly engagements
