JAMMU, JANUARY 17: Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), Jammu, today organised a book release function at K. L. Saigal Hall, Jammu, for the release of “Kadma De Nishan”, a Punjabi short story collection authored by Sharanjeet Kaur Sandhu, an emerging Punjabi writer.
The function was graced by Harbans Kaur Bali as the Chief Guest, while eminent Punjabi writer and novelist Surinder Kaur Neer presided over the event.
Welcoming the guests, Additional Secretary, JKAACL, Lal Chand highlighted the Academy’s sustained efforts to promote literature, art and culture by providing meaningful platforms to emerging writers and artists under the able guidance of JKAACL Secretary. He informed that JKAACL is organising a series of programmes aimed at promoting and preserving the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, with special focus on literature, art, painting and languages, thereby enabling artists, scholar and cultural practitioners to showcase their talent and contribute to the preservation of timeless traditions.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Harbans Kaur Bali congratulated the author on the publication of her book and emphasized the urgent need to write, read and preserve Punjabi language and literature. She appreciated JKAACL for organising meaningful literary events that encourage writers and strengthen the cultural and literary fabric of society.
In her presidential address, Surinder Kaur Neer lauded the Academy for its significant initiatives to support budding writers and young scholars. She observed that such literary gatherings play a vital role in enriching and sustaining Punjabi literature in the contemporary era.
Speaking about the book “Kadma De Nishan”, the speakers noted that the collection presents rich contemporary Punjabi short stories reflecting social realities, human emotions and creative sensibilities. They reiterated that encouraging new writers and bringing fresh Punjabi literature to the forefront remains one of the core objectives of the Academy.
Assistant Professor (Punjabi), Parwinder Kaur presented a detailed scholarly paper on the book, offering critical insights which were well appreciated by the audience.
Senior Editor, Sheeraza Punjabi, Popinder Singh Paras discussed the book and the author’s literary journey in detail, observing that despite being a new entrant, the author’s short stories reflect maturity, freshness, and deep social sensitivity. He also underlined the importance of reading and promoting contemporary Punjabi short stories in today’s changing social landscape.
On the occasion, the author Sharanjeet Kaur Sandhu read out one of her short stories, which left a deep impact on the audience. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Academy and the dignitaries for their constant encouragement and support.
A large gathering of writers, scholars, critics, Punjabi literature lovers and family members of the author were present, including Dr. Baljit Singh Raina, Jang S. Vederman, Rattan Singh Kanwal, Kanwal Nain Singh, Balwinder Singh, Trilok Singh, Ajit Singh Mastana, Gurmej Singh Sandhu, Sangeet Kaur, Amardeep Singh and Sandeep Kaur, among others.
The programme was conducted by Senior Editor Popinder Singh Paras, who also presented the vote of thanks.