Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
PAU hosts 3-day state-level Surjit Patar Art festival honoring literary legacy
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana (Punjab), February 24, 2025 – Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, in collaboration with Punjab Kala Parishad, inaugurated a three-day state-level ‘Surjit Patar Art Festival’ to celebrate the literary legacy of the renowned poet.
Presiding over the event, PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal described Surjit Patar as a towering figure in Punjabi literature whose writings have left a profound impact worldwide.
He remarked, "Through his pen, Surjit Patar fulfilled the duty of a son of the soil." Dr. Gosal also shed light on Patar’s contributions during his association with PAU and announced the establishment of the Surjit Patar Chair at the university in his honour.
The festival was inaugurated by Mrs. Bhupinder Kaur Patar, who shared heartfelt memories of her late husband. She expressed that Surjit Patar considered all of Punjab as his family and always wished for a bright future for the youth. With deep emotion, she recited selections from his poetry and reminisced about their shared journey.
Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Kala Parishad Chairman Swaranjit Savi highlighted that the Parishad has launched a ‘Punjab Nav Sirjana’ initiative, organizing literary and cultural events across the state from Surjit Patar’s birth anniversary onwards.
He stated that besides honoring established and emerging writers, efforts are being made to connect the younger generation with literature and art.Dr. Nirmal Jaura, Director of Students’ Welfare, PAU, welcomed the gathering and announced that students from nearly 20 colleges across Punjab are participating in various competitions, including poetry, speech, fine arts, and heritage crafts as part of the festival.
Dr. Rupinder Kaur, Associate Director (Culture), PAU, shared details of the three-day event, which includes theatrical performances, folk music, traditional dances, and a seminar on ‘Jeeve Jawani’.
As part of the celebrations, renowned artist Sukhpreet Singh showcased an art exhibition depicting Punjab’s rural life. Following the inaugural session, Dr. Jagdish Kaur was officially appointed to the Surjit Patar Chair at PAU.
The festival also featured inter-college competitions judged by eminent writers and scholars, including Prof. Kirpal Kazak, Dr. Davinder Kaur Dhatt, artist Sukhpreet Singh, Trilochan Lochi, and Gurcharan Kaur Kochar. Dr. Kamaljit Singh Suri, Joint Director of Student Welfare, PAU, extended a vote of thanks to all participants and guests.
Among the prominent attendees were Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Dr. Makhan Singh Bhullar, S. Harpal Singh Mangat, and other literature enthusiasts. The event’s proceedings were conducted by Dr. Vishal Bector.