AMRITSAR: The five-day-long prestigious annual `Amritsar Sahit Utsav and Book Fair 2023’, will be held from February 14 to February 18 at the iconic campus of Khalsa College, here. At least 80 publishers from all over India and more than 100 national and state level literary figures will be participating in this mega event, said authorities.
There will be a number of new books released during the occasion and literary discussions, debates and seminars would mark the festival, said Principal Dr. Mehal Singh adding that this Sahit Utsav has become a regular feature now and people with literary interests look forward to this fair.
The Chief Guests of the opening ceremony will be Jathedar Sri Akal Takht, Giani Harpreet Singh and Dr. Surjit Patar, Chairperson Punjab Kala Parishad while Khalsa College Governing Council honorary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina will preside over the session. The renowned Punjabi singer Bir Singh, Dr. Lakhwinder Johal, Dr. Jograj Singh, Kewal Dhaliwal and Harminder Singh Sandhu, GM Verka will be the special guests.
A Punjabi Research Journal of Khalsa College 'Samvad', Coffee-table book about Khalsa College 'Beacon of Light', the books; 'Maharaja Ranjit Singh Sikh Raaj Diyan Baatan' by Harbhajan Singh Cheema, 'Bhai Nand Lal Diyan Rachnawan Ate Sikh Falsafa' by Dr. Hardev Singh and poetry book 'Ajmal' by Dr. Ajaypal Singh Dhillon will be unveiled during the festival.
The well known Punjabi singers and poets will mesmerize the audience by their performances and cultural programs Bhangra and Giddha will be presented by students, said Dr. Atam Singh Randhawa, Convenor and Head, PG Department of Punjabi. The books on diverse subjects will be available at discounts up to 50 per cent.
On the second day of the Book Fair, there is going to be a panel-discussion dedicated to the Birth Centenary of Mahinder Singh Sarna. In this discussion, former Indian Ambassador, Navtej Singh Sarna, Dr. Mehal Singh and Dr. Amanpreet Singh Gill will be participating. There will be a panel-discussion on the topic of 'Samvad-e-Punjab' in the afternoon. Amarjeet Singh Grewal, Dr. Surjit Singh, Dr. Gurmukh Singh and Dr. Jagroop Singh Sekhon will be participating in the discussion.
The books; 'Kudrat Naad' written by Parminder Sodhi and Mandeep Singh Manu, 'Ghulami Di Dastaan' by Dr. Parmjit Singh Dhingra, 'Prism Chon Langhda Shaher' by Wahid, 'Night Club' written by Amit Khan and translated by Harjot and a novel, '1947' by Pargat Singh Sataujwill also be released. Punjabi Singer Yakub will be entertaining the viewers in the evening.
There will be a live painting workshop by the national artist Siddharth on February 16. Rabbi Shergill is going to present a program 'Bulla Ki Jana Mai Kaun' and a play 'Afsana' by Shraddha will be staged in the evening. There will also be a 'Kavi Darbar' by Maan Punjabiyan Da and International Sahitak Manch UK.
On February 17, there will be a program dedicated to the Birth Centenary of Bhai Veer Singh by Bhai Veer Singh Sahit Sadan, New Delhi. Dr. Rana Nayyar, Dr. Sarabjot Singh Behl and Dr. Sukhbir Kaur Mahal will be the part of this. There will be a panel-discussion on the topic 'Vishav Conferences Da Maat Bhashavan di Tarakki Vich Yogdan' presided over by Dr. Ajaib Singh Chattha. Sardool Singh Thiara will be the Chief Guest of the program. A well known Punjabi singer Baba Beli will present his program and the Youth Welfare Department of Khalsa College will present a cultural program on folk dances.
There will be a mini kahani darbar by 'Mini Kahani Lekhak Manch' on the last day of the Fair. The eleven stories will be presented in this program which is presided over by Dr. Shyam Sunder Deepti. A renowned Punjabi writer Waryam Sandhu will interact with the audience in the afternoon. The program will be hosted by Dr. Kulwant Singh and chaired by Dr. Raminder Kaur. A program entitled 'Bol Mitti Deya Baweya' dedicated to the well known Punjabi singer Gurmeet Bawa will be presented by her daughter Glory Bawa. The folk dance Jhumar will be presented by the students of Khalsa College as a mark of the closing ceremony of the event.