CHANDIGARH: Shiv Kumar Batalvi Chair at the School of Punjabi Studies, Panjab University, today organised a distinguished National Seminar dedicated to examining the enduring significance of Shiv Kumar Batalvi’s poetry in modern Punjabi literature. The seminar was held with the financial support of the Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi and the Punjab Kala Parishad, reflecting a meaningful collaboration between academic and cultural institutions.
The proceedings commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolising the illumination of knowledge and literary insight. Prof. Dr. Yograj, Head of the Department and Chair Professor of the Shiv Kumar Batalvi Chair, formally welcomed the distinguished guests and participants. In his address, he underscored the academic and cultural importance of establishing a Chair in the name of Shiv Kumar Batalvi, emphasising its role in fostering rigorous scholarship and renewed critical engagement with his oeuvre.
The inaugural session was graced by Prof. Yojna Rawat, Dean of University Instructions at Panjab University, Chandigarh, who attended as the Chief Guest. In her address, Prof. Yojna eloquently reflected on the distinctive poetic genius of Shiv Kumar Batalvi—his lyrical intensity, emotional depth, and profound engagement with existential themes. She further highlighted the vital role that the Chair can play in advancing comparative and interdisciplinary literary studies in the contemporary academic landscape.
The keynote address was delivered by eminent Punjabi critic Prof. Surjit. Dr. Surjit Singh offered a penetrating analysis of Batalvi’s poetry, observing that its roots lie deep within the Punjabi cultural subconscious. He explored how motifs of separation (birha), inner conflict, and an intense longing for death acquire transformative and creative dimensions in Shiv’s verse. Describing Batalvi’s poetry as a priceless literary legacy that extends from Waris Shah to modern sensibilities, he called for a re-reading of Shiv beyond conventional critical paradigms and urged scholars to situate his work within broader cultural and philosophical frameworks.
In his inaugural address, Swaranjit Savi evocatively portrayed Shiv’s personality and poetic imagery through his own poetic reflections, adding a creative and aesthetic dimension to the scholarly discourse.
The session was presided over by Dr. Manmohan, Chairman of the Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi, who candidly remarked that Punjabi criticism has not fully done justice to this towering literary figure.