Jammu : Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) has expressed profound grief over the sad demise of Paramjit Singh Bali, popularly known as Kanwal Kashmiri, a renowned Punjabi critic, writer and eminent personality of Punjabi literature and culture in Jammu and Kashmir.
Kanwal Kashmiri, who passed away at the age of 89, made an immeasurable contribution to the promotion, preservation and enrichment of Punjabi language, literature and culture. His literary contribution was rich and highly praiseworthy. He was not only a distinguished literary figure but also a guiding force and source of inspiration for generations of writers and scholars.
A four-time recipient of the Best Writer Award from JKAACL, Kanwal Kashmiri was also honoured with the prestigious Shiromani Award by the Government of Punjab in 2003. He served twice as a member of Sub-Advisory Board of the Punjabi Language at JKAACL and provided valuable guidance to the Academy through his vast literary experience. Notably, he was the first officer from the Sikh (Sardar) community to be inducted into the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service adding a distinct administrative dimension to his multifaceted legacy.
A condolence meeting was held Thursday at his residence in Guru Nanak Nagar, where writers, intellectuals, admirers and family members gathered to pay heartfelt tributes to the departed soul.
The JKAACL deeply condoled the sad demise of Paramjit Singh Bali (Kanwal Kashmiri) and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, admirers and the entire literary fraternity. The Secretary, JKAACL, Harvinder Kaur; Additional Secretary, JKAACL, Lal Chand; Senior Editor, Sheeraza Punjabi, Popinder Singh Paras, along with Punjabi writers including Ajit Singh Mastana, Baljit Singh Raina, J. S. Pandhi, R. S. Rajan, Rattan Kanwal, Harjit Singh Uppal, Ichpal Singh, Hardeep Singh Gill, Dr. Arvinder Singh Amn, Sulinder Singh Sodhi, Dr. Rajbir Singh, Dr. Monojit, Dr. Surjit Singh and family members prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss.
The vote of thanks was presented by Avtar Singh Ji.
