Srinagar : The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) organised a Punjabi Kavi Darbar dedicated to the Prakash Utsav of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji at the Conference Hall, Tagore Hall, Srinagar, with eminent scholars, litterateurs and poets paying rich tributes to the life, philosophy and teachings of the Sixth Sikh Guru.
The programme was presided over by eminent Punjabi litterateur Ajit Singh Mastana, while Jagmohan Singh Raina graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Ideel Saleem, Additional Secretary JKAACL, Kashmir and Popinder Singh Paras, Editor, Sheeraza Punjabi, JKAACL, were also present.
Addressing the gathering, Ideel Saleem, appreciated the sublime teachings of Gurbani and underscored the timeless message of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. He observed that the Guru’s divine wisdom continues to illuminate the path of truth, courage, justice, compassion and selfless service, inspiring generations to uphold righteousness and harmony.
In his address, Ajit Singh Mastana lauded the sustained efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in promoting Punjabi language and literature. He appreciated the high literary standard of the Kavi Darbar and remarked that such programmes provide a meaningful platform for poets and writers while preserving and strengthening the region’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, Jagmohan Singh Raina congratulated JKAACL for organising the event and urged the gathering to imbibe the teachings and ideals of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji in their daily lives. He stated that the Guru’s message of righteousness, courage, equality and humanity remains profoundly relevant in the contemporary world.
Popinder Singh Paras, Editor, Sheeraza Punjabi, highlighted the significance of commemorating the Prakash Utsav through literary and cultural activities. Reiterating the Academy’s commitment to the promotion of Punjabi language and literature, he expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests, scholars, poets and participants for making the event a success.
Zorawar Singh presented a scholarly paper on the life and philosophy of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, highlighting the Guru’s historic visit to Kashmir and elaborating on the significance of the doctrine of Miri-Piri, which continues to inspire humanity with the ideals of spiritual strength, moral courage and social responsibility.
The Kavi Darbar witnessed soulful poetic recitations by eminent Punjabi poets, including Didar Singh, Kewal Pal Singh, M.S. Jugnu, H.S. Pali, Rikhi Singh, Ichpal Singh, Kavinan Singh, H.S. Upashak, Salinder Singh Sodhi and Jasbir Kaur, who paid eloquent literary tributes to Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji through their inspiring compositions.
The event concluded on a note of literary fervour and spiritual inspiration, reaffirming JKAACL’s steadfast commitment to preserving, promoting and enriching the diverse linguistic, literary and cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
