Chandigarh : Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma College, Chandigarh in collaboration with Punjab Arts Council and Central Bank of India is organising a 3-day ‘Literature Festival and Book Fair 2022’ from 22 to 24 April 2022. This event is a part of the Golden Jubilee celebration of the college and celebrates creative expression in English, Hindi and Punjabi languages through a pastiche of literary sessions, cultural programs, panel discussions, conversations with eminent authors, poetic symposia and lectures.
The first day of the ‘Literature Festival and Book Fair 2022’ was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Ms. Purva Garg (I.A.S.), Education Secretary, U.T. Administration, Chandigarh. Ms. Garg congratulated the college on its Golden Jubilee.
The events of the day kickstarted with the presentation of the book ‘Phoori’ by the prominent Punjabi writer Jatin Salwan to the guests present and the college library. This was followed by the cover reveal and promotion of the Punjabi music album ‘Pehli Tape’ by Ganga Singh, a meritorious alumnus of the college. Ganga enthralled the audience with his melodious voice as he performed a mesmerising song from his album.
The college Principal, Dr. Ajay Sharma, gave the welcome address and expressed this appreciation for all present and felicitated the guests.
The first session of ‘Ru-b-Ru’, commenced with Ms. Lilly Swarn, a multi-lingual poet and columnist as the Special Guest, in conversation with Dr. Poorva Trikha, Assistant Professor of English. Her book, ‘A Trellis of Ecstasy’ was lauded by India Today Magazine and The Journal of Commonwealth Literature. She has won 25 International and National Awards including the Reuel International prize for Poetry 2016, Best Writer of the World Award 2017 and the Sarojini Naidu Award; and been bestowed titles like World Icon of Literature, Pride of India, Living Legend of the 21st Century and Ambassador of Humanity. Her poetry has been translated into 13 languages.
The second session of ‘Ru-b-Ru’ was by Dr. Paul Kaur, a Punjabi Poet, as the Guest in conversation with Dr. Mandeep Sanehi, Assistant Professor of English. Dr. Paul Kaur is the recipient of a plethora of awards, including the Shiromani Punjabi Kavi Sanmaan in 2004; the Baba Sheikh Farid Award in 2007 and the Bhai Santokh Singh Award in 2018 by the Government of Punjab and Haryana Punjabi Sahitya Academy. Her poetry is prescribed in the curricula of universities such as Panjab University, Punjabi University, Kurukshetra University and Jammu University. Her popular works include “Falaavaasi”, Main MukhtaatabHaan”, “Peeng”, “Meera” and“BaarashAndharae Andar”,
These were followed by a cultural program comprising of Lok-Geet, Bhand and Luddi performances by the students.
These literary activities were complemented by the ‘Book fair’ which comprised 19 book stalls by various publishers and sellers such as Browser Books, Chandigarh; The Brook Publication, Chandigarh; Sabharwal Books, Delhi; Deepak Publisher, Jalandhar and many more. Additionally, several stalls showcasing the painting talent of the college students were displayed.
The first day of G.G.D.S.D. College ‘Literature Festival and Book Fair 2022’was a resounding success due to the enthusiastic participation of the students, the eloquence of the speakers and the benign presence of the guests.