Faridkot, August 5
Under the guidance of the Language Department, Punjab, the District Language Office, Faridkot, organized a literary event titled “Jagir Saddhar – Poetry, Reflection and Felicitation” at Desh Bhagat Pandit Chetan Dev Government College of Education, Faridkot. The event was dedicated to the poetic works of eminent Punjabi poet Jagir Saddhar.
The function was presided over by renowned Punjabi poets Gurtej Koharwala and Harmeet Vidyarthi, while Sukhchain Singh Brar, Chief Patron of Major Ajaib Singh Educational and Welfare Society (Regd.), attended as the Chief Guest.
The programme began with the ceremonial anthem of the Language Department. On the occasion, Dr. Rajesh Mohan, Principal of Desh Bhagat Pandit Chetan Dev Government College of Education, welcomed the guests and appreciated the Language Department, Punjab, for its continued efforts in promoting Punjabi language and literature.
Following the inaugural session, artists Gagandeep Kaur and Harshvardhan from Sur-Aangan presented melodious renditions of selected ghazals by Jagir Saddhar, making the event especially memorable.
During the seminar, noted Punjabi poet and critic Dr. Jagwinder Jodha presented a research paper in which he described Jagir Saddhar as a gifted yet underappreciated Punjabi poet. He emphasized that Saddhar’s poetry is distinguished by its thematic diversity and deep social concerns.
Another eminent poet and critic, Dr. Devinder Saifi, presented a research paper highlighting the social and historical dimensions of Jagir Saddhar’s poetry in detail.
Commenting on both research papers, Dr. Jalour Singh Kheeva shared his views and recalled several personal memories associated with Jagir Saddhar.
Similarly, Punjabi poet and storyteller Kumar Jagdev Singh and renowned poet Vijay Vivek also spoke about Jagir Saddhar’s literary contributions and shared their personal experiences with the audience.
In his presidential address, Harmeet Vidyarthi suggested that an edited collection of Jagir Saddhar’s selected poetry should be published so that his literary legacy can be preserved and passed on to future generations.
Gurtej Koharwala remarked that poets like Jagir Saddhar remain deeply connected to the soil and that it is the responsibility of the literary community to honour such writers.
Chief Guest Sukhchain Singh Brar said that he has been deeply influenced by Jagir Saddhar’s poetry. He noted that meaningful poetry guides people towards a better way of life and inspires society to adopt a positive outlook.
During the programme, acclaimed folk singers Dilbag Chahal and Nahar Singh Gill also performed selected compositions by Jagir Saddhar, earning enthusiastic appreciation from the audience.
In his concluding remarks, District Language Officer Manjit Puri thanked all the distinguished guests and attendees. He informed the audience that the Language Department, Punjab, has been providing a monthly pension to Jagir Saddhar for many years as an important initiative to honour and encourage literary figures.
The programme was efficiently conducted by Navpreet Navi.
The successful organization of the event was made possible through the efforts of Kanwarjit Singh Sidhu, Ranjit Singh (Senior Assistant), Jasmail Singh (Clerk), and Prof. Bir Inder Sara from the District Language Office, Faridkot. Photography for the event was undertaken by Teji Joura of Pali Studio, Faridkot.
Among those present were Prof. Bir Inder Sara, Prof. Ranjit Bajwa, Prof. Rupinder Kaur, Prof. Jasbir Kaur, Prof. Sukhpal Kaur, Prof. Rajeshwari Devi, folk singer Baldhir Mahla, writer Manjinder Golhi, Iqbal Gharu, Lal Singh Kalsi, Rajbir Matta, Jaskaran Matta, Kuldeep Kandiyara, Preet Bhagwan, Manminder Dhillon, Dr. Mukesh Bhandari, Dharam Parwana, Gurtej Pakhi, Pargat Pakhi, along with Jagir Saddhar’s family and a large gathering of poets, writers, literary scholars, and literature enthusiasts.