Virsa Vihar to celebrate birth centenary of Bawa Balwant

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 7

Members of Virsa Vihar society decided to celebrate the birth centenary of Punjabi poet Bawa Balwant at a special commemoration meet held here today. The meet was attended by students of Punjabi literature and poets from the city. Padam Shree awardee Surjit Patar was the guest of honour on the occasion.

Bawa Balwant is considered as one of the most prolific and progressive writers of his time. He has often been neglected by modern historians.

Virsa Vihar in association with Punjab Sahitya Akademi will attempt to bring the literary works of the legendary writer and poet by organising statewide activities, including plays, poetry sessions and singing competition.

“His writings contributed to the freedom struggle and presented a social commentary on burning issues at the time. Punjab Sahitya Akademi and Virsa Vihar will present a play based on his life and poetry in Chandigarh, followed by a statewide competition for young talent, who will be asked to present his poetry through songs. The best ones will be chosen for a music album based on Bawa Balwant’s most popular poetry,” said Kewal Dhaliwal, president, Virsa Vohar Scoiety, and Punjab Sangeet Natak Akademi.

Surjit Patar, who was recently in news when he joined the protesting writers by returning his Sahitya Akademi Award, presented his piece on Bawa Balwant’s writings. He also encouraged young writers to stay ahead of their time and never give up despite whatever the circumstances are. He said, “Even during my student years, Punjabi writers and poets were a secluded lot and always found solace in words. Literature has never enjoyed unbeatable popularity. So, it becomes important for writers to adapt with time. I see a promising future for Punjabi literature despite the trends in popular culture.”

While commenting on the ‘disrespecting treatment’ meted out with the protesting writers and artistes by the government, Patar said, “In any democratic society, speaking your piece of mind has never been termed morally wrong, as alleged by some of our revered politicians. When the writers returned their awards, there was a purpose and logic behind it.”

He said, “Sahitya Akademi is an autonomous body, so why did the netas feel offended? Rather than handling the issue through a possible dialogue, manufactured allegations against writers and asking them to leave the country were hurtful and disrespecting. Instead of talking about issues being raised, we were deemed guilty and these attacks came from the people, who might have even not read some of the awarded works.”

“Writers were jailed for speaking their mind even during the time of emergency. Many writers, including myself, Wayram Sandhu and others have bore the brunt of criticising the establishment. So doubting the intensions is out of questions. We too are citizens of the country and have earned our respect in society through years of hardwork. So, we deserve a better treatment,” added Patar.