SRINAGAR: A Punjabi Short Story Writers’ Meet was organized by Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (JKAACL) under the guidance of Bharat Singh JKAS, Secretary JKAACL, at the Conference Hall of Tagore Hall, Srinagar (Kashmir) on Tuesday where S. Jagmohan Singh Raina, a well known Punjabi writer from Kashmir was the chief guest on this occasion.
Ajeet Singh Mastana, a noted Punjabi Ghazal writer from Kashmir presided over the programme. S. Popinder Singh Paras, Editor Sheeraza Punjabi also shared the dais.
Bharat Singh Manhas welcomed the guests and the writers present in the programme. In his address, he said that it is an appreciable role of Punjabi writers of the Kashmir Valley that due to their presence the language and literature of Punjabi is being written in Kashmir valley. He said that the academy will provide all facilities for the promotion of Punjabi language in the far flung areas of the valley and the entire region.
Six short stories on the themes concerning the issues of the contemporary world, patriotism, human relations, nature and environment etc were presented in the programme. The Punjabi short story writers who recited their short stories in the programme included Dr. Joginder Singh Shan, Karan Singh Talib, R S Rajan, Rattan Singh Kamwal, Mangat Singh Jugnu, and Harpal Singh Pali,
In his presidential address, S. Ajeet Singh Mastana appreciated the efforts of the Cultural Academy to promote regional languages including Punjabi. He said that it is important to preserve and promote the art, culture and languages of different societies of the region. Jagmohan Singh Raina also expressed his views on this occasion.
The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Popinder Singh Paras who also extended a vote of thanks.