Explore the world of poems

Department of Punjabi at Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar, organised a one-day seminar on the topic ‘Najam De Surmai Rang‘ in which renowned and celebrated author as well as Padam Shri recipient Dr Surjit Patar was the key speaker. 

Welcoming Dr Patra, Dr Neerja Dhingra, Principal of ACFA, expressed her ecstasy and 

mentioned how his arrival added an honour for the college. “Your arrival is like a milestone in the history of our college and will be cherished forever. We are happy and grateful that such a magnetic and positive personality has come to our college. It is a great moment for us to have such a person who pulsates with magnetic and positive energy. We will be more than happy to have you again to visit our college and inspire our students in the future too,” she expressed.

Padmashree Dr Surjit Patar, while narrating his poetic journey said that when he was a kid, his father went abroad to fulfill the responsibilities of the house and that was the first instance when he had given the shape to sadness in his heart and his mother’s eyes in the form of a poem. 

“Since then there was no turning back and I started writing poetry and along with that other folk tales, nature became inspiration for my poems,” he shared. He also mentioned that every poem of his has some deep experience attached to it. He further highlighted how use of words in poetry should be done with utmost seriousness as they also reveal and hide many secrets. 

The Padmashree awardee expressed his happiness upon meeting the young talent and seeing the artifacts made by the students. He also sang some of his songs to the students and answered their questions.

On this occasion, Heads of Punjabi department from different institutes and colleges joined the seminar.  Dr Gopal Singh Buttar, former Head of Department of Punjabi from Lyallpur Khalsa College said that Dr Surjit Patar is a poet who is not only renowned in Punjab, but the whole world. Dr Ominder Singh Johal, Head of Department of Punjabi from Doaba College said that Surjit Patar is a poet with great power of words.

Following which, Head of Punjabi Department at ACFA, Sandeep Singh presented a documentary related to the life of Dr Surjit Patar and also recited his self-composed poem. 

Alongside,  students who have secured positions in various competitions such as portrait making, calligraphy and poetry composition, organised by the Department of Punjabi, were awarded by Dr Surjit Patar and Dr. Neerja Dhingra. 

Following which, Shivam, a student with the Department of Music, under the mentorship of Dr Amita Mishra and Dr Vivek Verma, mesmerised everyone by singing a folk song. 

In the end, Dr Dhingra highly appreciated the efforts of the faculty of Department of Punjabi for the immense success of the seminar as well as applauded efforts of Ms Lovepreet Kaur, Assistant Professor in the Department, for playing an important role in making the programme successful.