Discussions Held on Various Aspects of Punjabi Literature and Culture
-10th World Punjabi Literature Conference Concludes at Punjabi University
Patiala, May 2, 2025
The Tenth World Punjabi Literature Conference, organized by the Department of Punjabi Literary Studies at Punjabi University under the theme Punjabi Literature and Culture: Status and Possibilities, successfully concluded. The event brought together scholars, critics, and researchers to deliberate on the evolving landscape of Punjabi literature and culture.
In the valedictory address, eminent thinker Prof. Sukhdev Singh Sirsa emphasized the need for clarity in understanding the elements that define Punjabi identity. He noted that in the era of globalization, many concepts require redefinition. “As the world has become a global village and we live in societies with diverse identities and cultures, we must adopt a more liberal approach and rethink certain issues,” he said. He added that living with outdated subconscious notions is challenging in today’s context and stressed that no struggle can succeed without confronting privatization.
Dr. Swaraj Singh, a special guest at the valedictory session, spoke on the intrinsic relationship between literature and culture. He highlighted that Punjabis have suffered the most culturally in the globalized era, underscoring the need to address these losses.
The session was presided over by Dr. Balwinder Kaur Sidhu, Dean of the Faculty of Languages, who discussed the challenges facing the Punjabi language and its preservation.
Dr. Parmeet Kaur, Head of the Department, thanked all participants and revealed that the conference featured 115 research papers related to the theme, marking its academic success.
The final academic panel, preceding the valedictory session, was initiated by Prof. Sarbjit Singh. The session included distinguished scholars such as Prof. Joga Singh, Prof. Bhupinder Singh Khehra, and Prof. Jaswinder Singh Bullar. Discussions focused on the current state of Punjabi literature and culture, addressing contemporary challenges facing the language, literature, and culture in the context of modernity. The panel also explored the impact of artificial intelligence on Punjabi literature and culture, highlighting both challenges and meaningful opportunities for growth.
The valedictory session saw participation from a large number of scholars, critics, and researchers, including Dr. Gurnaib Singh, Dr. Rajinder Kumar Lahiri, Dr. Gursewak Singh Lambi, Dr. C.P. Kamboj, Dr. Surjit Singh Bhatti, Dr. Rajmuhinder Kaur, Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, Dr. Prminderjit Kaur, S. Jasbir Singh Jawadi, Harpreet Singh Sahni, Harnur Singh, Manpreet Singh, Dr. Karamjit Kaur, Dr. Harminder Kaur, Dr. Amanjot Kaur, Dr. Jatinder Singh Mattu, Dr. Amarinder Singh, and Ali Akbar, among others.
