Calgary (Canada), December 24- Punjabi Sahitya Sabha Calgary's last monthly meeting for the year 2024 was held at the Council of Sikh Organisations (COSO) Hall under the chairmanship of Surinder Geet and Jagdev Sidhu. The meeting was dedicated to the Martyrdom Week and began with the lines recited by Jarnail Tagar "Arsho Jhaat Pai Dade Shaheed Ne, Kitna Sidak Hai Mere Parivar Andar"
Sukhmander Gill, a very melodious singer of the Sabha, made the atmosphere emotional by presenting a song narrating the story of the sacrifice of the entire family by Dasmesh Pita Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh. Sardul Singh Lakha narrated his story titled 'Ghund-Chukai'. The style, language, idioms and theme of the story were commendable. Sarabjit Kaur Uppal sang a folk song. The lyrics were "Humne Apne Gaon Mein Ek Jhopdi Dali, Pyaar Ke Liye Ek Bulbul Jaisi Jattee."
Prof. Baldev Singh Dullat read a Veer-Rasi poem narrating the history of the battle of Chamkaur. Gurraj Singh Virk gave the message of remaining young even in old age through poetry. Manjit Brar presented the pain arising from migration through his words. Surinder Geet confirmed the fact that the most difficult task is to open the door of a long-closed house. The fallen roof and the grass grown in the courtyard were seen with teary eyes and nothing was said. He expressed his happiness and satisfaction on the translation of his first story collection 'Tohfa' in Hindi and English.
Prof. Raj Kumar, Prof. Anil Kumar and eminent writer Madhopuri made impressive comments on this book. Jagdev Sidhu said that the publication of five books by top scholar writers-critics on the literature written by Surinder Geet is an extraordinary achievement of the author. Apart from this, Jagdev Sidhu presented the martyrdoms in a new perspective by linking the beginning and decline of the Mughal period with the beginning and development of the Guru period.
Dr. Gurminder Sidhu bid farewell to the year 2024 and wished for the coming year 2025 with these lines “Navyan Varahya Ve Navyan Vangar Aayi, Hara Ve Na Beete Din Dohrai”! The stage was managed very well by the Senior Vice President of the Society, Jarnail Singh Taggar. In the end, Surinder Geet congratulated everyone in advance for the coming year, thanked everyone and hoped for full cooperation in the future. The next monthly meeting of the Society will be held on January 26.