Srinagar 20-09-2025:- Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages ??(JKAACL) today organized a special program “Sahit Ka Rubru” with Dr. Baljit Singh Raina — one of the most distinguished Punjabi writers of Jammu and Kashmir — at Conference Room, Tagore Hall Srinagar. Present on the stage were S. Ajit Singh Mastana, renowned writer of Jammu and Kashmir and Mr. Popinder Singh Paras, Senior Editor Shiraz Punjabi.
While delivering the welcome address, Mr. Popinder Singh Paras, Editor Shiraz Punjabi, said that the Academy recognizes the life and contribution of those writers who dedicate themselves to literature with unwavering spirit. He said that writers are the backbone of the society and their works provide both inspiration and challenges for the younger generation. In this context, he particularly appreciated the vast literary contribution of Dr. Raina.
After this, renowned litterateurs S. Ajit Singh Mastana and R. S. Rajan presented their respective speeches, in which they spoke in detail about Dr. Raina’s lifelong unbreakable connection with Punjabi literature, his deep relationship with fellow writers and the importance of such programs in modern times. He appreciated this initiative of the Academy and said that it is a valuable platform for readers and scholars to directly interact with prominent literary personalities.
Dr. Baljit Singh Raina vividly described his personal and literary journey. He told when he started writing and how he continued to contribute to Punjabi literature. He highly appreciated his creative achievements in Punjabi, Hindi and Dogri, translation work and the efforts of the Academy. He especially appreciated the role of Sardar Popinder Singh Paras as the editor of Shiraz Punjabi and his qualitative achievements and also thanked Mrs. Harwinder Kaur, Secretary JKAACL.
A detailed research paper on the life and literary contributions of Dr. Raina was also presented by Mr. Popinder Singh Paras, which covered almost every aspect of his literary journey, achievements and contribution to Punjabi, Hindi and Dogri literature.
Dr. Raina, who has authored 41 books, has made significant contributions in the fields of short stories, poetry, drama, translation and film scripts. He has received many prestigious awards, such as the Academy Best Book Award (three times), Best Play Script Award (2014), Modern Literary Scholar Award (Punjabi Academy, Wolverhampton, UK), Best Film Director (Fiction), Dr. Randhir Singh Chand Memorial Award, Kundan Lal Saigal Award, Best Feature Film Director (2023), and Special Jury Award of Chambal International Film Festival (2024), etc.
The proceedings of the program were conducted by Mr. Ichpal Singh, while the vote of thanks was presented by Mr. Popinder Singh Paras. The event was attended by renowned writers, intellectuals and students sent by the Principal of Government Women Higher Secondary School Rajbagh, Rajinder Kaur, along with various institutions. This made the program a very spiritual and rich literary interaction.