Rajpura/Patiala, August 3:- The monthly literary gathering of Lok Sahit Sangam, Rajpura witnessed the formal release of the Punjabi translation of renowned Hindi writer Dr. Sudha Om Dhingra’s book “Khidkiyan Chon Jhakdiyan Akhan” (Eyes Peeping Through Windows). The book has been translated into Punjabi by eminent poet, editor and translator Dr. Amarjit Kaunke.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome by the organisation’s president, Dr. Gurvinder Aman, who invited the dignitaries to the dais in his characteristic poetic style. The event was presided over by noted Punjabi litterateur Dr. Amarjit Kaunke, while Dr. Amarjit Singh, Head of the Department of Punjabi at Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University, Patiala, attended as the Chief Guest. Iqbal Singh Sabbarwal, poet Sandeep Jaswal, and Navdeep Mundi were present as Special Guests. The stage proceedings were conducted by Baldev Singh Khurana.
During the first session, the dignitaries formally released the book. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Amarjit Kaunke said that Dr. Sudha Om Dhingra’s stories hold a significant place in diaspora literature as they sensitively portray the lives and struggles of elderly immigrants, the Indian diaspora, cultural conflicts between East and West, and the widening gap between generations with remarkable artistic depth.
Chief Guest Dr. Amarjit Singh described the book as a valuable addition to Punjabi translated literature. He praised Dr. Kaunke’s translation for its natural flow, stating that readers never feel they are reading a work originally written in another language.
Literary critic Dr. Harjit Singh Saddhar observed that translating the idioms and expressions of one language into another while preserving their essence is an extremely challenging task, which Dr. Kaunke has accomplished with exceptional skill. Iqbal Singh Sabbarwal, Sandeep Jaswal, Navdeep Mundi, and several other participants also shared their views on the book and appreciated its literary merit.
The discussion was followed by a grand Kavi Darbar (Poets’ Meet) in which Dr. Gurvinder Aman, Kulwant Singh Jassal, Surinder Kaur Bara, Satwant Kaur, Preet Mahal Singh, Sunita, Karam Singh Hakeer, Ranjit Singh, Harpal Singh Pal, Dr. Harjit Singh Saddhar, Sandeep Jaswal, Navdeep Mundi, Jagar Singh, D.P. Singh, and several other poets presented their compositions, showcasing a wide range of poetic expressions. The programme was gracefully anchored by Baldev Singh Khurana, whose poetic commentary added a unique charm to the event.