Kent, Washington, September 15, 2026:- At Randhawa Foundation, Kent, Washington, a launch ceremony for the debut story collection ‘Shagna Da Card’ by renowned litterateur Karnail Singh Kail was organised on Saturday, September 12, in an atmosphere of great enthusiasm, serious literary discussions and warmth. The large presence of litterateurs, poets, social personalities and Punjabi literature lovers turned the event into a memorable literary gathering.
A special feature of the event was that the platform of Punjabi Likhari Sabha Seattle was used not only for the release of the book, but also for detailed discussions on various aspects related to Karnail Singh Kail’s art of storytelling, social consciousness, immigrant life, human relationships, the status of women, dowry, caste discrimination, social contradictions and the historical and social sufferings of Punjab. The speakers said that the stories in ‘Shagna Da Card’ do not merely entertain, but also compel readers to rethink their society, relationships and human behaviour.
Renowned personality Jagroop Singh Jarkhar attended the event as the chief guest. His presence added special significance to the occasion. On this occasion, Jagroop Singh Jarkhar was also specially honoured for his valuable contribution to the world of sports and the Punjabi language.
On this occasion, Amarjit Singh Tarsikka, Hardial Singh Cheema, Nobeldeep Kaur, Balbir Singh Lehra, Santokh Singh Thind, Manjit Kaur Gill, Harinderpal Singh Bains, Avtar Singh Adampuri, Shaan Deol, Malkit Singh Gill, Manjit Singh Chehal, Shingar Singh Sidhu, Jagjit Singh Uppal, Ranjit Malli, Shinderpal Aujla, Baldev Singh Chhina, Harjinder Singh Sandhawalia, Bhupinder Singh Dhadda, Rajvir Singh, Ram Singh Dhaliwal, Sadhu Singh Jhajj, Dr. Sukhvir Beehlah, Harpal Sidhu, Sarabjit Singh Noor, Dr. Harchand Singh, Navalpreet Rangi, Dr. Kanwaljit Singh Hundal, Davinder Singh Heera and Gurpreet Singh Sohal shared their views, congratulated Karnail Singh Kail on his debut story collection and strongly urged readers to read “Shagna Da Card”, describing it as an excellent book that should definitely be read.
Another special attraction of the event was Parminder Gill’s folk-themed performance. Accompanied by the tumbi, he presented the gradually fading folk colours of Punjabi heritage in a vibrant manner. His performance brought back memories of old Punjab, the simplicity of village life, folk culture and traditional colours. Through his voice, style and folk-oriented presentation, Parminder Gill successfully connected the audience with the atmosphere of traditional Punjab, and his performance became a special attraction of the event.
During the event, Manjit Singh Chehal, Balloon Decor Northwest and Amrik Singh Randhawa were specially honoured for their contribution to the services of Punjabi Likhari Sabha Seattle. It may be recalled that Manjit Singh Chehal had made a valuable contribution to the success of the Punjabi Conference organised recently under the banner of Punjabi Likhari Sabha Seattle. In view of his service and support, he was specially honoured at the event.
The entire programme was conducted by Gurpreet Singh Sohal in a very organised, restrained and impressive manner.
The literary event also received a special touch of family happiness. Renowned singer and writer Sardar Balbir Lehra shared the joy of the birth of his grandson with everyone and made special arrangements for food for the guests attending the event. The attendees congratulated Balbir Lehra and his family on the joyous occasion.
Several personalities associated with literature and society were also present as audience members on the occasion. These included Gurdeep Singh Sidhu, Jasbir Sandhawalia, Meena Diwan, Baljit Singh Brar, Mohan Dhaliwal, Jaspreet Kaur, Jagroop Singh Bath, Ajit Kaur, Manohar Singh Sandhu, Tarsem Singh, Balwinder Kaur, Malkit Kaur, Baljit Sidhu, Pritam Brar, Kulwant Shah, Jasvir Sahota, Ishar Singh and Gurpreet Dhanju, Gurshan Singh Randhawa, Sharan Kaur Shokar and Surinder Kaur Brahm.
During the event, several speakers particularly highlighted that Karnail Singh Kail had attempted to touch upon numerous sensitive aspects of life in his very first story collection. His stories contain Punjab as well as migration; love as well as pain; broken relationships as well as the hope of coming together again. This breadth gives ‘Shagna Da Card’ a distinctive identity.
At the end, Karnail Singh Kail thanked the litterateurs, speakers, audience members and friends who attended the event. The attendees congratulated him on the publication of the book and conveyed their best wishes for his future literary journey.
Overall, the launch ceremony of ‘Shagna Da Card’ went beyond being merely a book release and became a memorable celebration of Punjabi literature, folk heritage, ideas, fellowship and honour. The event held on the soil of Kent will remain fresh in the memories of Punjabi literature lovers for a long time.