Amid calls of making poetry book release ceremonies livelier by reciting or singing the poems, Shair Arz Hai, seventh book of Punjabi ghazals by Gurdip, was dedicated to the lovers of this delectable but sadly vanishing art form.
Gurdip, who hails from a village in Dehra Dun, has six books on Punjabi ghazals prior to this release. His prior published works include Naksh Peerhan De, Gurdip has also authored Rangeenia, Ranga Dee Mehfil, Do Bol Tere Joge, Dharkana Nu Khat and Aapne Pal.
Addressing the audience during the release function at Punjab Kala Bhawan in Sector 16 on Saturday, the author stoutly defended his medium of expression and its inherent beauty citing the example of ghazal greats like Mirza Ghalib, Mir Taki Mir and Pakistan’s literary giant Faiz Ahmed Faiz. “I’m inspired by life and as a ghazalgo it is my endeavour to say new things otherwise poetry will stagnate,” remarked Gurdip during the occasion.
Literary critics Dr Prem Singh and Dr Raghbir Singh, Punjabi poetess Surjit Bains, lawyer-cum-poet Rajinder Singh Cheema, secretary of Kendri Punjabi Lekhak Sabha Dr Sarabjeet Singh were among those discussed the ghazals of the book and poet’s artistic nuances. Singer Neeraj Gandhi enthralled the audience rending his voice to the ghazals from the book. Daljit Singh, editor of California-based Punjabi language daily Amristar Times, conducted the proceedings.
The PTC PUNJABI, the No.1 Punjabi Entertainment Channel after celebrating the grand success of Miss PTC Punjabi 2008, now announces the second year of Miss PTC Punjabi, a unique contest and platform for Punjabi Girls to get recognition for their talent and beauty. The highlight of the pageant this year is the gratification that Five Finalists of Miss PTC Punjabi 2009 will get direct entry into the Regionals of Miss India.
Miss PTC Punjabi provides a distinguished platform to the world of fame and adulation for the suave and deserving Punjabi Woman. It is a platform that unveils the talent in these Punjabi women, while grooming them for the life ahead. The pageant is also a War against the Female Foeticide, which even today continues to be a social malice in Punjab.
According to Rabindra Narayan, President, PTC Network (PTC Punjabi/PTC News / PTC Chak De), “It is our concerted effort to make Miss PTC Punjabi the most coveted Beauty and Talent contest for the Punjabi Girls. The direct entry of the five Miss PTC Punjabi Finalists this year into Miss India Regionals is our big achievement of 2009, and establishes our commitment towards that end.”
According to Rajiee M. Shinde, COO., PTC Network (PTC Punjabi/PTC News/PTC Chak De), “Our aim is to encourage Women of Punjab and provide them a platform to showcase their talent. The Beauty pageant Miss PTC Punjabi is a contest of both beauty and intelligence.