Punjab: Release of the amazing Vials of Da Shahar in the literary symposium
Punjab: The Punjabi Department of the School of Social Sciences and Languages, Lovely Professional University (LPU) recently organized a literary seminar to discuss the newly published book “Shishian Da Sheher” by renowned poet and playwright Ajaib Kamal. The event was organized under the direction of the Head of the School, Dr. Pavitra Prakash Singh. Ajaib Kamal’s family member Hargurjodh Singh was introduced to the audience as a special guest by the Head of the Punjabi Department, Professor Dr. Kirandeep Singh. Dr. Kirandeep Singh praised Ajaib Kamal as a prominent figure in Punjabi literature and said that his ghazals often addressed social evils and played an important role in the experimental movement in Punjabi poetry, which began in 1961. Senior Professor Dr. Harpreet Singh informed that Ajaib Kamal started writing ghazals during his college days in 1955-1956, having studied Urdu up to BA. He informed that many prominent Urdu writers were part of Kamal’s curriculum. Dr. Satwant Singh highlighted Kamal’s extensive literary works, which include 26 poetry books, 2 ghazal collections, 15 plays, 2 epic poetry books, 5 novels and 1 criticism book. Kamal was also the first to publish an experimental poetry book, “Taash De Patte” in 1962. Dr. Sona Sandhu emphasised that Kamal’s ghazals reflect his innovative approach, urging readers to embrace change in a changing world. Research scholar Sandeep Kaur said Kamal’s ghazals critically examine social shortcomings. Speaking on behalf of the Kamal family, Hargurjodh Singh mentioned that the book also includes articles on Ajaib Kamal’s ghazals by renowned storyteller and critic Kartar Singh Duggal, which were published in The English Tribune on June 19, 1982. He said Kamal’s ghazals are modern and easy to understand, making them accessible to a wide audience. Hargurjodh Singh generously donated the complete set of books written by Ajaib Kamal to LPU library. A large number of LPU students attended the event.
