Lopoke (Suraj Kamlesh): The birth anniversary of renowned Punjabi litterateur Gurbaksh Singh ‘Preetlari’ was celebrated at his workplace Preet Nagar under the patronage of the Punjab Government and the Language Department, Punjab.
Writers, scholars, and literature lovers from across Punjab gathered as part of the ‘Preet Yatra’ to pay tribute to the legendary figure. During the event, family members and intellectuals shared memories and discussed his immense contribution to Punjabi literature.
A documentary film titled “Sapneyaan Di Dharti”, prepared by Kewal Dhaliwal, was also screened at Preet Bhavan.
Director of the Language Department, Jaswant Singh Zafar, highlighted that Gurbaksh Singh spread messages of harmony, wisdom, truth, and cultural values through his writings and actions. He noted that Preet Nagar, once centrally located in undivided Punjab before independence, lost its prominence due to narrow political and communal ideologies.
Hirdepal Singh, speaking about his father, said that despite challenging circumstances, Gurbaksh Singh led a meaningful and progressive life. He even pursued education in the United States and later established Preet Nagar as Punjab’s first planned socio-cultural township. He added that although no religious structure was built in Preet Nagar, people of all faiths celebrated festivals together in unity.
Professor Harbhajan Singh Bhatia spoke on the significance of Gurbaksh Singh’s life, stating that he practiced what he preached, which made his personality unique. He highlighted that in 1970, the magazine Preetlari had a circulation of 18,000 copies, a remarkable achievement at that time.
He further noted that Gurbaksh Singh absorbed philosophies from Chinese, Greek, Jain, Buddhist, and Sikh traditions, which reflected in his writings focused on love, ethics, and social harmony. Over his lifetime, he authored 31 essay collections, 4 biographies/memoirs, 14 short story collections, 14 plays, 5 translations, and several children’s books.
Poet Vijay Vivek said that each copy of Preetlari was read by multiple readers across villages and cities, indicating its wide popularity. Writer Darshan Joga appreciated the Language Department for organizing the event and fulfilling the long-standing desire of many to visit Preet Nagar.
Dr. Lakshmi Narayan Bhikhi emphasized that his literature was free from superstition and rituals, promoting a scientific and rational outlook.
Poonam Singh, editor of Preetlari and granddaughter-in-law of Gurbaksh Singh, thanked the Language Department for organizing the event. Speakers and guests were honored with books and shawls, and the latest issue of the Punjabi magazine Akkhar was also released.
The event was hosted by Research Officer Dr. Manjinder Singh and attended by several distinguished personalities, including Tejinder Kaur, Manjeet Puri, Baljinder Mann, Balwinder Dhaliwal, Gurchet Fatehwalia, Darshan Bareta, Jagdish Rai, Kamaljit Neelon, Dr. Balveer Kaur Pandher, Rajesh Sharma, and others.
The program was organized by Assistant Director Amarinder Singh and a team of officials and researchers from the Language Department.
