The 2nd edition of Punjabi poet Prof Gurbhajan Gill's book titled "Raavi" was released during a function held at Gujranwala Guru Nanak Khalsa College, here today. This function was organised by the post graduate Punjabi department of Gujranwala Guru Nanak Khalsa College and Punjabi Lok Virasat Academy.Former Vice Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Dr SP Singh was the chief guest on the occasion, while Punjabi Sahit Akademi President Prof Ravinder Bhathal was the guest of honour. As today was Prof Gill's 66th birthday, a cake was also cut by Prof Gill's granddaughter Asees Kaur Gill and family members in the college premises. During the function, the audience was formally welcomed by Gujranwala Khalsa Educational Council President Gursharan Singh Narula and College principal Dr Arvinder Singh Bhalla.While speaking on the occasion, Prof Ravinder Bhathal congratulated Prof Gurbhajan Gill and said that he is a prolific writer who has published 16 collections of nazams, ghazals and geets during the past three decades. He is steeped in Punjabi folklore and uses folk motifs in his poetic creations. At the same time, he is conscious of the fast-changing patterns of human existence.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr SP Singh said it was proud moment for him as Prof Gill had been his student and started penning poetry in the year 1971. He said most of the ghazals in his book ‘Raavi’ showcase the sorrow and truth about the Partition of India in the year 1947.Prof Gurbhajan Gill informed the audience that “Raavi” includes 103 ghazals/poems and consists of 128 pages. Prof Gill’s wife Jaswinder Kaur and daughter-in-law Ravneet Kaur were also honoured on the occasion.Prof Gurbhajan Singh Gill, who is also Chairman of Maharaja Dalip Singh Memorial Trust, Bassian and former president of Punjabi Sahit Akademi, Ludhiana, said that he is committed to the promotion of Punjabi language and culture through his writings. He said that he would continue serving his mother tongue and motherland through his poetry.Punjabi University Patiala has also awarded him fellowship. Besides, the Punjab government has honored him with Shiromani Punjabi Kavi Award.
Dr Jagwinder Singh Jodha, Editor (Punjabi), Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana informed that Prof Gurbhajan Singh Gill was born at Basantkot (near Batala) in 1953. He received his graduate and postgraduate degrees at GGN Khalsa College, Ludhiana and SCD Government College, Ludhiana respectively. He served for sometime as a Lecturer-in-Punjabi at Guru Nanak National College, Doraha and LRM College (now DAV College) Jagraon. Since 1983 he worked as Editor (Punjabi) at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. He has written nazams, ghazals and geets with equal ease. These have been included in Sheesha Jhuth Bolda Hai (1978), Har Dhukhda Pind Mera Hai (1985), Bol Mitti dia Bawea (1992), Agan Katha (2002), Khair Panja Paniya Di, Mann De Buhe Barian (2003), Dharti Naad (2005) Phullan Di Jhanjar (2006), Paar Darshi (2008), Mor Pankh, Mann Tandoor, Gulnaar, Camere Di Akh Boldi, Surkh Samundar, Do Harf Raseedi, Tareyan Nal Gallan Kardeya (editor Sulakhan Sarhaddi), Pippal Pattian (editor Tarsem Singh).Prominent among those present on the occasion included Dr Manish Kumar from GGN Khalsa College, Prof Manjit Singh Chhabra, Director, GGNIMT, Harpal Kanechvi, Sehajpreet Mangat, Ravinder Deewana, Trailochan Lochi, Puneet Pal Singh Gill APRO Ludhiana, Dr Anurag Singh, Harpreet Sandhu Advocate, Satish Gulati, Swaranjit Savi, Tej Partap Singh Sandhu, Karanbir Singh Sidhu, Dr Anil Sharma PAU, Jagdish Singh Grewal, Sarpanch village Daad, Prabhdeep Singh Nathowal DPRO Ludhiana, Paramjit Singh Dhaliwal, Sangeeta Bhandari, Jatinder Kaur Gill Sandhu, Ram Singh Albela, Amarjit Sherpuri, Dr Tejinder Kaur, Prof Sharanjit Kaur Lochi, Rajdeep Toor, Harbans Malwa, Sarabjit Singh Virdi, Sumit Gulati besides several others.