Gujranwala Guru Nanak Khalsa College hosts International Ghazal Darbar in Ludhiana
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana (Punjab), November 22, 2025: Gujranwala Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Ludhiana, in collaboration with the Centre for Diaspora Punjabi Studies and the Postgraduate Punjabi Department, organized an International Ghazal Darbar today. The event was presided over by Prof. Gurbhajan Singh Gill, Chairman of the Punjabi Lok Virasat Academy, Ludhiana.
The programme commenced with inaugural remarks by Dr. S.P. Singh, former Vice Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. He welcomed participating poets from across the world and expressed pride that writers settled abroad continue to keep Punjabi language and literature alive despite their busy lives.
Noted poet and critic Prof. Surjit Judge delivered an insightful discourse on the structure, evolution and uniqueness of Punjabi ghazal. He emphasized that contrary to common belief, the Punjabi ghazal did not simply evolve from Urdu; rather, both traditions developed around the same time.
He added that Punjabi ghazal has maintained its distinct identity and has not followed certain stylistic tendencies of Urdu ghazal.
The International Ghazal Darbar was formally initiated by Prof. Sharanjit Kaur. Poets from the USA—Harjinder Kang, Surinder Seerat, Surjit Sakhi, Surjit Kaur (Sacramento), and Dil Nijjar; from Canada—Mohan Gill, Gurminder Sidhu, Kawinder Chand, Hardam Singh Maan, Preet Manpreet, and Bindu Matharu; from Italy—Daljinder Rahil; and from Australia (Sydney)—Dr Amarjit Singh Tanda, mesmerized the audience with their soulful and expressive ghazals.
Participants also expressed gratitude to the Centre for Diaspora Punjabi Studies for consistently providing a platform that honours and celebrates Punjabi writers living abroad.
In his presidential address, Prof. Gurbhajan Singh Gill said that listening to the ghazals at today’s event filled him with purity and freshness. Quoting Baba Farid, Shah Hussain and Hashim Shah, he said literature that lacks the fragrance of its native soil is incomplete.
He acknowledged that while the technical metres of ghazal have roots in Persian literature, Punjabi ghazal possesses its own unique essence and identity. He also shared constructive insights on the works of participating poets.
The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by the college Principal, Prof. Rajinder Kaur Malhotra, who appreciated the participation of poets and guests from different countries.
She also thanked Prof. Surjit Judge and Prof. Gurbhajan Singh Gill for sharing valuable knowledge on Punjabi ghazal. She added that the college takes pride in the enthusiastic response received from Punjabi writers across the globe.
The programme was organized and conducted by Prof. Sharanjit Kaur, Head of the Postgraduate Punjabi Department. Renowned Canada-based novelist Jarnail Singh Sekha, storyteller Jasbir Maan, Centre Coordinator Dr Tejinder Kaur and Rajinder Singh Sandhu also graced the event.