Chogawan/Lopoke/Amritsar, April 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Under the patronage of the Punjab Government, the Language Department Punjab celebrated the birth anniversary of eminent litterateur Gurbakhsh Singh Preetlari at his workplace, Preet Nagar. On this occasion, writers and literature enthusiasts from various districts of Punjab participated in a ‘Preet Yatra’.
Family members and scholars shared memories of the great writer and reflected on his literary contributions. During the event held at Preet Bhavan, a documentary film titled “Sapnian Di Dharti”, prepared by Kewal Dhaliwal, was also screened.
Director of the department, Jaswant Singh Zafar, stated that Gurbakhsh Singh, through his writings and actions, conveyed the message of harmony, aesthetics, wisdom, truth, and civility. Preet Nagar, which emerged from his vision, was once centrally located in undivided Punjab before Independence. However, due to narrow political and communal thinking, this place—once comparable to a “Shantiniketan of Punjab”—ended up on the periphery.
Speaking about his father’s life, Hirdepal Singh said that despite difficult circumstances, he lived a fulfilling and joyful life. Though his family conditions were not favorable, he successfully pursued education in the United States and worked to fulfill the aspirations of others.
He established Preet Nagar as Punjab’s first planned township, rich in social and cultural values. Although no religious structure was built in Preet Nagar, its residents collectively celebrated festivals of all religions. He did not believe in giving blessings but always encouraged people to move forward. He termed the celebration of his father’s birth anniversary at Preet Nagar by the Language Department as a historic moment.
Professor Harbhajan Singh Bhatia, speaking on the theme “The significance of being Gurbakhsh Singh Preetlari”, remarked that it is unfortunate that there is often a gap between what people think, say, see, and do. However, Gurbakhsh Singh was different—he practiced what he believed, spoke, and observed. This was a defining positive trait of his personality. He noted that in 1970, the magazine Preetlari had a circulation of 18,000 copies, a remarkable achievement.
Gurbakhsh Singh assimilated philosophies from Chinese, Greek, Jain, Buddhist traditions and Sikh Gurus, which is reflected in his writings promoting love, morality, and inclusiveness. He initially wrote in English but later learned Punjabi to write for his people. During his lifetime, he authored 31 essay collections, 4 biographical/memoir works, 14 short story collections, 14 plays, 5 translations, and several children’s books.
Renowned poet Vijay Vivek said that each copy of Preetlari magazine was read by 7–8 readers in villages and cities, including granthis, shopkeepers, shepherds, farmers, homemakers, and teachers, reflecting its widespread popularity.
Story writer Darshan Joga appreciated the Language Department for fulfilling the long-cherished desire of many writers and literature lovers to visit Preet Nagar. Dr. Lakshmi Narayan Bhikhi said that his writings were free from ritualism, superstition, and blind faith, and promoted scientific thinking. Poonam Singh, granddaughter-in-law of Preetlari, expressed gratitude to the department.
On this occasion, speakers and guests were honored with book sets and shawls by the department. The latest issue of Punjabi magazine “Akhar” was also released.
The stage was conducted by Research Officer Dr. Manjinder Singh. Among those present were Dr. Tejinder Kaur (District Language Officer Mansa), Manjit Puri (Faridkot), Baljinder Maan, journalist Balwinder Dhaliwal, Gurchet Fatehwalia, Darshan Bareta, Jagdish Rai Kulrian, Kamaljit Neelon, Dr. Balveer Kaur Pandher, theatre artist Rajesh Sharma, Ravinder Chot, Harpreet Rana, Angrez Singh, Dharvinder Singh Aulakh, Avtarjeet, Bhasho, Dr. Veerpal Kaur, Pritam Singh Johal, Jasveer Jhajj, Gurinder Gary, Karnail Singh Wazirabadi, Gurcharan Kaur Kochar, Sant Singh Sohal, Amritpal Kaur, Rajpal Kaur, Balwinder Bhatti, Ripanjoit Bagga Soni, Anil Kumar Goel, Bhupinderpreet Singh, Sarabjit Gill, Sunita Sanu, Kumar Jagdev and others.
The event arrangements were managed by Assistant Director Amarinder Singh, Research Officer Gurpreet (Mansa), Research Officer Dr. Inderjit Singh (Amritsar), Dr. Santokh Sukhhi, Dr. Sukh Darshan Singh Chehal, Satpal Singh Chehal, Dr. Manjinder Singh, Research Assistant Harpreet Singh, Mrs. Pooja, Mr. Vinod Kumar, Ankush Kumar, Arun Kumar, Tarlok Negi, Rajwinder Singh, Anmol and others.
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