Sangrur to host second heritage and lit fest

Sangrur, 15 Nov:  Sangrur Heritage Preservation Society (SHPS) has decided to organize the second Sangrur Heritage & Literary Festival on November 19th and 20nd.

Sangrur, which has been the erstwhile capital of the Jind state, has a rich heritage which would form the thematic background for all literary, art, traditional music, folklore, cultural and other activities to be organized during the two-day festival, informed Karanvir Singh Sibia, Festival Director, and Chairman SHPS. 

The organizing committee comprising of the local residents have volunteered to be a part of this grand event, for which over 30 authors of national repute have confirmed their participation.

Vice chancellor of Punjabi University Dr Jaspal Singh will inaugurate Exhibition at 9.30 AM on 19 November.

The Sangrur Heritage & Literary Festival -2016 will be inaugurated by Governor  of  Punjab & Haryana, Sh V.P.Singh Badnore  on 19th November at 10am at General Gurnam Singh Public School, a heritage building dating back to over a century which was known as Bachitar Niwas where erstwhile commander-in-chief of Jind State, General Gurnam Singh resided.

Some of the well-known authors including Capt Amarinder Singh, D artist and writer Sidharth, Safina Bittu, heritage writer Rajeev Jindal (who is also the Festival Coordinator), wildlife specialist Belinda Wright,  besides many well known authors.

Many books such as The Rich Legacy Of Sangrur by Rajeev Jindal, Asin Put Dariyan De by Dr. Kulwant Grewal, Satguru Bhagat Hamara by Jaswant Zafar would also be released during the festival.

Some of the prominent sessions include “Shiv Batalvi” by SS Bhatti and Mr. Bishambar Shambhi, “Amrita Shergill”, “Journey of the Tiger – Wildlife Conversation & Protecting Animal Habitat” by His excellency, Belinda Wright and Ravi Singh, “1971 War” in which the war veterans would showcase the happenings during the war will be presented.

Punjab NRI Commission chairman Justice Rakesh Garg would  also be arriving as one of the prominent guests.

His excellency, Mr. V.P Singh Badnore will release the souvenir of Sangrur Heritage & Literary Festival -2016.

The intent behind the Festival is to revive the interest in the rich heritage of Sangrur, sensitise the people to partner for its preservation, promote local art and culture unique to Sangrur by providing a platform to the local authors, poets, intellectuals, painters, photographers, academicians, theatre artists to showcase their talent and share it with the youth and the old alike.

The Society relents the unfortunate loss of several iconic heritage landmarks including Lady Minto Girls High School, old Tehsil building, four city gates namely Sunami Gate, Dhuri Gate, Patiala Gate, and Nabha Gate, over a period of time, and would endeavour to preserve the remaining buildings for posterity.

These efforts, the organizers feel, would have direct positive impact on the economy of the region with the flow of thousands of literary-minded people, lovers of art and culture, as well as tourists from all over the world in times to come.