Emerging trends in literature & their impact discussed

Gurminder Singh Grewal

Samrala, February 13

With their creative energies, poets, writers and artists play an important role in creating social consciousness, said Dr Harish Khare, Editor-in-Chief, The Tribune, Chandigarh, while speaking at a seminar on “The Emerging Trends in literature in Socio-Economic and Political Context” at Malwa College, Bondli-Samrala, today. The event was sponsored by the College Development Council, Panjab University, Chandigarh. 

Dr Khare, who was the chief guest, said Dadabhai Naoroji’s  “Economic Consequences of British Rule” had had a powerful impact on Indian minds. “As a writer, it is our duty to convey what is right and what is wrong to ensure an egalitarian society,” he said.

He exhorted the teachers to inculcate a spirit of enquiry in students to enable them to question absurd practices and ideas. “Literature is a powerful tool to help raise new energy and new ideas,” Dr Khare added.

The seminar was inaugurated by Parminder Singh Sodhi, a poet based in Japan. He spoke on two aspects of literature: one based on contemporary situations and the other on trends already in force. 

Balbir Singh Rajewal, president, Malwa Education Council, expressed concern over the deteriorating standards of literature. Senior Tribune journalists Nirmal Sandhu and Sarbjit Singh Dhaliwal also spoke.

More than 40 papers in Punjabi, English and Hindi were presented at the seminar. The technical session in Punjabi was chaired by Dr Jaspal Kaur Kang, chairperson, USOL, Panjab University, Chandigarh. 

The session in English was chaired by Dr Sukhwinder Singh Gill, DES, Panjab University, Chandigarh, while Dr Ashok Kumar, Deptartment of Hindi, Panjab University, chaired the session in Hindi.