The Punjabi Department at SGTB Khalsa College hosted a successful Orientation Program for first-year students on September 4, 2024. The event was designed to introduce students to the department's faculty, curriculum, and extracurricular opportunities, helping them feel welcomed and informed as they began their academic journey.
Program Highlights:
1.    Shabad Recitation:
The event began with a soulful shabad recitation by the Anhad Divinity Society, which set a peaceful and reflective tone for the program.
2.    Welcome Address by Dr. Ravinder Kaur Bedi:
Dr. Ravinder Kaur Bedi, Convener of the Department of Punjabi, welcomed the students, congratulating them on securing admission to Delhi University. She introduced the faculty and encouraged students to take pride in promoting Punjabi language and literature. Dr. Bedi also inspired students to make the most of their time in the department and pursue academic and cultural excellence.
3.    Faculty Insights:
Senior faculty members Prof. Harbans Singh and Prof. Gurinder Singh shared their experiences and perspectives on the department. Their valuable guidance emphasized the importance of dedication to both academics and cultural engagement.
4.    Overview of New Education Policy (NEP):
Dr. Gurdeep Kaur Sura provided an insightful overview of the New Education Policy (NEP), explaining the course structure and the subject selection process. This session helped clarify academic expectations and equipped students with essential knowledge for their academic planning.
5.    Introduction to Extracurricular Activities:
Dr. Kawaljeet Kaur and Dr. Gurpreet Kaur introduced students to Punjabi Sahit Sabha Firdaus and other college societies. They encouraged students to actively engage in extracurricular activities, emphasizing the importance of cultural platforms for personal and academic growth.
6.    Vote of Thanks:
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Paramjeet Kaur, who expressed gratitude to the speakers, students, and organizers for making the event a success.

The Orientation Program successfully acquainted first-year students with the Punjabi Department’s academic offerings and its vibrant cultural landscape. This event provided a solid foundation for students to begin their academic journey and encouraged them to actively participate in both academic and extracurricular activities throughout the year.
 

The Department of Punjabi and Department of English, under the aegis of IQAC at SGTB Khalsa College, organized a Literary Translation Workshop on October 10, 2024. This workshop aimed to explore the intricacies of literary translation and promote multilingualism, skill development, and cultural exchange, all of which align with the goals of NEP 2020.
Key Highlights of the Workshop:
1.    Opening Ceremony:
o    The workshop commenced with the recitation of Gurbani hymns, setting a spiritual and contemplative tone for the session. The dignitaries were warmly felicitated by the organizing committee.
2.    Introduction of the Workshop:
o    Dr. Ravinder Kaur Bedi, Convenor from the Punjabi Department, and Ms. Armeen K. Ahuja, Event Coordinator from the English Department, introduced the core objectives of the workshop, which included promoting multilingualism, skill development, cultural exchange, and enriching the curriculum in line with NEP 2020.
3.    Welcome Address by Prof. Harbans Singh:
o    Prof. Harbans Singh, Vice Principal, gave a thoughtful welcome address, discussing the role of New Delhi as a hub for literary exchanges, particularly in the aftermath of the partition. He emphasized the importance of translation in preserving languages and maintaining cultural cohesiveness in a multilingual society.
4.    Discussion on the Politics of Translation by Prof. Amanpreet Singh Gill:
o    Prof. Amanpreet Singh Gill, from the Political Science Department, delved into the politics of translation, stressing the significance of human expertise in translation despite advances in machine translation. He also highlighted the importance of being bilingual for survival in a diverse world.
5.    Lecture on “Challenges of Translating Poems” by Dr. Amarjeet Kaur (Amiya Kunwar):
o    Dr. Amarjeet Kaur (Amiya Kunwar), a renowned poet and translator, delivered an insightful lecture on the challenges of translating poetry. She pointed out that translation is not just a word-for-word exercise but involves semantic translation that captures the essence and cultural nuances. She also discussed the negative impact of mistranslation due to lack of context or consistency.
6.    Poetry Recitation by Chief Guests:
o    The chief guests, Sunanda Mehta, author, translator, and journalist, and Meera Chadha Borwankar, author and former IPS officer, recited poems from Majestic Musings, a collection originally written by Shaheed Charan Singh. The poems focus on themes such as class, caste, and women’s rights. Sunanda Mehta shared her personal journey of being inspired by her great grandfather, Shaheed Charan Singh, to translate his poems from Punjabi to English.
7.    Closing Remarks:
o    Ritwick Bhattacharjee, Convenor from the Department of English, delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the fundamental role of language in human existence. Language, he stated, enables the expression of thoughts, emotions, and culture, fostering connections and understanding across diverse communities.
8.    Vote of Thanks:
o    Prof. Gurinder Singh, from the Punjabi Department, gave the vote of thanks. He acknowledged the significance of contemporary translation practices and highlighted their relevance in today’s globalized world.
Workshop Engagement and Feedback:
•    A total of 72 students actively participated in the workshop, contributing to the lively discussions and sessions. The attendees expressed their appreciation for the workshop in their feedback, suggesting that future translation workshops be held on a larger scale to reach more participants and offer deeper insights into the field of literary translation.

The Literary Translation Workshop was an incredibly enlightening and beneficial event that provided students with a deeper understanding of the complexities of literary translation, the challenges of preserving cultural nuances, and the crucial role of translation in promoting multilingualism and intercultural dialogue. The enthusiastic participation and positive feedback underscored the workshop's success and its relevance in the current educational and cultural landscape.
 

The Department of Punjabi successfully organized a Fresher's Party for the new batch, providing an exciting and welcoming environment for the incoming students. The event was held under the guidance and leadership of the esteemed faculty members, including Principal Prof. Gurmohinder Singh, Vice Principal Prof. Harbans Singh, and professors Prof. Gurinder Singh, Dr. Ravinder Kaur, Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, Dr. Paramjeet Kaur, Dr. Gurdeep Kaur, and Dr. Kawaljeet Kaur.
To enhance the celebration of Punjabi culture, a fun-filled Mr. Singh and Ms. Kaur competition was organized, in which Jaspreet Singh and Pehleen Kaur emerged as the winners. This competition was a highlight of the party, showcasing the vibrant spirit of the Punjabi community.
In addition to the competition, there were numerous games and activities designed to engage the students and foster a sense of camaraderie. The event also featured delightful performances from students across all years, adding an extra layer of excitement to the gathering.
The Fresher’s Party was not only a celebration but also a wonderful opportunity for students to interact with one another and connect with their teachers in a more informal and joyful setting. It was an enjoyable and memorable gathering, enriching the sense of community within the Department of Punjabi.
 

The Department of Punjabi at SGTB Khalsa College successfully organized an Inter-College Quiz Competition on 5th December 2024, to commemorate the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. The event was held under the auspices of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), and it brought together students from various colleges, celebrating the life, legacy, and writings of the revered Guru.
Event Highlights:
1.    Theme and Purpose: The quiz competition was centered on the theme “Life and Writings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji”. It aimed to honor Guru Tegh Bahadur's sacrifice and his contributions to spirituality, literature, and Sikhism, while also educating students about his teachings and the significance of his martyrdom.
2.    Student Participation: The event saw enthusiastic participation from students across several colleges, who actively engaged in the competition. They showcased their knowledge and understanding of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life, his writings, and his profound influence on Sikhism.
3.    Successful Outcome: The competition was a grand success, as students demonstrated both enthusiasm and keen interest in learning more about Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life and his role in safeguarding religious freedom.
4.    Prize Distribution Ceremony: The event concluded with a ceremony at Gurudwara Sahib, where participants were awarded certificates and prizes in recognition of their efforts and contributions. The ceremony served as a fitting tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur, and participants left with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

                  The Inter-College Quiz Competition proved to be an engaging and informative event,          fostering a deeper appreciation for the teachings and legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. The participation of students from various colleges highlighted the importance of commemorating such historical figures and instilling a sense of cultural pride and knowledge in the younger generation.

The Punjabi Sahit Sabha continued to thrive throughout the 2022-2023 academic year with a diverse range of events aimed at promoting Punjabi literature, culture, and art. These initiatives not only engaged students from the college but also brought together participants from various other institutions, fostering a sense of unity and creativity within the Punjabi community. Below are the major events organized by the society:

To celebrate International Mother Language Day, the Punjabi Literature Society organized an online creative essay contest. Participants were invited to express their thoughts and emotions in Punjabi, showcasing the beauty and depth of their mother tongue. The competition aimed to raise awareness about the importance of preserving linguistic heritage. The winners were announced on 9th March 2023 and were praised for their eloquence and creativity.

On 17th April 2022, the society hosted an Inter-College Lettering Competition, focusing on the artistic skill of Punjabi calligraphy. Students from various colleges participated in the competition, demonstrating their ability to create visually appealing and expressive Punjabi lettering. The event served as a platform for participants to display their creativity and fine motor skills, and the winners were recognized for their excellence in Punjabi calligraphy.

One of the major events of the academic year was the Inter-College Poetry Recitation Competition, held on 17th March 2023. Students from various colleges participated in this competition, delivering Punjabi poems with passion and emotion. The event provided a platform for participants to showcase their oratory skills and love for Punjabi literature. The competition saw fierce performances, and the winners were commended for their ability to bring the poems to life with their heartfelt recitations.

On the same day, 17th March 2023, the society organized the Punjabi Sahit Sabha titled “Mini Punjab”, which aimed to celebrate and showcase the richness of Punjabi culture. The event featured an array of cultural performances, traditional Punjabi music, folk dances, and exhibitions that represented the diverse and vibrant heritage of Punjab. The attendees were treated to a vibrant display of Punjabi culture, and the event was well-received for its dedication to preserving and promoting the cultural essence of Punjab.

In addition to literary events, the Punjabi Sahit Sabha also organized a Punjabi drama titled "Vajood", performed on 17th March 2023. The play was dedicated to the Punjabi mother tongue, exploring the themes of language preservation, identity, and cultural pride. The drama was performed by our talented students, and it conveyed a powerful message about the importance of embracing and celebrating the Punjabi language. The thought-provoking performance captivated the audience and reflected the society's commitment to using artistic expressions to promote Punjabi literature and language.

The Department of Punjabi successfully organized a series of academic, cultural, and literary events throughout the 2022-2023 academic year. From essay contests to drama performances, calligraphy competitions to cultural festivals, the society played a significant role in promoting Punjabi literature, language, and culture. These events provided students with opportunities to engage with their cultural heritage, showcase their talents, and celebrate the richness of Punjabi traditions in a modern context.
 

The Department of Punjabi at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College continues to foster the growth of Punjabi language, literature, and culture through a variety of academic and cultural activities. The year 2023-24 saw a series of events designed to deepen the understanding of Punjabi heritage and engage the broader community in creative and intellectual pursuits. Below are the key events and activities organized by the department under FIRDAUS – The Punjabi Sahit Sabha:

The department celebrated Teachers’ Day with a series of cultural performances by students. These performances, including music, dance, and poetry, were dedicated to the faculty members as a token of appreciation for their dedication and hard work in shaping the academic and personal growth of the students.

On 19th September, the department, in collaboration with the Department of English, organized a book launch event for Sarbpreet Singh's The Sufi’s Nightingale. This book, which explores the Sufi tradition, was the focal point of the event. The evening also included a discussion on the themes and inspirations behind the book, allowing students and faculty to engage in a rich conversation about its cultural significance.

The department organized a film discussion forum for BA (Prog.) students on 30th November. The forum focused on the topic “Qissa ate Desh Vand da Santap," and Dr. Yadwinder Singh, Assistant Professor from the Department of Punjabi, led a critical analysis of socio-political issues in Punjabi cinema. This discussion allowed students to engage with contemporary issues through the lens of cinema and literature.

On 22nd February, students from both Punjabi and English departments visited the Partition Museum in Delhi. The visit aimed to deepen students’ understanding of the historical impact of the partition on Punjabi culture and literature, providing them with a unique learning experience.

During the College Cultural Fest ‘Lashkara-24’, the Department of Punjabi organized a special event titled ‘Kalam te Rangan da Hunar’ on 15th March. This event celebrated the artistic talents of students through poetry recitations and poster-making & slogan-writing competitions. Students created impactful posters and slogans on themes like ‘Developed India-2047’, ‘Ma-Boli Punjabi’, ‘Social-Media’, and ‘Mera-Punjab’.

The launch of Kaushal Panwar’s autobiography, Va-Varolean Vich, took place on 18th March. This event featured discussions by dignitaries, offering insights into the book's significance and themes. The occasion was marked with enriching dialogue and reflections on the writer's personal journey.

The department celebrated International Women’s Day on 8th March with an inspiring event featuring Surinder Geet, a renowned Canadian poet. Geet shared her experiences of struggling as a woman in Canada. Prof. Jaspal Kaur chaired the session, and Dr. Amarjeet Kaur (Amia Kuwar) spoke about the legendary Punjabi writer Amrita Pritam. The day’s final speaker, Dr. Yashpreet Kaur from the Music Department, shared insights from her musical journey and discussed the contributions of iconic singers Lata Mangeshkar and Surinder Kaur.

The academic year began with a webinar on 18th September 2021 titled Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Legacy of Kartarpur, delivered by Professor Prithipal Singh Kapur and chaired by Sardar Tarlochan Singh.

The department organized a quiz competition on Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib: Life and Legacy. Students also participated in various online literary competitions, winning several laurels.

On 8th April 2022, the department launched Khulle Warke, a wall magazine aimed at promoting Punjabi language and literature. The magazine provides students a platform to showcase their creative skills.

Students contributed to the Punjabi section of the college magazine Tegh, sharing their creative thoughts and writing with the wider college 

On 21st February 2020, students presented papers on the significance of the mother tongue.

The annual cultural fest featured a fancy dress competition, poetry competition, Punjabi play Lallu Rajkumar Te Tin Rangi Pari, and an exhibition on Punjabi Lok Virsa.

A two-day conference on Guru Nanak's Philosophy and Legacy was organized on February 22-23, 2019 in celebration of the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak.

A two-day conference on Guru Nanak's Philosophy and Legacy was organized on 22nd and 23rd February 2019 in celebration of the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak.

On 5th September 2019, students organized a special Teacher's Day event, expressing gratitude and respect towards their teachers. Alumni also attended to share their experiences.

On 22nd and 23rd October 2019, the department celebrated the centenary of Amrita Pritam's birth in collaboration with "Acrostic - The Poetry Society." The event included a movie screening of Pinjar and poetry and paper reading sessions.

A two-day international conference on 2nd and 3rd February 2018 featured former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh as the chief guest.

On September 15, 2018 a literary meet was held in collaboration with Sahitya Manch and Sahitya Academy Delhi featuring poets like Dr. Baljinder Chauhan and Dr. Kulbir.

On November 16, 2018,  S. Prakash Singh Gill from Punjabi Helpline and Mr. Pankaj Kapahi from News 18 Punjab guided students on career opportunities. Some students were also selected for PTC Channel internships.

A two-day international conference on 2nd and 3rd February 2018 featured former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh as the chief guest.

On 15th September 2018, a literary meet was held in collaboration with Sahitya Manch and Sahitya Academy Delhi, featuring poets like Dr. Baljinder Chauhan and Dr. Kulbir.

On 16th November 2018, S. Prakash Singh Gill from Punjabi Helpline and Mr. Pankaj Kapahi from News 18 Punjab guided students on career opportunities. Some students were also selected for PTC Channel internships.

A lecture on the "Philosophical Aspect of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Bani" by Professor Dharam Singh (former HOD, Department of Punjabi, GNDU) was organized, with Sardar Tarlochan Singh presiding.

This year, the Punjabi Sahitya Sabha hosted events across various domains. The year began with a fresher's party and the election of office bearers.

Students of BA (H) Punjabi Mukesh Singh, Manpreet Kaur, and Jahnvi Ahuja were selected in the PTC Placement Program held in the college on January 10, 2017.

The department organized a one-day picnic at Chokhi Dhani, Sonipat on January 7, 2017.

On October 31, 2017 department organized interactive Ru-b-ru session with Punjabi author Manmohan Bawa and poet Mohan Jeet.

Students and teachers attended a session with renowned Punjabi writer Balbir Madhopuri at the Punjabi Bhawan, Delhi on November 20, 2017.

The department organized a one-day picnic at Chokhi Dhani, Sonipat on 7th January 2017.

A variety of cultural activities including Sawal Jawab Mukkabala and a Mini Punjab Exhibition were held during Lashkara 2017.

On 31st October, the department organized sessions with Punjabi author Manmohan Bawa and poet Mohan Jeet.

Students and teachers attended a session with renowned Punjabi writer Balbir Madhopuri at the Punjabi Bhawan, Delhi, on 20th November.

During Lashkara 2017, the department organized a quiz competition, a Punjabi play, and an exhibition titled Virsa Virasat E Punjab.

The Department of Punjabi at SGTB Khalsa College presented Bhai Vir Singh's play Bijay Singh at LTG Auditorium. Around 50 students participated in the performance on February 24, 2016

The Department of Punjabi at SGTB Khalsa College presented Bhai Vir Singh's play Bijay Singh at GTBIT College. Around 50 students participated in the performance on February 16, 2016

Students Mukesh Singh, Manpreet Kaur, and Jahnvi Ahuja were selected in the PTC Placement Program held in the college on 10th January 2017.