The Department of Punjabi at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College actively engaged students in a variety of academic and cultural initiatives during the academic year 2024–25. The year commenced with an Orientation Programme for first-year students held on September 4, 2024. The event began with a peaceful Shabad recitation by the Anhad Divinity Society, followed by a warm welcome address by Dr. Ravinder Kaur Bedi, the department convener. Faculty members were introduced, and students were encouraged to take pride in Punjabi language and literature. Prof. Harbans Singh and Prof. Gurinder Singh shared valuable insights from their academic journeys, while Dr. Gurdeep Kaur Sura provided a detailed overview of the New Education Policy (NEP) and the revised course structure. Students were also introduced to various extracurricular opportunities by Dr. Kawaljeet Kaur and Dr. Gurpreet Kaur. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Paramjit Kaur.

A major academic initiative of the year was the Literary Translation Workshop, organized in collaboration with the Department of English and under the guidance of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), on October 10, 2024. The workshop aimed to promote multilingualism, skill development, and cultural exchange in alignment with NEP 2020. After an opening recitation of Gurbani hymns, the workshop was formally introduced by Dr. Ravinder Kaur Bedi and Ms. Armeen K. Ahuja. Prof. Harbans Singh emphasized the importance of translation in preserving languages, especially in the diverse socio-linguistic context of post-partition India. Prof. Amanpreet Singh Gill explored the politics of translation, while Dr. Amarjeet Kaur (Amiya Kunwar) discussed the complexities involved in translating poetry. The event featured moving poetry recitations by guests Sunanda Mehta and Meera Chadha Borwankar, who shared poems by Shaheed Charan Singh. Ritwick Bhattacharjee, from the English Department, delivered closing remarks highlighting the foundational role of language in society. A vote of thanks was offered by Prof. Gurinder Singh. The workshop saw enthusiastic participation from 72 students and received highly positive feedback, with suggestions to organize such events on a larger scale in the future.

The department also hosted a lively Freshers' Party to welcome the new batch of students. Under the guidance of Principal Prof. Gurmohinder Singh and the faculty, the event fostered a warm and celebratory environment. The highlight of the event was the "Mr. Singh and Ms. Kaur" competition, won by Jaspreet Singh and Pehleen Kaur. Students enjoyed engaging games, cultural performances, and interactions with their seniors and teachers, which helped build camaraderie and a sense of belonging within the department.

In addition, an Inter-College Quiz Competition was organized on December 5, 2024, to mark the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. The event, held under the aegis of IQAC, focused on the theme “Life and Writings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.” Students from various colleges enthusiastically participated, showcasing their knowledge of Sikh history, spirituality, and literature. The competition concluded with a prize distribution ceremony at Gurudwara Sahib, where participants were honored for their efforts, reinforcing the values of cultural pride and collective remembrance.

The Punjabi Sahit Sabha of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College organized a Career Guidance Workshop on January 31, 2025, to provide students with insight into various career opportunities related to Punjabi language and literature. The session featured Mr. Prakash Singh Gill from Punjabi Helpline as the main speaker. He offered valuable guidance on how students can pursue prestigious careers, including IAS and IPS, through Punjabi as their medium of examination. He also highlighted opportunities in translation, multimedia, teaching, and research, encouraging students to qualify NET and B.Ed. to become lecturers and educators in the field.

The event was enriched by the presence of S. Rajinder Singh Virasat from the Punjabi Bhasha Prasar Committee, who inspired students to deepen their understanding of Sikh religion, Punjabi culture, and heritage. Renowned journalists S. Kuldeep Singh and S. Sukhraj Singh also addressed the gathering, sharing their experiences in Punjabi media and informing students about the evolving scope of journalism in the Punjabi language.

Using PowerPoint presentations, Mr. Gill showcased examples of well-known personalities who have achieved great success in various fields by embracing Punjabi as a professional medium. His presentation was both informative and motivating, leaving a lasting impact on the attendees.

The workshop concluded with encouraging words from Principal Prof. Gurmohinder Singh and Vice Principal Prof. Harbans Singh, who motivated the students to explore career paths rooted in the Punjabi language. They emphasized the richness and potential of Punjabi in shaping meaningful, respected careers and urged students to take pride in promoting and preserving their mother tongue.

Overall, the workshop was a significant initiative that empowered students with practical knowledge and inspired them to pursue careers through Punjabi, reinforcing the language’s relevance in today’s professional landscape.

On February 7th, the Departments of Punjabi , History and Political Science organized A Talk on Partition Chronicles and Meet the Author—an unforgettable event that transcended academic discussion and became a deeply emotional experience.

The event began with a spiritual invocation by Anhad – The Divinity Society, where students recited the Shabad Hau Vari Vajha Khaniye Vanjha, setting a reverent tone. Prof. Harbans Singh, Vice Principal, spoke movingly about Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings and the historical pain of invasions, emphasizing the resilience of the Sikh spirit.

The keynote speaker, author Sanwal Dhami, shared poignant stories from his conversations with over 700 Partition survivors. His words, filled with sorrow and empathy, revealed not just historical facts, but the lived grief and trauma of those who experienced Partition firsthand. One particular story—of a boy killed not by an enemy, but by a former friend of his father—left the audience in stunned silence, highlighting the complex and heartbreaking human cost of Partition.

Mr. Dhami's heartfelt reflections turned the event into a shared journey of remembrance, urging everyone to honor the voices of the past. As the gathering ended, it was clear this was more than a talk—it was a collective act of mourning, reflection, and hope for a more compassionate future.

Parwaaz, carrying its very essence, stands for giving flight to art and its worshippers—the artists. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College and Robaroo Theatre Group, Vijay Suri Foundation  collaborated under the aegis of IQAC, in alignment with the objectives of the National Education Policy, to organise a short-play competition based on social issues. The event came to life through the ideation of Ms. Kajal Suri, Director of Robroo Theatre Group and the vision of Dr. Ravinder Kaur Bedi, Prof. Smita Mishra and Ms. Armeen Kaur Ahuja along the organising team comprising of Dr. Gagandeep Kaur, Ms. Saheb Kaur and Dr. Parmjit Kaur. Principal Prof. Gurmohinder Singh and Vice Principal, Prof Harbans Singh’s support enabled the success of the event.

 

The competition saw participation from several teams, including various teams from Delhi University. The short plays and monoacts were judged by a panel of experts  comprising of Prof. Kulvir Gojra (Head, Department of Punjabi, Delhi University), Prof. Smitha Mishra (Department of Hindi) and Ms. Vineeta Kambiri (Writer, Translator, All India Radio) as members.

 

Team Masque from Hindu College secured the 1st position, Team Pratibimb from DTU clinched the 2nd position, and Team Rangayan Stage from ARSD bagged the 3rd position. In the Monoact category, Preeti Singh from Maharaja Surajmal Institute delivered a stellar performance, securing 1st place. The competition which was organised to introduce the college students to understanding drama beyond textbooks  remained a success and opened the horizon of experiencing theatre beyond literature.

A session with Dr. Paul Kaur, the Sahitya Akademi Award-winning author, was organized on February 14th, 2025, at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, Delhi University (under the aegis of IQAC), in collaboration with the Punjabi Department and the Punjab Arts Council, Chandigarh. The event focused on her award-winning book "Sun Gunvanta Sun Budhvanta (Itihasnama Punjab)", exploring the rich history of Punjab from the Vedic era to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, blending various religious and philosophical traditions such as Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism, and more.

The programme was coordinated by the Punjabi faculty members—Prof. Gurinder Singh, Dr. Ravinder Kaur Bedi, Dr. Paramjit Kaur, Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, Dr. Kawaljeet Kaur, and Dr. Gurdeep Kaur Sura, under the guidance and vision of Principal Prof. Gurmohinder Singh and Vice Principal Prof. Harbans Singh. The event commenced with a spiritual singing by Anhad- The Divinity Society.

A warm welcome was extended to all the guests, students, and faculty members. Prof. Amanpreet Singh Gill highlighted the book as a confluence of history, religion, and philosophy. Prof. Rawail Singh noted its exploration of Punjabi identity and its challenge to modern geopolitics.

Dr. Kaur shared that the book resulted from 15 years of research and is a historical account written from a poetic perspective. The session concluded with Dr. Kaur reading the selected poems from the book, which were highly appreciated by the audience. Prof. Gurinder Singh concluded the event with a vote of thanks, by thanking all the attendees for their participation.

The Punjabi Sahit Sabha at SGTB Khalsa College celebrated International Mother Tongue Day with great enthusiasm and cultural fervour. The event featured a vibrant blend of activities, including an Akharkari workshop and a captivating art exhibition, both aimed at promoting the richness and beauty of the Punjabi language. These initiatives not only celebrated the essence of linguistic heritage but also provided students with a creative and engaging platform to express themselves. Through these thoughtfully curated events, the Sabha reaffirmed its commitment to preserving language, fostering cultural pride, and nurturing holistic student development.

As part of the vibrant celebrations of Lashkara 2025, the Punjabi Department’s Firdaus Punjabi Sahit Sabha organized an energetic and enthralling Lok Nach Mukabla (Folk Dance Competition) on April 5, 2025. The event was a true tribute to the rich cultural tapestry of Punjab, bringing its traditional rhythms, colours, and spirit alive on stage.

Participants from various colleges showcased mesmerizing performances, each echoing the vibrance and legacy of Punjabi folk traditions. The competition was graced by the presence of esteemed judges—Dr. Kuldeep Kaur Pahwa and Dr. Amarjeet Kaur—who commended the performers for their passion, authenticity, and commitment to keeping Punjab’s folk heritage alive.

The event stood out as a joyous celebration of identity and tradition, capturing the essence of lok nach in its purest form. With its high energy, heartfelt performances, and cultural pride, the Lok Nach Mukabla emerged as a grand success and a true highlight of Lashkara 2025.

As part of the annual cultural fest Lashkara, the Firdaus Punjabi Sahit Sabha of the Punjabi Department hosted an Inter-College Kaav Mukabla (Poetry Competition) that brought together passionate voices from across Delhi University. The event witnessed spirited participation from students of various colleges, each bringing their unique poetic flair and cultural pride to the stage.

The competition was graced by Prof. Prithviraj Thappar, Principal of Dyal Singh Evening College, who served as the esteemed judge. He praised the young poets for their powerful performances and heartfelt expressions, lauding the event for its vibrant energy and literary depth.

Celebrating the soul of Punjabi language and literature, the Kaav Mukabla not only highlighted the creative potential of youth but also reaffirmed the Sabha’s commitment to preserving and promoting Punjabi cultural heritage.

On the occasion of the annual fest Lashkara, Firdaus- The Punjabi Sahit Sabha of the Punjabi Department organized a vibrant  cultural event on April 3, 2025 titled Mini Punjab. The event beautifully showcased the rich heritage, traditions, and spirit of Punjab through colorful stalls, traditional attire, folk music,mehendi and authentic Punjabi drink lassi. It offered a glimpse into rural life of the Punajbi's and created an immersive experience for all attendees. The initiative was a grand success and a proud celebration of Punjabi culture and community spirit.

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.