Parminder Aujla

SACRAMENTO / AMRITSAR (TIP): A collection of ghazals by eminent California-based poet Major Bhupinder Singh Daler was released at Punjab Natshala, Amritsar.  The literary event was hosted by the Alfaz Theatre Organisation. Vishal Beas, editor of Akhar, while giving information about Daler, said that before this, two books of ghazals, hymns and songs, ‘Bhinni-Bhinni Khushboo’ and ‘Sochan De Sirnave’ have also been published. He said Daler had made significant contribution in the Indo-Pak war of 1971 for which he was awarded the Sangram Medal. Chief guest Shiromani Natakkar Jatinder Singh Brar congratulated Major Bhupinder Singh Daler and said that his poetry carves a picture for readers, that +of flowers peeking out from the point of a gun. Leading critic of Punjabi language, Hira Singh said Major Daler has a talent of bringing together ghazal and nazm, a subtle play with the words that adds multiple dimensions to simple words. “That is the reason most of his ghazals sound as nazms. Not only this, the recitation of his ghazals guides the reader on the path of contemplation and evokes feelings,” said Hira Singh. Mandeep Ghai and Jaswant Mintoo from Alfaz Theatre said more such literary programs would be held in the near future. The program was attended by eminent writers and artists, including Dr. Vikramjit, Indreshmeet, Dr Seema Grewal, general secretary of the Art Gallery Arvinder Chamak and many other theatre artistes.