Padmashree awardee renowned Punjabi poet Surjit Patar has been appointed as the Punjab Arts Council (Punjab Kala Parishad) chairman on Tuesday, replacing a television anchor-actress-singer-dancer Satinder Satti.
To honour the Sahitya Akedmi Award winner, the state Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu decided to visit all the way to Patar’s residence in ludhiana to present the nomination letter from Chief Minister.
“It’s a matter of pride for the government that Patar has agreed to this role…There cannot be a more able man to head this chair. He is not only an icon but a genius,” said Sidhu.
A controversy was erupted after the Akali-BJP government decided to appoint Satti on the coveted post, ignoring other renowned Punjabi personalities. Sidhu, a day before during the meeting with the prominent art and literary personalities of the state, had given enough indications to hand over the responsibility to Patar.
“Dr Patar is a literary giant of Punjab who has increased the stature of the Punjab Kala Parishad manifold by graciously accepting the chairmanship,” said Sidhu.