Eminent literary personality Dr Surjit Patar on Thursday assumed charge as Punjab Kala Parishad’s (Punjab Arts Council) chairman at the Punjab Kala Bhawan in the presence of Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu.
The momentous occasion also saw noted theatre artist Dr Neelam Mann Singh taking charge as the Council’s senior vice-chairperson.
On the occasion, the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Sunil Jakhar, MlAs Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Balbir Singh Sidhu, Dr Raj Kumar Verka, Parminder Singh Pinki, Pargat Singh, Kulbeer Singh Zira, Amit Vij and Sanjeev Talwar were also present.
Sidhu termed it a “historic day in the annals of Punjab as the command of the Council has come into the hands of a literary giant like Dr Surjit Patar”.
Expressing supreme confidence, he said that Dr Patar would usher in an era of renewed cultural awakening as he was fully conversant with the glorious literary, cultural and historical heritage of Punjab.
He said that the Punjab Government is committed to herald an era of cultural renaissance throughout the length and breadth of the State which is amply proven by the approval accorded to the cultural policy.
Dr Patar, thanking the Punjab Government for the honour, vowed that he would work with all the more zest and zeal for the further popularisation of tremendously rich Punjabi heritage and culture to make it resonate in every nook and corner of the globe.
He also assured that his focus would be on helping the youth to connect with their cultural and historical roots.