-APS Noorpuri
On 25 February 2026, the Shiv Kumar Batalvi Chair at the School of Punjabi Studies, Panjab University, organized a distinguished National Seminar dedicated to examining the enduring significance of Shiv Kumar Batalvi’s poetry in modern Punjabi literature. The seminar was held with the generous financial support of the Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi and the Punjab Kala Parishad, reflecting a meaningful collaboration between academic and cultural institutions.
The proceedings commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and literary insight. Prof. Dr. Yograj, Head of the Department and Chair Professor of the Shiv Kumar Batalvi Chair, formally welcomed the distinguished guests and participants. In his address, he underscored the academic and cultural importance of establishing a Chair in the name of Shiv Kumar Batalvi, emphasizing its role in fostering rigorous scholarship and renewed critical engagement with his oeuvre.
The inaugural session was graced by Prof. Yojana Rawat, Dean of University Instructions at Panjab University, Chandigarh, who attended as the Chief Guest. In her address, she eloquently reflected on the distinctive poetic genius of Shiv Kumar Batalvi—his lyrical intensity, emotional depth, and profound engagement with existential themes. She further highlighted the vital role that the Chair can play in advancing comparative and interdisciplinary literary studies in the contemporary academic landscape.
The keynote address was delivered by eminent Punjabi critic Prof. Surjit. Dr. Surjit Singh offered a penetrating analysis of Batalvi’s poetry, observing that its roots lie deep within the Punjabi cultural subconscious. He explored how motifs of separation (birha), inner conflict, and an intense longing for death acquire transformative and creative dimensions in Shiv’s verse. Describing Batalvi’s poetry as a priceless literary legacy that extends from Waris Shah to modern sensibilities, he called for a re-reading of Shiv beyond conventional critical paradigms and urged scholars to situate his work within broader cultural and philosophical frameworks.
In his inaugural address, Swaranjit Savi evocatively portrayed Shiv’s personality and poetic imagery through his own poetic reflections, adding a creative and aesthetic dimension to the scholarly discourse.
The session was presided over by Dr. Manmohan, Chairman of the Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi, who candidly remarked that Punjabi criticism has not fully done justice to this towering literary figure. He expressed optimism that sustained research under the Shiv Kumar Batalvi Chair at Panjab University would initiate a new and more nuanced phase of interpretation and evaluation of Shiv’s poetry. At the end of the inaugural session, Dr. Uma Sethi delivered the vote of thanks. The session was seamlessly conducted by the seminar coordinator, Dr. Paramjit Kaur Sidhu, whose efficient moderation ensured a coherent and engaging exchange of ideas.
Following the inaugural session, two academic sessions were convened, during which eight research papers were presented by scholars from diverse institutions. These sessions generated vibrant and substantive discussions on multiple dimensions of Shiv’s poetry, including its thematic complexity, stylistic innovation, cultural rootedness, and modernist sensibility. The first academic session was presided over by Subhash Bhaskar, General Secretary of the Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi, while the second session was chaired by noted Punjabi poet Manjit Indra.
The seminar witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, research scholars, and faculty members representing various colleges and institutions. Marked by intellectual rigor, reflective dialogue, and deep literary engagement, the event reaffirmed Shiv Kumar Batalvi’s central place in modern Punjabi literature and underscored the continuing relevance of his poetic vision in contemporary times.
