Pune, Apr 22: On the occasion of World Book Day, Sarhad, Pune announced the hosting of the 2nd Vishwa Punjabi Sahitya Sammelan in the picturesque proposed world’s largest book village Aragam, Bandipora in north Kashmir.
A statement of the Sarhad issued here said that this was revealed by the Chief Organiser, the Vishwa Punjabi Sahitya Sammelan Organising Committee, Sant Singh Mokha and International Coordinator, Vishwa Punjabi Sahitya Sammlan Organising Committee, Deepak Bali along with Trustee, Sarhad, Pune and Coordinator, Vishwa Punjabi Sahitya Sammlan Organising Committee, Anuj Nahar; Coordinator, Book Village Aragam Bandipora, Sirajuddin Khan.
“We invite Punjabi writers, scholars, and enthusiasts from across the world to join us in Aragam, J&K for this landmark international literary meet, as we celebrate the power of literature to transcend borders and foster unity,” Sant Singh Mokha said.
The statement said that the book village in J&K has been conceptualised by Sarhad, Pune.
It said that the Second World Punjabi Literary Meet promises to be a celebration of Punjabi literature, culture, and language at the international level, which will be held at SKICC, Srinagar and Wullar Lake, Bandipora.
The statement said that the inaugural Vishwa Punjabi Sahitya Sammelan, 2016, organised by Sarhad, Pune, was celebrated with grandeur and enthusiasm and dignitaries, including former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated the holding of the meet.
It said that both leaders praised the efforts to preserve and promote the Punjabi language and literature, acknowledging its rich heritage and its role in fostering harmony and understanding across borders.
The statement said that the event served as a platform for writers, poets, and scholars from around the world to showcase the depth and diversity of Punjabi literary traditions, fostering a sense of pride and unity among Punjabi communities worldwide.
It said that Aragam, Bandipora with its serene surroundings and rich literary atmosphere, provides the perfect backdrop for this prestigious gathering of Punjabi writers, poets, scholars, and enthusiasts from around the world as the villagers have already set up libraries in their homes.
The statement said that Sammelan aims to showcase the diversity and richness of Punjabi literature while fostering dialogue and collaboration among its participants.
It said that the 2nd Vishwa Punjabi Sahitya Sammelan also holds great potential for para diplomacy by bringing together intellectuals and cultural ambassadors from India and from across the world.
“In states like Kashmir and Punjab, where unrest persists, cultural exchange and dialogue, facilitated by events such as the Vishwa Punjabi Sahitya Sammelan, can play a vital role in strengthening relations and promoting peace,” the statement said. “Through literature and cultural diplomacy, we aim to bridge divides, build connections, and pave the way for a brighter, more harmonious future.”