The Government of Punjab has recently announced the winners of the Best Literary Book Awards for the year 2024, recognizing outstanding contributions to Punjabi literature. These prestigious awards, organized by the Punjab Language Department, aim to honor and celebrate the best literary works in various categories.
According to Punjab Language Department Director Jaswant Singh Zafar, the awards will be presented during the state-level inaugural function of Punjabi Month in the first week of November 2024 at Bhasha Bhawan. This event promises to be a grand celebration of Punjabi language and literature, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The selection process for the Best Literary Book Awards involved evaluating books published in 2023 by learned subject experts from different fields. A total of 155 books across various categories were submitted for consideration, reflecting the diverse range of literary talent in Punjab.
The winners of the Best Literary Book Awards for 2024 have been announced, with each category recognizing excellence in a specific genre. The Giani Gurmukh Singh Musafir Award for Poetry has been awarded to Randhir for his book ‚Khat Jo Likhnon Reh Gaye‘, while the Pr. Sujan Singh Award for Story goes to Jaswinder Dharamkot for ‚Mailanin‘. Satnam Singh Sandhu’s ‚Shabdaan De Chirag‘ has won the Gurbaksh Singh Preetlarhi Award for Essay/Travelogue, and Prof Paramjit Singh Dhingra’s ‚Shabad Vanjaare‘ has been honored with the Bhai Vir Singh Award for Biography/Tikakaari/Lexicography.
Other notable winners include Dr Gursewak Lambi for ‚Bastivad, Uttar Bastivadi Te Punjabi Natak‘, Sarabjit Singh Virk for ‚Samuchiaan Likhtaan: Shaheed Bhagat Singh‘, and Paramjit Mann for ‚Samundarnama: Chhallaan Nall Gallaan‘. The awards also recognize excellence in Children’s Literature with Jagjit Singh Laddha’s ‚Pyaara Bharat‘ and Translation with Teja Singh Tilak’s ‚Punjab Utte Kabjaa Ate Maharaja Dalip Singh‘.
Jaswant Singh Zafar also mentioned that the awards for the Best Hindi Book for 2024 will be announced soon, adding to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the upcoming literary events in Punjab.
Overall, the Best Literary Book Awards for 2024 represent a celebration of creativity, talent, and dedication to the promotion of Punjabi literature. The winners have showcased their exceptional skills and passion for storytelling, contributing to the vibrant literary landscape of Punjab. These awards serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of Punjabi language and culture, inspiring future generations of writers and readers to continue exploring the beauty and richness of Punjabi literature.