The Government of Punjab has recently announced the winners of the Best Literary Book Awards for the year 2024, a prestigious recognition under various categories for Punjabi books. The awards, organized by the Punjab Language Department, aim to honor outstanding literary works and promote the rich cultural heritage of the region.
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 celebration of literature and creativity, showcasing the talent and dedication of Punjabi writers.
Zafar explained that the books eligible for the awards were those published during the year 2023. A total of 155 books across different categories were submitted for consideration. These books were carefully evaluated by learned subject experts from various fields to determine the winners of the prestigious Best Literary Book Awards.
The winners of the Best Literary Book Awards for the year 2024 have been announced, with each category recognizing excellence in a specific genre. The Giani Gurmukh Singh Musafir Award for Poetry was awarded to Randhir for his book ‚Khat Jo Likhnon Reh Gaye‘, while the Pr. Sujan Singh Award for Story went to Jaswinder Dharamkot for ‚Mailanin‘. Satnam Singh Sandhu’s ‚Shabdaan De Chirag‘ received the Gurbaksh Singh Preetlarhi Award for Essay/Travelogue, and Prof Paramjit Singh Dhingra’s ‚Shabad Vanjaare‘ won the Bhai Vir Singh Award for Biography/Tikakaari/Lexicography.
Other winners include Dr Gursewak Lambi for ‚Bastivad, Uttar Bastivadi Te Punjabi Natak‘, Sarabjit Singh Virk for ‚Samuchiaan Likhtaan: Shaheed Bhagat Singh‘, Paramjit Mann for ‚Samundarnama: Chhallaan Nall Gallaan‘, Jagjit Singh Laddha for ‚Pyaara Bharat‘, and Teja Singh Tilak for ‚Punjab Utte Kabjaa Ate Maharaja Dalip Singh‘.
Jaswant Singh Zafar also mentioned that the awards for the Best Hindi Book for the year 2024 will be announced soon. These awards will be presented during upcoming functions in the forthcoming Punjabi month, continuing the tradition of recognizing and honoring literary excellence in the region.
Overall, the Best Literary Book Awards for the year 2024 serve as a testament to the vibrant literary scene in Punjab and the dedication of writers to preserve and promote the language and culture of the region. The winners represent the best of Punjabi literature, showcasing the diversity and creativity of writers in the state.