The Punjab Artwork Council will confer famend Punjabi poet, author, and artist Jaswant Singh Zafar with the celebrated Punjab Gaurav Award for his exemplary contributions to literature. Zafar, a local of Ludhiana, will obtain the award on the upcoming literary competition, devoted to the legacy of MS Randhawa. Together with the honour, Zafar might be awarded a money prize of ₹1 lakh.
Metropolis author to obtain Punjab Gaurav Award at lit fest
An engineer by career, Zafar has made a long-lasting affect on Punjabi literature as a poet, prose author, playwright, editor, and visible artist. Past literature, he’s a sports activities promoter and social activist, working for youth welfare and environmental causes in Punjab. After an extended profession within the state and central energy sectors, Zafar retired as deputy chief engineer from Punjab State Energy Company Restricted (PSPCL) in 2023. In June 2024, he was appointed because the director of the language division, Punjab, the place he’s actively concerned in digitising and republishing uncommon books.
Zafar’s literary contributions embody 5 poetry collections, 5 prose books, and two performs, along with his works translated into Hindi, English, Marathi, Tamil, Bengali, and Odia. His poetry assortment, ‘Assin Nanak De Ki Lagde Haan’, is thought to be a cornerstone of contemporary Punjabi literature. His current e-book, ‘Apna Punjab Hove—Hath Vich Kitab Hove’, promotes literacy and drug de-addiction amongst youth.
Through the years, he has obtained over 30 prestigious awards, together with the Shiv Kumar Batalvi Inter-College Gold Medal and the Shiromani Kavi Award.
Zafar’s alma mater, SCD Authorities Faculty, Ludhiana, has additionally celebrated his achievement, with its alumni affiliation extending heartfelt congratulations.