Saturday, January 2, 2010

Atamjit playwright



Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi today organized a Face to Face with well-known author and playwright, Atamjit at the State Library Sector 34, Chandigarh. Chairing the event was Ms Neelam Man Singh, noted theatre person.

Dr Atamjit is the Sahitya Akademi Award Winner (Pbi) for this year for his book “Tatti Tavi da Sach” which is a historical drama documenting the sacrifice of Guru Arjan Dev. He spoke at length about his work and listed the milestones in his creative journey. This was followed by a lively interaction with the audience.

Welcoming the speaker, the Chair and the public, Prof Manju Jaidka, Chairperson of the Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi (CSA), highlighted the main achievements of the CSA in 2009. She also spoke of forthcoming activities in the next three months. Major events include an International Conference and Literary Festival in February, a kavi sammelan, a seminar to mark Women’s Day, and creative writing competitions.

The Akademi is also bringing out an anthology of poems contributed by city-based poets and a Directory of Chandigarh Writers. In addition, outstanding senior writers of the city will be awarded in a special function held in March.

Prof Jaidka exhorted the audience to participate in the activities of the Akademi to create a vibrant intellectually stimulating ambience in the city.

Today’s event was compered by Madhav Kaushik, Secretary of the CSA. Dr DS Gupt, Vice-Chairman, gave the vote of thanks. In her presidential remarks Neelam Man Singh complimented the speaker and highlighted the role theatre can play in shaping the course of one's life.