Obituary - Shri Gursharan Singh ji

CSA places on record its sense of deep loss at the demise of the eminent city writer and playwright, Shri Gursharan Singh ji. His absence will be acutely felt in all the literary circles of the region. May his soul rest in peace!
Two years ago CSA gave him an Award of Recognition for his life-long contribution to literature.

VYANGA GOSHTHI

A VYANGA GOSHTHI was organized this evening at the CSA Audi, State Library, Sector 34, Chandigarh. The Chief Participant was Prem Janmejai (from Delhi) while the local participants were Jasvinder Sharma, Rajinder Nishesh, and Prem Vij.

Janmejai teaches at Delhi University and brings out a magazine called “Vyanga YAtra. HE has been a Visiting Professor at the University of West Indies and published more than twelve collections of satires.

Jaswinder Sharma has authored eight books, including one by Penguin. He is a recipient of the Haryana Sahitya Akademi award as well as the Chandigarh sahitya Akademi award for his writing.
Rajinder Nishesh has composed seven books on vyanga, two poetry collections and two books for children. National Book Trust is bringing out his collection of poems.

Prem Vij is a writer and journalist, the author of a dozen books including two on vyanga. He is the recipient of the Panjab State Award for his literary contribution.

Today’s speakers chose to focus on political themes, electioneering, democracy and red-tapism. In his presidential remarks Dr Prem Janmejai spoke of the present scenario of Hindi satire and read a satirical piece that spoke of Doordarshan in the times of Shri Ramchandra. He is of the opinion that the satirist should not descend to the level of slapstick. On the contrary, combining wit with intelligence and a concern for society, the satirist can do much to reform the world he lives in.

Madhav Kaushik, Secretary, CSA, compered the event deftly, pointing out that satire should heal even as it attcaks the vices of the society.

Chairperson of CSA, Prof Manju Jaidka, thanked the speakers and informed the audience that the next CSA event would celebrate Gandhi Jayanti. Information will be posted on the blog and Facebook.