Women, Punjabi Identity and Literature Take Centre Stage at Brampton Conference

Vishwa Punjabi Sabha’s Seventh International Conference Concludes in Brampton
NAZRANA TIMES | CANADA Ali Imran Chattha 
The seventh three-day international conference of the Vishwa Punjabi Sabha concluded in Brampton, Canada, after bringing together more than 600 delegates from different parts of the world.
Held at Punjabi Bhawan from October 2 to 4, the conference focused on the theme “The Image of Women in Punjabi Society.” The event saw strong participation from prominent writers, poets, scholars and literary figures from East Punjab and Punjabi communities across the world. Renowned Pakistani Punjabi poets Baba Najmi and Tahira Sara participated as special guests.

Organised under the leadership of Vishwa Punjabi Sabha Chairman Dr Dalbir Singh Kathuria, Patron Inderjit Singh Ball and President Pargat Singh Bagga, the conference also highlighted cultural and literary ties between the two Punjabs.
On the opening day, Dr Atamjit delivered the keynote address, while Dr Waryam Singh Sandhu presented the presidential address. Three sessions were held each day, during which writers and scholars discussed different dimensions of women’s identity, social status and role in Punjabi society.
Around 50 research papers were presented during the conference, followed by discussions among scholars.
Poetry and Cultural Programmes
Poetry gatherings were organised each day, giving poets an opportunity to present their work. The performance by Pakistani Punjabi poet Baba Najmi received an especially warm response from the audience.
On the final day, the poetry session was hosted by West Punjab poet Tahira Sara and Brampton-based poet Uzma Mahmood. Poets including Jagir Singh Kahlon, Rana Saggu, Satish Gulati, Balwinder Balam, Owais Raja, Rajwant Kaur Sandhu, Dalvir Riar, Balbir Raikoti, Parmjit Deol, Surjit, Tahira Sara and Uzma Mahmood presented their poetry.
Classical singers Veer Sukhwant and Dr Sukhnen from Punjab Agricultural University also added to the cultural programme with their musical performances.
Among the scholars and writers who presented papers on the social role and representation of Punjabi women were Dr Kanwaljit Dhillon, Parmjit Deol, Surjit Kaur, Rajwant Kaur Sandhu, Manpreet Sahota, Rachhpal Kaur Gill, Harjaspreet Gill and Balbir Raikoti, among others.
The conference was attended on different days by several prominent personalities, including Punjab Legislative Assembly Speaker Sardar Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Padma Shri award-winning wrestler Kartar Singh, Canadian MPs Sonia Sidhu and Aman Sodhi, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, Principal Atam Randhawa, Principal Sarwan Singh and Sucha Singh Gill.

Resolutions on Women, Peace and Punjab

Several resolutions were presented under the leadership of Dr Atamjit, Dr Dalbir Singh Kathuria and Dr Waryam Singh Sandhu.
Participants adopted a resolution opposing war wherever it occurs in the world. Other resolutions called for equality between women and men, making martial arts compulsory in schools across Punjab, establishing clean and hygienic public restrooms in cities and towns across Punjab, and ensuring that advertisements do not distort or degrade the image of women.
The conference concluded with a traditional Jaago procession, followed by the recognition and honouring of participating scholars.
Vishwa Punjabi Sabha Patron Inderjit Singh Ball thanked the delegates, scholars, writers and organisers for their contribution to the conference’s success. He said Dr Kathuria’s team would continue working to uphold the dignity and honour of the Punjabi mother tongue.