Samrala remembers Manto on his 107th birth anniversary

Samrala: Special literary sessions on the life and literary works of fabled writer Saadat Hassan Manto were held besides a movie screening to mark his 107th birth anniversary at Samrala.
The event was organized by Lekhak Manch Samrala which was attended by various literary groups and villagers of Paproudi — the birth place of the celebrated writer.
Daljeet Shahi, an advocate and president of the Lekhak Manch, said they feel proud of the fact that the great writer belonged to Samrala and that they have made it an annual affair to celebrate the birth anniversary of son of the soil.
As part of the event, three literally sessions were organized. In the first one, famous Punjabi writer Om Prakash Gaso and chief guest spoke about Manto’s life and literary works. The session was presided over by Gurtej Singh Goraya, secretary, Punjabi Academy Delhi.
Manch general secretary Rajwinder Samrala said five writers including Ajmer Sidhu, Deep Davinder, Dr Sargi, Rana Jasvir and Daljeet Shahi recited their stories. Baldev Singh Dhaliwal, Punjabi HOD at Punjabi University Patiala was the chief guest in the second session which was overseen by Sushil Dosanjh, who is associated with a Punjabi magazine.
Rajwinder said renowned Punjabi writer Surjeet Pattar was the chief guest of the third session wherein a movie on Manto by reputed artist Nandita Dass was screened. This session was presided over by Ravinder Grewal.
Punjabi writer and filmmaker Tarlochan Singh, who is also a member of the writers’ group, said they were eagerly waiting to see the movie on as was not released in Punjab.
Addressing the gathering, Pattar praised Manto for his bold writing style. He appreciated the organizers for bringing together the event in his memory. He said it is important to remember such personalities who have left a mark on us and the society.
Meanwhile, Paproudi villagers said they were happy to see the movie.
“We have heard from our elders about Manto sahib’s connection with our village, so we wanted to see the movie to learn more about his life and literary works,” said Surjeet Singh, a villager from Paproudi.