Modern Poets of Panjab
The tradition of poetry mehfil (gathering) is deeply important to Punjabi culture, across faiths and borders. It is a collective humanistic experience going back centuries, drawing on religious, courtly, and educational practices.”
Dr. Priya Satia
Professor of History Stanford University
For more videos from the Mehfils visit our Youtube channel
Amrita Pritam (1919 – 2005)
Amrita Pritam, a leading 20th-century punjabi poet and novelist. With a career spanning over six decades she produced over 100 books, of poetry, fiction, biographies, essays, a collection of Panjabi folk songs and an autobiography. She is most remembered for her poignant poem, Aj Aakhaan Waris Shah Nu a poignant reminder of the horrors of the Partition, written in 1948 and which immortalized her in the history of Panjabi literature.
Introduction by Prof. Harminder Kaur
11th Sept. 2022
Pher Tainu Yaad Kita sung by Ishmeet Narula
11th Sept. 2022
Rab Khair Kare Mere Vedeh Di sung by Rajinder Singh
11th Sept. 2022
Shiv Kumar Batalvi (1936-1973)
Shiv’s verses are filled with love and passion of a lover going through the throes of pathos and separation of unrequited love. His literary genius was recognized early, becoming the youngest recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1967, for his masterpiece in modern Punjabi literature, the epic verse play “Loona” (1965), based on the ancient legend of Puran Bhagat,
Introduction by Prof. Harminder Kaur
20th Nov. 2022
Jaach Mainu aa Gayi sung by Gagandeep Kaur
20th Nov. 2022
Saanu Marx Ishq di layi hai sung by Avtar Kaur Mangat
20th Nov. 2022
Prof. Mohan Singh (1905-1978)
Prof. Mohan Singh is one of Panjab’s most renowned modern poet and recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award (1959). His poetry embraces every aspect of life. He published 9 collections of poetry - Save Patter, Kasumbhara(1939), Adhvate(1944), Kach Sach (1942), Awaja (1962), Wadda Vela(1958), Jandre(1964), Jai Mir, Boohe (1977) and 1 epic Nankayan
Introduction by Ravinder Dhillon
23rd April 2023
Chatto di Beri sung by Sardool S. Samra
23rd April 2023
Maa sung by Jasleen Kaur
23rd April 2023
Lala Dhani Ram Chatrik (1876- 1954)
Lala Dhani Ram Chatrik is a pioneer of modern Panjabi poetry. A skilled typographer, he was the first person to publish the Guru Granth Sahib and Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha’s Mahan Kosh (the first Punjabi dictionary) by using Gurmukhi typeset at his Sudarshan Printing Press. His publications include Fullan Di Tokri (1904), Bharthri Hari Bikramajit (1905), Nal Dmaayanti (1906), Dharmvir (1912), Chandanwari (1931), Kesar Kiari (1940), Nawan Jahan (1942), Noor Jahan Badshahbeghum (1944), Sufi Khana (1950).
Introduction by Prof. Harminder Kaur
24th Sept. 2023
Radha Sandesh recited by Ish Amitoj Kaur
24th Sept. 2023
Ik Tu Hove Ik Main Hova sung by Rupeet Malhotra
24th Sept. 2023