Littérateurs recall Preet Nagar’s historical journey

Divya Sharma

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, March 24

Poonam Singh, the editor of Punjabi magazine ‘Preetlari’, and Rakhshanda Jalil, writer and literary historian, reflected upon the story of Preet Nagar, Preetlari, at the concluding day of the third Majha House Literature and Cultural Festival on Sunday.

The two talked about journey of the place-Preet Nagar and magazine –Preetlari over the years. The discussion highlighted the importance of Amritsar School of Thought, mushrooming of literary personalities in pre-Partition era as Faiz Ahmad Faiz, impact of Sufism, and live of people at Preet Nagar and impact of partition, progressive writers movement.

Stressing on the Amritsar of 1930’s, its contribution in literature and impact on Urdu language after partition, Rakhshanda Jalil, writer and literary historian, said, “The Amritsar of 1930 is a very interesting time because of the kind of people at that time working here. Amritsar is also one of the first cities to have an active unit of progressive writer’s association. The association had writers in different languages and they are reaching out to people in Kisan Sabhas. The elitism associated with poetry was being removed.”

According to Jalil, the position held by Urdu language in the state degraded in 1947 as majority of Muslim community moved to Pakistan.

Poonam Singh said, “In the past, Preetlari was published in four languages, including Urdu. Now, we have been publishing Pakistani literature for our readers. We are trying to bridge the void with our efforts.”

Singh also described the way of lives of people at Preet Nagar, especially of women. “The place had an idea of community kitchen without any gender role attached. The women would have time for themselves to take part in sports and freedom struggle. An activity school for children was imparted education as per child’s psychology, and talent.”

“Partition impacted Preet Nagar as some of the artists moved to Mumbai. The school suffered. I believe anything which has a beginning has to end. At times, end is not a bad thing. Everybody carried the idea of Preet Lari in their hearts,” she said, adding, “The concept of Preet Lari is inspired from Cupid. It is meant to win hearts of people, connecting people, and love for life.”