Chandigarh, January 27- Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today hailed the decision of the Union Government to bestow the coveted Padma Shri Award to the noted Punjabi poet Mr Surjit Patar.
Expressing happiness over the decision Mr Badal said that the award was a due recognition to this distinguished poet, who owing to his immense contribution towards Punjabi language and literature, is considered as a living legend. He said that the conferment of this award to Mr Patar has brought pride for entire Punjab. Terming Mr Patar as “Son of Soil” the Chief Minister said that by his prolific writings this poet has always raised the social issues concerning the people of Punjab. Mr Badal said that owing to remarkable role played by Mr Patar in promotion of Punjabi language he has the honour of getting well-known awards like Sahitya Akademi Award, Panchnad Puruskar and Saraswati Samman. The Chief Minister said that literary works by Mr Patar including Hawa Vich Likhe Harf, Lavzaan Dee Dargah, Birkh Arz Kare, Hanere Vich Sulagdi Swaran Mala and others constituted the “Magna Carta” of Punjabi literature and would ever remain a source of inspiration for the budding writers.