Verse by Verse

He addresses himself as a humble poet and farmer,with life being his primary inspiration for writing. “Life and its beauty inspires me,life at its best,in all its colours without any blemish,” smiles well-known writer Gurdip,whose collection of 100 ghazals,Shair Arz Hai,was released at Punjab Kala Bhavan today. “This book comprises my work of the past 40 years,” Gurdip has dedicated the book to legendary Pakistani poet Ahmad Faraz,who passed away last year. Faraz,was one of the greatest modern Urdu poets of the present times and has more than a dozen volumes of contemporary Urdu poetry to his credit. His ghazals were popular and admired in India as well as Pakistan. Gurdip,who hails from Dehradun,has authored seven books and is looking forward to his next three. A humanitarian at heart,material gains have never mattered to the author,”I was never interested in earning or spending. What motivates me is the artistry of life,” Gurdip began writing in ’64 and and believes life is a celebration of love,friendship,beauty and compassion. “Life is my beloved and reading my love. Few people read nowadays. It’s important to expand the parameters of your mind through knowledge,” smiles Gurdip.

Shair Arz Hai was released by Rajinder Singh Cheema and eminent Punjabi littérateur Gulzar Singh Sandhu,literary critics Dr Prem Singh and Dr Raghbir Singh,Punjabi poetess Surjit Bains and Dr Sarabjeet Singh were among those who discussed the ghazals and the poet’s artistic nuances. Singer Neeraj Gandhi enthralled the audience,rending his voice to the ghazals from the book.

Little Stars
Come I-Day,and a kids fashion show and dance competition ‘Prince & Princess’ will be organised by Hotel Ramgarh Fort in collaboration with Stars International event cell. Slated as a mega event,it’s open for children upto the age group of 15 years. “Latest collection of traditional and western dresses from top design houses of Chandigarh and Panchkula will be presented to the audience at a dazzling event. The ones with the best ramp walk and dancing talent will be crowned Prince and Princess 2009,” tells Khushhal Singh of Stars International. He adds,”The grand finale for the event would take place in a month’s time and the winner will win a family trip to Malaysia, while first and the second runners-up will get gift hampers from Videocon.” Judges for the show are Satish K Sarhandi,Deputy Director Sports Authority of India,Amar Chandel from Ramgarh fort and Gaurav Vermani,CEO Meyhar Bhasin academy and others.