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Punjab News : The Shiv Kumar Batalvi Sabhyacharak Kendar in Batala came alive today with the launch of a month-long series of poetry and declamation contests, held as part of a state-level celebration marking the 89th birth anniversary of the iconic Punjabi poet. The event was graced by Punjab’s Minister for Forests and Wildlife Preservation, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak, who announced a grant of ₹10 lakh for the renovation and development of the Shiv Kumar Batalvi Auditorium.
Also present were Gurdaspur Deputy Commissioner Dalvinderjit Singh, SSP Batala Suhail Qasim Mir, ADC (General) Dr. Harjinder Singh Bedi, Amrit Kalsi (brother of MLA and AAP Punjab State Executive President Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi), and Rajiv Batalvi.
Calling Shiv Kumar Batalvi the pride of Batala, Mr. Kataruchak praised the poet’s timeless literary contributions to the Punjabi language, stating that his deeply emotional and artistic works would continue to resonate with generations to come.
The day also featured poetry, singing, and declamation competitions:
Sufi Singing:
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1st: Rajinder Singh, Class 10, Govt. High School, Gillanwali
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2nd: Surinder Singh, Class 12, Govt. Sr. Sec. School, Jaitosarja
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3rd: Bhaman, Class 11, Govt. Sr. Sec. School, Rangar Nangal
Poetry Recitation:
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1st: Jasmeet Kaur, Class 10, P.S. Govt. Sr. Sec. School, Dhupsari
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2nd: Simranjit Kaur, Class 12, School of Eminence, Batala
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3rd: Gurneet Kaur, Class 9, R.D. Khosla Sr. Sec. School, Batala
Declamation:
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1st: Harmanpreet Singh, Class 12, Govt. Sr. Sec. School, Tek Singh
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2nd: Safalpreet Kaur, Class 10, R.D. Khosla Sr. Sec. School, Batala
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3rd: Gurinder Kaur, Class 11, School of Eminence, Batala
Winners, including poets and Sufi artist Yaqub, were honoured during the function.
The Minister also highlighted environmental initiatives planned for 2025–26, including the planting of 3.5 lakh saplings in every district to mark the 350th martyrdom year of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. A pilot project was also announced to plant flowering saplings along highways in Ropar (especially Sri Anandpur Sahib), Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Khatkar Kalan), Sangrur, Pathankot, and Amritsar, with plantings on both sides of roads at 500-metre intervals, maintaining a maximum sapling height of 7 feet.
He further emphasized the state government’s commitment to boosting tourism and reconnecting youth with their cultural heritage.
The poetry and declamation contests will be conducted over the next month across four categories: Primary (Classes 1–5), Secondary (6–10), Senior Secondary (11–12), and College level. Winners at the district level will advance to the state-level round, where top three positions in each category will receive prizes of ₹51,000, ₹31,000, and ₹21,000 respectively.
Deputy Commissioner Dalvinderjit Singh reiterated the government’s push for environmental preservation, urging departments to plant more trees to protect the environment for future generations.
As part of the ceremony, Mr. Kataruchak also planted a sapling within the Kendar complex.
Speaking on behalf of MLA Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi, Amrit Kalsi conveyed his greetings and appreciated the Minister’s efforts to raise environmental awareness among students.
Other dignitaries present included SDM-cum-Municipal Commissioner Batala Vikramjit Singh Panthey, AAP District President Joban Randhawa, Gurdaspur Media Incharge Mukhdev Singh Alowal, Conservator of Forests N.S. Randhawa, Tehsildar Arjan Singh Grewal, Dr. Ravinder Singh (President, Shiv Kumar Batalvi Art and Cultural Society), Prof. Raj Kumar Sharma (General Secretary, District Heritage Society, Gurdaspur), and DFO Atul Mahajan.