Kanwaljit Bhullar

In the vibrant tapestry of cultural celebrations, Baisakhi stands as a significant thread, woven into the fabric of Sikh tradition and history. Yet, amidst the festivities and religious fervor that once defined this occasion, there is a growing sentiment that Baisakhi is undergoing a transformation. It's no longer a communal celebration but seems to be dominated by a particular sect within the Sikh community. This shift has raised pertinent questions about the inclusivity of the festival and its relevance in modern times, especially for those who identify as comrades or atheists. Traditionally, Baisakhi marked the harvest festival in the Punjab region and held deep agricultural significance for farmers. Over time, it evolved into a cultural and religious festival, commemorating the formation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards a more sectarian interpretation of Baisakhi, with emphasis placed on the ma...

In the bustling city of Jalandhar, nestled amidst the vibrant literary scene of Punjab, resides a man whose life's journey is intricately woven with the pages of literature. Meet Mr. Rajinder Bimal, the visionary owner of Kuknus Publications, whose indomitable spirit and passion for literature have carved a unique niche in the world of Punjabi publishing. I had the privilege of accompanying Mr. Bimal on a remarkable journey to Moga, where he was to receive the prestigious "Comrade Hukam Chand Jindal Yaadgaari Shabad Pravah Puraskar-2022" organized by Adaara Tasman and Mohinder Saathi Yaadgaari Manch, Moga on April 7, 2024. As we embarked on this journey, I delved into the fascinating story of Mr. Bimal's life, a tale of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to his passion for literature. Mr. Bimal, a humble soul, has always regarded himself as nothing more than a dedicated reader of literature. However, his journey into the world of publishing is fa...

About Mr. Satpal Bhikhi, Editor 'Tasman' (Punjabi Literary Magazine) In the world of literature and activism, Mr. Satpal Bhikhi stands as a towering figure, revered for his profound contributions to Punjabi poetry and children's literature. Born on December 20, 1972, in the town of Bhikhi in Mansa district, Punjab, Satpal Bhikhi inherited a legacy of literary excellence from his father, Late Shri Ram Sarup, and mother, Yashoda Devi. Armed with an M.A. and Ph.T. degree in Punjabi literature, Satpal embarked on a journey as a teacher, nurturing young minds and instilling in them a love for language and literature. His dedication to education is matched only by his passion for poetry, which serves as a powerful medium for social commentary and introspection. Satpal Bhikhi's literary prowess has been duly recognized by esteemed institutions, with accolades such as the Bal Sahitya Puraskar from the Bharatiya Sahitya Akademi and the Mata Jaswant Kaur Maulik Bal Pustak Puraska...

Introduction Punjabi literature, rich with cultural heritage and linguistic vibrancy, has long been celebrated as a vital component of India's diverse literary landscape. With a history dating back centuries, Punjabi literature has evolved through various phases, reflecting the social, cultural, and political dynamics of the region. However, in modern times, the relationship between Punjabi writers, literature, and readers has undergone significant shifts, presenting both challenges and opportunities. This article aims to explore the current situation of Punjabi literature, its writers, readers, and the reforms necessary to rejuvenate this invaluable literary tradition.   Historical Context Punjabi literature traces its roots back to the medieval period, with the compositions of Sufi poets like Baba Farid and Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Over the centuries, Punjabi literature flourished under the patronage of Sikh gurus, Mughal rulers, and later British colonial administrators. The 20t...

Bollywood, the vibrant and diverse film industry of India, has always been known for its grandeur, colorful storytelling, and larger-than-life productions. Over the years, it has embraced technological advancements to enhance storytelling and create immersive cinematic experiences. From the early days of practical effects to the contemporary era of digital filmmaking and virtual realities, Bollywood has continually evolved its approach to filmmaking. In this article, we will delve into the integration of technology in Bollywood, exploring advancements in special effects, CGI, and the emerging use of virtual realities, and analyzing their impact on the filmmaking process.   Evolution of Technology in Bollywood Bollywood's journey with technology traces back to its inception. In the early days, practical effects, such as miniature sets, matte paintings, and handcrafted props, were the norm. Filmmakers employed innovative techniques to bring fantastical stories to life on the silv...

Bollywood, the vibrant Indian film industry, has always been a mirror reflecting various aspects of Indian society. Among its diverse genres, sports films have emerged as a significant subset, captivating audiences with tales of triumph, resilience, and the human spirit. In this article, we delve into the intersection of Bollywood and sports films, analyzing their popularity, memorable portrayals of athletes, and the profound impact on sports culture in India. The Rise of Sports Films in Bollywood The journey of sports films in Bollywood can be traced back to the early days of Indian cinema, with films like "Awwal Number" (1990) and "Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar" (1992), which portrayed the world of cricket and cycling respectively. However, it was in the 21st century that the genre gained significant momentum with the release of films like "Lagaan" (2001) and "Chak De! India" (2007).   "Lagaan," directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, is a per...

In the cacophony of global affairs, the silence emanating from Pakistan regarding India's internal upheavals raises eyebrows and incites curiosity. Why does Pakistan appear so placid in the face of turmoil across the border? The answer, it seems, lies not in Pakistan's passive disposition but rather in the tumultuous state of affairs within India itself. In recent years, India has witnessed a seismic shift in its political landscape, characterized by the dominance of a select few at the helm of power. The government, purportedly led by only two politicians, presents a facade of stability while the majority of ministers seem relegated to the role of mere puppets, devoid of significant influence or authority. One of the most glaring consequences of this consolidation of power is the erosion of transparency within the Indian government. Apathy pervades the populace as they remain oblivious to the identities and functions of key governmental ministries. Such ignorance further exace...

केंद्रीय गृह मंत्रालय ने 11 मार्च, 2024 को विवादास्पद नागरिकता संशोधन अधिनियम 2019 को आधिकारिक तौर पर अधिसूचित कर दिया है, जिससे लंबे समय से विवादित कानून पूरे देश में लागू हो गया है।  नागरिकता (संशोधन) विधेयक 2019, जिसका उद्देश्य 1955 के नागरिकता अधिनियम में संशोधन करना है, 11 दिसंबर, 2019 को संसद द्वारा पारित किया गया था, और 12 दिसंबर, 2019 को राष्ट्रपति राम नाथ कोविंद की सहमति प्राप्त हुई। हालांकि, इसके कार्यान्वयन में देरी हुई थी अब तक। नागरिकता संशोधन अधिनियम 2019 के प्रावधान   नागरिकता संशोधन अधिनियम 2019 अफगानिस्तान, बांग्लादेश और पाकिस्तान से छह विशिष्ट धार्मिक समुदायों - हिंदू, सिख, बौद्ध, जैन, पारसी और ईसाई - से संबंधित अवैध विदेशी प्रवासियों को भारतीय नागरिकता प्रदान करने पर केंद्रित है।  पात्रता मानदंड में वे लोग शामिल हैं जिन्होंने इन देशों में धार्मिक उत्पीड़न के कारण भारत में शरण ली है या ऐसे उत्पीड़न के डर से।  हालाँकि, केवल 31 दिसंबर 2014 को या उससे पहले भारत में प्रवेश करने वाले शरणार्थियों को ही नागरिकता के लिए पात्र माना जाता है। भारतीय नागरिकता प...

    ਕੇਂਦਰੀ ਗ੍ਰਹਿ ਮੰਤਰਾਲੇ ਨੇ 11 ਮਾਰਚ, 2024 ਨੂੰ ਵਿਵਾਦਗ੍ਰਸਤ ਨਾਗਰਿਕਤਾ ਸੋਧ ਕਾਨੂੰਨ 2019 ਨੂੰ ਅਧਿਕਾਰਤ ਤੌਰ 'ਤੇ ਨੋਟੀਫਾਈ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਨਾਲ ਦੇਸ਼ ਭਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਲੰਬੇ ਸਮੇਂ ਤੋਂ ਬਹਿਸ ਹੋਏ ਕਾਨੂੰਨ ਨੂੰ ਲਾਗੂ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ।  ਸਿਟੀਜ਼ਨਸ਼ਿਪ (ਸੋਧ) ਬਿੱਲ 2019, ਜਿਸਦਾ ਉਦੇਸ਼ 1955 ਦੇ ਨਾਗਰਿਕਤਾ ਕਾਨੂੰਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੋਧ ਕਰਨਾ ਹੈ, ਨੂੰ ਸੰਸਦ ਦੁਆਰਾ 11 ਦਸੰਬਰ, 2019 ਨੂੰ ਪਾਸ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ, ਅਤੇ 12 ਦਸੰਬਰ, 2019 ਨੂੰ ਰਾਸ਼ਟਰਪਤੀ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਥ ਕੋਵਿੰਦ ਦੀ ਸਹਿਮਤੀ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਹੋਈ ਸੀ। ਹਾਲਾਂਕਿ, ਇਸਦੇ ਲਾਗੂ ਹੋਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਦੇਰੀ ਹੋ ਗਈ ਸੀ। ਹੁਣ ਤਕ. ਨਾਗਰਿਕਤਾ ਸੋਧ ਐਕਟ 2019 ਦੀਆਂ ਵਿਵਸਥਾਵਾਂ   ਸਿਟੀਜ਼ਨਸ਼ਿਪ ਸੋਧ ਐਕਟ 2019 ਅਫਗਾਨਿਸਤਾਨ, ਬੰਗਲਾਦੇਸ਼ ਅਤੇ ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨ ਤੋਂ ਛੇ ਖਾਸ ਧਾਰਮਿਕ ਭਾਈਚਾਰਿਆਂ - ਹਿੰਦੂ, ਸਿੱਖ, ਬੋਧੀ, ਜੈਨ, ਪਾਰਸੀ ਅਤੇ ਈਸਾਈ - ਨਾਲ ਸਬੰਧਤ ਗੈਰ-ਕਾਨੂੰਨੀ ਵਿਦੇਸ਼ੀ ਪ੍ਰਵਾਸੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਨਾਗਰਿਕਤਾ ਪ੍ਰਦਾਨ ਕਰਨ 'ਤੇ ਕੇਂਦ੍ਰਤ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ।  ਯੋਗਤਾ ਦੇ ਮਾਪਦੰਡ ਵਿੱਚ ਉਹ ਲੋਕ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹਨ ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੇ ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਧਾਰਮਿਕ ਅੱਤਿਆਚਾਰ ਕਾਰਨ ਭਾਰਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਸ਼ਰਨ ਲਈ ਹੈ ਜਾਂ ਅਜਿਹੇ ਅਤਿਆਚਾਰ ਤੋਂ ਡਰਦੇ ਹਨ।  ਹਾਲਾਂਕਿ, ਸਿਰਫ ਸ਼ਰਨਾਰਥੀ ਜੋ 31 ਦਸੰਬਰ, 2014 ਨੂੰ ਜਾਂ ਇਸ ਤੋਂ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਭਾਰਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਦਾਖਲ ਹੋਏ ਸਨ, ਨੂੰ ਨਾਗਰਿਕਤਾ ਲਈ ਯੋਗ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਜ...

  The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has officially notified the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 on March 11, 2024, bringing the long-debated law into effect across the country. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019, aimed at amending the Citizenship Act of 1955, was passed by the Parliament on December 11, 2019, and received the assent of President Ram Nath Kovind on December 12, 2019. However, its enforcement had been delayed until now. Provisions of the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019   The Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 focuses on providing Indian citizenship to illegal foreign migrants belonging to six specific religious communities – Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian – from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The eligibility criteria include those who have sought refuge in India due to religious persecution in these countries or those fearing such persecution. However, only refugees who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, ar...