Punjabi Poet Pal Kaur Wins Sahitya Akademi Award for Poetry

Punjabi poet Pal Kaur wins the Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 for her poetic masterpiece, Sun Gunwanta Sun Budhivanta, celebrating Punjab's rich heritage.

on Dec 20, 2024

Ludhiana-based Punjabi poet Pal Kaur has been honored with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in the poetry category for her acclaimed book Sun Gunwanta Sun Budhivanta: Itihaasnama Punjab, published in 2022.

Expressing her gratitude, Kaur remarked, “It feels good when my work is recognized among the masses. This honour elevates my responsibility as a writer to continue creating meaningful work.”

The Jury Applauds

Three-literary figures Baldev Singh, Kuldeep Singh Deep and Swaranjit Savi made up the jury praised Kaur's work at the award ceremony. As the judges found her simple yet deep work very appealing and enlightening to its readers.
The Kendriya Sahitya Akademi announced its annual awards across 21 languages on Wednesday. Winners will receive an engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and ₹1 lakh in cash at a ceremony scheduled to take place on March 8, 2025, at the Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi.

The Punjabi Sahit Akademi in Ludhiana celebrated Kaur's achievement. Sarbjit Singh, president of the akademi, said, "It is a matter of pride that Kaur has received the Sahitya Akademi Award. Her journey in poetry, starting with Khalaavasi in 1986, has significantly enriched Punjabi literature. She captures the feminine psyche with remarkable sensitivity and balance." A Unique Contribution to Punjabi Poetry Gulzar Singh Pandher, general secretary of the akademi, highlighted Kaur's contributions to Punjabi poetry, noting that Sun Gunwanta Sun Budhivanta offers a poetic exploration of Punjab's history, intertwining its spiritual, Sufi, and Gurmat traditions.

Pandher appreciated the book for presenting creative forms of poetry by incorporating metaphors and symbolism towards interpreting historical events from mythological and philosophical dimensions. "Kaur's exceptional poetic talent shines in this work, presenting history in an innovative and profound way," he further added.

Pal Kaur winning the Sahitya Akademi Award reinforces her importance in the scheme of enriching Punjabi literature and preserving cultural as well as historical heritage through poetical expressions.