North News

Chandigarh, October 15

The Language Department of Punjab has announced the recipients of the ten best literary book awards for 2022, recognising works published in 2021. Among the winners, Udna Baaz by Navdeep Singh Gill, a sports writer from Barnala City, has been selected for the esteemed Bhai Veer Singh Award.

Director of Language Jaswant Singh Zafar confirmed that the awards will be presented during a state-level function celebrating Punjabi Month in the first week of November 2024 at Bhasha Bhawan in Patiala. The announcement has garnered widespread acclaim from prominent figures in literature, art, and sports.

Gill, who serves as an Information and Public Relations Officer in the Punjab Government at the Civil Secretariat in Chandigarh, has been a sports columnist for over 23 years. He has authored 13 books, with 12 focusing on sports and sports figures. Udna Baaz, published by Lokgeet Publisher in November 2021, is his sixth work and highlights the achievements of legendary athlete Gurbachan Singh Randhawa.

Renowned personalities, including sports writer Principal Sarwan Singh, former DGP and sports administrator Rajdeep Singh Gill, and Padma Shri awardee wrestler Kartar Singh, have congratulated Gill on this recognition. They emphasized that Udna Baaz not only celebrates Randhawa, a finalist at the Olympic Games and a four-time national record holder, but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes.

The Language Department’s recognition of Udna Baaz underscores the importance of promoting both sports and literature, reinforcing Punjab’s rich cultural heritage.