Panjab University Alumni Association hosts event featuring Satinder Sartaaj and Irshad Kamil.

Renowned Sufi singer-poet Satinder Sartaaj recently shared his experiences as a poet and music composer, discussing the influence of Panjab University on his career.

The Event

A joint event organized by the Panjab University Alumni Association (PUAA) and the Chandigarh Citizens Foundation (CCF), ‘Lafz, Sur Aur Safar’ brought together two Panjab University alumni — National Award-winning lyricist Irshad Kamil and internationally acclaimed Sufi singer-poet Satinder Sartaaj.

The conversation was moderated by Prof Pushpinder Syal and Prof Archana R Singh, and designed as an engaging discussion rather than a conventional stage programme.

Creative Journey

Dr Sartaaj talked about his years at the PU when he pursued his Master’s degree and PhD. He shared that his academic research in Sufi music inspired him to write poetry, while the university’s libraries and academic environment shaped both his intellectual and artistic growth.

“Creative forms like poetry have no boundaries,” he said, adding that writing for films required both poetic sensibility and craftsmanship.

Literary Influences

Kamil recalled his years at the university, where he completed his PhD in Hindi Literature. He said the university had a significant influence on his literary journey.

“The book of reality has different pages for everyone, and Mumbai had its own,” he recounted about his early struggles after moving to Mumbai.

Speaking about the growing presence of Punjabi literature in Bollywood, Kamil shared how ‘Aaj Din Chadheya’ from Love Aaj Kal drew inspiration from the writings of Shiv Kumar Batalvi. Highlighting the importance of literary traditions, he said, “If you don’t talk in Rumi, Kabir or Batalvi’s language then you will not understand literature; literature is filled with rich metaphors.”

Excerpts and Performances

Earlier, the programme began with Saraswati Vandana presented by PU students, followed by the PU anthem, Shaan-o-Shaukat, penned by Kamil.

Dr Sartaaj also read excerpts from his poetry collection ‘Ek Mahina Nazmo Ka’.