Punjab Language Department Invites Books for Dr. Surjit Patar Youth Literature Award

-Students under 25 years of age can submit applications by April 30

Patiala, March 11:

• The Punjab Language Department has invited books for the Dr. Surjit Patar Youth Literature Award. Department Director Jaswant Singh Zafar stated that under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the award will be presented during Punjabi Month in November. The award includes a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, an honorary memento, a shawl, and other recognitions.
• For this award, books published in Punjabi in any genre between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, can be submitted. Four copies of the book along with an application form can be submitted either in person or by post at the head office of the Language Department, Bhasha Bhavan, Sheran Wala Gate, Patiala, by April 30, 2025.
• Zafar mentioned that the award will be given on a competitive basis as per government rules. Only books published within the specified period will be considered. Any student who has written a book in Punjabi, from anywhere in the world, is eligible. The applicant must be a student of a school, college, or university and under 25 years of age.
• The principal of the school, head of the college, or university department must certify the originality of the book. The Language Department will ensure that books containing objectionable content are not included in the competition. Typically, three experts will evaluate the books, but if needed, the Director of the Language Department may appoint a fourth evaluator. The government reserves the right to make changes to the rules at any time.
• The application form for this award can be downloaded from the department's website (www.bhashavibhagpunjab.org) or its Facebook page