CHICAGO: Many prominent Punjabi personalities of Chicago gathered last week at India House Banquet Hall in Schaumburg, a northside Chicago suburb, to honor Dr Madan Lal Hasiza, former Director Language Department, Punjab and Dr Gurcharan Singh Baddhan, Founder President Punjabi Sahit Sabha Nawansahar, Punjab India. Sardar Gurbachan Singh Bachan, former Secretary Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee also joined as a special guest.

Dr Hasiza did his Ph.D in Nuclear Physics under guidance of Dr AP Kalam, former President of India. When asked why Dr Hasiza pursued his career in Punjabi literature, his simple answer was, "because of my love and respect for my mother". Dr Hasiza, born in Pakistan, migrated to India with his mother, has authored many books in Punjabi many of them for children. He also edited many books and magazines. Currently he is translating Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha's Mahan- Kosh (Encyclopedia of Sikhism) into English.

He is also Founder member of Punjab Writers & Cultural Forum, Patiala. The Forum plans to set up international branches to help Punjabi writers to publish their work in India. It will send books to libraries and prominent people for distribution.

Dr Gurcharan Singh Baddhan belongs to Nawansahar. He has been President of Punjabi Sahit Sabha Nawansahar for over 14 years. He has published eight books. He recited his poems and encouraged the youth to get involved with their mother tongue. Sardar Gurubachan spoke about his learning experiences with both Dr Hasiza and Prof Jaginder Singh Ramdev. He welcomed Dr Baddhan and talked about Dr Baddhan's efforts to raise awareness about social evils affecting Punjab.

Prof. Jaginder Singh Ramdev introduced Dr Hasiza and suggested that gurdwaras should invite Dr Hasiza to take advantage of his knowledge about Sikhi.Thakar Singh Basati organized the program. S.Tahal Singh President Punjabi Sahit Academy of Chicago and S Bhagwant Singh Dogra, story writer, presented trophies to Dr Hasiza and Dr Baddhan. Sajid Chaudhary of West Punjab complimented the guests for their involvement with Punjabi language.

He recited his poems from his book, "Rango-Rangi" that is written in both Shahmukhi and Gurmukhi. S Gurmakh Singh Bhullar sang beautiful song about female feticide. S Sarabjit Singh recited a Punjabi poem which followed by a poem by S Tahal Singh. Dr Harjinder S Khaira welcomed the guests and audience with couplets.

Happy Heer of Punjabi Desi Junction Radio made food and hall arrangementsTejinder S Minhas recited poetry written by his father who was born in Pakistan and moved to Amritsar but always lived his memories of Pakistan. He also sang a poem written by S Kartar Singh Ballagan: "Mein ki Karanan"