Paul Dhillon's Book 'Agla Varka Khol' Release

On June 29, 2025 Ghazal Manch Surrey organized a special event at Strawberry Hill Library, Surrey, to publicly launch the newly published Punjabi ghazal collection "Agla Varka Khol" (Open the Next Page) by Canadian Punjabi poet Pal Dhillon. The event was presided over by Ghazal Manch President and noted poet Jaswinder, renowned and versatile personality Dr. Sadhu Singh, poet Pal Dhillon, and guest poet from Punjab, Simran Aks.

The event began with a welcome note from Ghazal Manch General Secretary Davinder Gautam, who also briefly introduced Pal Dhillon and his literary contributions. Three critical papers were presented on the book Agla Varka Khol.

In the first paper, Rajwant Raj stated that the ghazals in this collection carry the fragrance of Punjab’s soil, reflect the immigrant experience, convey diasporic pain, and beautifully present themes like longing, self-identity, mountains, forests, rivers, flowers, and relationships. The entire collection expresses Pal Dhillon’s optimistic outlook on life.

Poet Mohan Gill, in his concise paper, shared insights on Pal Dhillon’s 12 previously published books and praised the strength of his language. He emphasized that Dhillon is not tied to any particular ideology; every thought is his own, and his poetic vision is vast. He skillfully expresses a range of thoughts in his couplets.

Poet Jaswinder in his paper remarked that Pal Dhillon’s poetry presents a comprehensive interpretation of our social context and concerns. This multilayered, thought-provoking poetry leaves a deep impact on readers. Referring to the book’s title Agla Varka Khol as a metaphor for life, he observed that the life we’re living today and the current atmosphere around us are not conducive to truly living with humanity. Therefore, we must begin to think and read differently. Somewhere within the continuity of life lies the solution to our problems — and we must seek it. Perhaps on the next page of life lies the song of love that can teach us how to truly live.

He added that true literary work is that which stirs our emotions, brings us closer to life and to truth. Pal Dhillon deserves congratulations for offering a thoughtful message through his poetry — a message that helps us understand, reflect, and act.

Dr. Sadhu Singh said that Pal Dhillon’s poetry uplifts the reader from sadness. Through his insightful ideas, the poet conveys the message that we should not dwell too much on the past, because it is the present that guides us on how to shape a meaningful future. The key to Pal Dhillon’s entire body of work is this: open the next page of life.

After the book release, Pal Dhillon received congratulations from writers, friends, and well-wishers in attendance. Those who extended their greetings included Preet Manpreet, Hardam Maan, Satish Gulati, Inderjit Dhami, Kavinder Chand, Simran Aks, Kulwinder Khahira, Ashok Bhargav, Amrik Palahi, Bhupinder Malhi, Sukhjeet Kaur Hundal, Preet Atwal Puni, Veet Badshahpuri, Parminder Kaur Swaich, and Mahinderpal Singh Pal, among others.

Speaking about his literary work and poetry, Pal Dhillon remembered his late mentors, poets Nadeem Parmar and Krishan Bhanot. He also recited some of his ghazals and expressed gratitude to the Ghazal Manch Surrey team for organizing the event.

The event concluded with Jaswinder, President of Ghazal Manch, thanking all the dignitaries and attendees on behalf of the organization.