Guest Statements

Bhupinder Malhi - Intellectual Ideologist

Trustee, South Asian Review, Prince George, B.C /    (Host of Three World Punjabi Conferences). /  Jeevey Punjab Adbi Sangat, Surrey, B.C Canada.

'Ghazal Manch Surrey' a budding organization 

In the past seven years, a pioneering organization 'Gazal Manch Surrey' has emerged vehemently, infusing fresh perspectives and enthusiasm into Punjabi literary circles. This organization has been instrumental in rejuvenating the Punjabi literary stage, introducing novel ideas and invigorating the literary discourse.

The Surrey-Vancouver area stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Punjabi settlement, a rich cultural tapestry that has flourished for over 120 years. This region has become a vibrant hub, where the Punjabi community has carved out a significant niche, contributing notably to the realms of literature, politics, and sports. Their contributions have not only enriched the local cultural landscape but have also been pivotal in preserving and promoting Punjabi heritage and traditions. In the sphere of literature, particularly, there has been a remarkable surge in creativity and innovation. 

A notable highlight in this cultural renaissance has been the evolution of Punjabi Ghazal. In what may be a historic first for Punjabi Ghazal, the previous year's annual program witnessed an unprecedented engagement in this field. Nearly four hundred attendees were captivated by several hours of exquisite and high-caliber poetic expressions. This event not only celebrated the poetic form but also served as a platform for showcasing the depth and breadth of contemporary Punjabi poetry.

The Ghazal Manch Surrey has swiftly become a cornerstone in the Punjabi literary domain. Its contributions have been pivotal in augmenting the richness of Punjabi literature. By crafting and promoting high-quality poetry, it has played a crucial role in the ongoing narrative of Punjabi literary excellence.

The accomplishments of the Ghazal Manch and its members are commendable. Their dedication and efforts in fostering and elevating Punjabi literature are deserving of accolades. Their work stands as a beacon, encouraging continued growth and exploration in Punjabi literary arts, thereby ensuring the vibrancy and sustainability of this rich cultural heritage.

Dr. Sahib Singh -  Playwright, Director, Actor

A fountain of literature plant has blossomed in the Ghazal Manch Surrey organization. These leaves of this plant are the emotions of humans, and the branches are made of beautiful poetic thoughts. The roots of this plant have transported the poetry of centuries to flourish in Surrey, Canada. The plant continues to thrive producing dreams of literary swings in the galaxy of poetry constellations. The talented soil and its literary nutrients with its poetry nectar is providing Punjabi literature a fountain of youth. The literary organizations should be proud of the accomplishments of Ghazal Manch Surrey, and they are setting new benchmarks internationally.  

A unique form of ghazal poetry is not an easy task to keep alive in today’s world. Ghazal poetry was originally initiated as poetry of love and writing about the traditions that lacked logic was challenged through this poetry. As the traditions evolved, Ghazal poets adapted accordingly to reflect today’s human relationships, betterment of societal values, including continuing to challenge today’s traditions, injustices, and politics.

It is not an easy task for an organization to invite guest ghazal poets to their office to hold mini mushaira and initiate conversation about promoting Punjabi literature, building relationships with poets of Pakistan and Ghazal Manch Surrey is happily fulfilling this role. They also provide reviews to ghazal poetry books, present analysis at official book release programs, publishing ghazal poetry books, and hold mini book release events for authors living outside of Surrey. I wish for Ghazal Manch to continue to be successful in contributing to Punjabi literature and they continue to embrace literary personalities.

Gurdial Raushan-Ghazal Master

I have seen the period of the early stages of Punjabi ghazal closely and I am also seeing the rise of Punjabi ghazal in the present era. Our old and new ghazal-writers deserve equal congratulations for taking Punjabi ghazals to this point. Institutions formed for the betterment of ghazals have also contributed significantly to this. It's hard to even think of ghazals in Canada, where no one has spare time, but "Ghazal Manch Surrey", established by mature ghazalkars (ghazal poets) in the city of Surrey, is truly amazing for me. No other institution in the world has such a large number of amazing ghazalgos (ghazal poets). The great thing is that they are all excellent writers. I was happy that this organization invited me and gave me the opportunity to sit amongst them. My best wishes to The Ghazal Manch Surrey.

Aman C. Singh-Punjabi Poetess

The Ghazal Manch Surrey is not only a platform but also a leading organization of creative People and serious Scholars, in the city of Surrey, Canada. Surrey has become the hub of Punjabi Ghazal. I had the privilege of visit them at the warm invitation of The Ghazal Manch Surrey. Listening, meeting, getting to know them and having meaningful discussions with the poets during the literary meet was indeed a fulfilling experience. The events and programs being organized by the Surrey Ghazal Manch are setting new benchmarks in understanding and flourishing the rich history and culture of ghazals.

Darshan Buttar- Famous Punjabi Poet

 (President-Kendriya Punjabi Lekhak Sabha (Reg)-India)

The Ghazal Manch Surrey (Canada) has made a big place in the Punjabi ghazal field in a very short time. The Manch has organized many important events in the past years at Surrey, which are being appreciated not only in Punjab, India but also in the wonderful circles of the whole world.

The truth is that there has never been such work outside India till date, keeping the pure ghazal at the center, which the Ghazal Manch is doing. The members of the Ghazal Manch themselves compose the best quality of poetry, as well as inspire new poets to write better. I have been directly impressed by the performance of the ghazal stage during my recent visit to the US and Canada. The Ghazal Manch team has been doing a valuable service to the Punjabi community of Canada in the field of literature and art despite limited financial resources. The Kendriya Punjabi Lekhak Sabha is proud of the activities of the Ghazal Manch, Surrey and is committed to all kinds of cooperation.               

Kulwinder-Famous Punjabi Ghazalgo

(President - Vishav Punjabi Sahit Academy (VIPSA) California)

For the last few decades, Punjabi ghazals have spread far and wide in the world. Punjabi ghazal poets have reached far-flung cities of the world. Surrey, a city in Canada, is a unique place in the midst of the beautiful valleys of nature, which has created a very suitable environment for the flourishing of Punjabi ghazals. Incidentally, many prominent ghazal poets from Punjab have settled in this city. Together, they have formed an organization called Ghazal Manch Surrey. The activities of this organization have in a very short time made the Ghazal Manch one of the leading organizations of Punjabi literature on the world stage of Literature.

Jarnail Sekha-Famous Punjabi Novelist

In Metro Vancouver many literary organizations are contributing to the promotion of Punjabi language, Punjabi literature, and Punjabi culture. The literary organization 'Ghazal Manch Surrey', which has been started to exist four years ago, has made its place in the front row due to its activities. In a short span of time, this organization organized discussions and ghazal seminars on many ghazal books and also organized four Ghazal conferences. The hall was packed with spectators at every conference. The Ghazal Manch is under the guidance of the famous, mature and Master ghazalgos (ghazal poets).  Due to the organized co-operation of the members of the Ghazal Manch organization, it is expected that 'Ghazal Manch Surrey' will achieve more heights in future.

Ajmer Rode- Famous writer, dramatist, translator 

Kudos to Ghazal Munch Surrey for animating the ghazal poetry in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. For years, its members have been writing, sharing and publishing ghazals, and presenting them live to the public. I have seen listeners breaking into loud applause at their presentations. Poetry is never old. And Punjabi ghazal is no different, it has been thriving for the past few decades. Some of the Ghazal Munch members, like ustad Krishan Bhanot, have gone beyond writing ghazals and published on ghazal poetics as well discussing such classics as the Pingala (mechanism) and the Arooz (rhythmic). I congratulate the Ghazal Munch on its creative ventures and wish its members more accomplishments in the future.

Harjinder Kang-  Famous Punjabi Ghazalgo

Ghazal Manch Surrey, Canada is a ghazal organization dedicated to Punjabi Ghazal where continuous efforts are made for the honor and development of Punjabi Ghazal. I had the privilege of being a guest at Ghazal Manch. All the operators of the Ghazal Manch are renowned ghazalgos (ghazal poets) who have enriched Punjabi ghazals with their pure poetry. Like ghazals, the ghazal stage creates such a pleasant, aesthetic and heavy atmosphere that the fragrance of sukhan spreads far and wide. The entire ghazal-family of the Ghazal Manch deserves to be congratulated for enriching, refining and expanding the subtle genre of ghazal with so much discipline and dedication in the sermons. I pray that the Ghazal Manch continues to talk about ghazals like this and continues to spread ghazal Genre.

Rajdeep Toor- Punjabi Ghazalgo

The name of The Ghazal Manch Surrey is very respected not only in the Canadian city of Surrey but also for the literary people living outside of Canada, especially ghazal writers and ghazal lovers. The dedication and hard work of the founders towards ghazals is making the name of Ghazal Manch Surrey more bright day by day. It is part of the loving nature of these friends to invite them to take a dip in this river of love and literature. I had the privilege of visit these friends in 2018. I sincerely pray that the name of The Ghazal Manch Surrey shines like a star on the sky of Ghazal.

Deol Paramjit- Punjabi Ghazalgo

(President-Asees Manch Toronto)

I have been observing Ghazal Manch Surrey closely for the past few years. They are a group of intellectuals who have conquered the ghazal poetry discipline and they are taking their organization to an unprecedented platform. While visiting British Columbia, I was invited by Ghazal Manch Surrey to their office to share my poetry and I had a wonderful time. I would like to thank them for the respect they gave to me, it is nice to see they take time out of their busy schedules to honor ghazal poets. Ghazal Manch Surrey is a professional team, and they are spreading their wings into publishing poetry books. This is why I selected them to publish my ghazal poetry book Koonjan de Roobru, I am very happy with the quality of my book, it is immaculate, it was published on time, and it was inexpensive. I would like to thank the Ghazal Manch team for making the publishing process seamless for me and I am honored to have their logo on my book.

The success of the Ghazal Manch Surrey organization and their Ghazal poetry programmes is being recognized by poetry organizations around the world. Ghazal poets are striving to improve their poetry equivalent to Ghazal Manch Surrey poets. I congratulate each member of Ghazal Manch Surrey for their efforts in creating a distinctive ghazal poetry platform, well done! 

Prabhjot Sohi- Punjabi Poet

(President-Sahit Sabha Jagraon-India)

Recently, I was on vacation in Canada for summer holidays. While l was in Canada, I received a very warm invitation from the Ghazal Manch Surrey poetry group. Once I arrived at my poetry friends’ office, I was elated and thrilled to be in the office of the masters of Punjabi ghazal poetry. Actually, Ghazal Manch Surrey poets have expertise in pingal (poetry mechanism) and arooz (ghazal poetry mechanism). They have taken the roots of ghazal poetry from Punjab and they have successfully planted them in the land of Canada. I wish them all the best in continuing to diligently promote their mother tongue in Canada and I send them love on behalf of ‘Sahit Sabha Jagraon’.

Mohan Gill- Punjabi Poet

(President-Vancouver Vichar Manch)

Ghazal Manch Surrey has been operating in Surrey, Canada for many years and they are doing commendable literary work. Many writers who used to write other forms of poetry such as open verse, song, or rhymed poetry have joined the Ghazal Manch Surrey team, and they started writing in traditional ghazal genre with the support of their mentorship. The advantage of having master ghazal writers in Ghazal Manch Surrey has proved to be beneficial for all up and coming writers. When they are invited to critique ghazal poetry, they do not only sing praises of the writer but offer honest constructive criticism so that writer can learn and improve their ghazal poetry.

For the past few years, Ghazal Manch Surrey has started conducting an annual program where writers recite their ghazal poetry in front of a large audience. They include a musical segment in the program too, which consists of talented singers locally and from California, singing ghazals poetry. I feel the ghazal poetry produced by Ghazal Manch Surrey is equal to or better than the ghazal poetry of the best poets in Punjab. I wish Ghazal Manch Surrey to be more prosperous, they continue to produce the best ghazal poetry and they continue to be successful in contributing to Punjabi Sahit.

Neelu Germany- Punjabi Ghazalgo

Ghazal Manch Surrey needs no introduction as it is the most talked about ghazal poetry group in literary circles around the world. This organization is doing exclusive work in the field of Punjabi literature, specifically in Punjabi ghazal. The credibility of Ghazal Manch Surrey is due to the number of famous ghazal poets in this group and they are known around the world for their Punjabi Ghazal poetry. The mentorship provided by this group is outstanding, it is remarkable that they take the time to mentor new ghazal poets around the world and I have been fortunate enough to be mentored by ustad Krishan Bhanot.

I had the privilege of participating in the 2023 annual program 'Shairana Sham'. For me, it was a unique, soothing literary experience that will always remain in my memories. As a female ghazal poet from Germany, I felt safe as they all bestowed their love and respect upon me and I will always be grateful. It was an exceptional experience for me to be involved in such a professional program with distinguished guests and an amazingly engaged large audience. I have attended programs in India, Ghazal Manch Surrey programs are much more organized, professional and they excel in the quality of poetry. I will never forget meeting the spectators after the program requesting to take photos with me and I will cherish spending quality time with other ghazal poets. I offer my best wishes for the future literary endeavors of 'Ghazal Manch Surrey' and congratulate them on their success.

Kulwinder Khehra- Punjabi Ghazalgo, writer, dramatist, translator
(Ex Co-Ordinator- Kalma da kaafla Toronto)

Commendable Punjabi literary work is being achieved by a group of talented ghazal poets in the Ghazal Manch Surrey organization in British Columbia. All members of this team have contributed in making the Ghazal Manch Surrey organization and they have worked very hard for its success. Composing unique Punjabi literature, discussing literature, and creating literary organizations is a significant challenge in Canada. They have proved themselves by overcoming these challenges.

I have been invited to their office, I had the opportunity to share my ghazal poetry and it was a marvelous experience to sit with some of the best ghazal poets and discuss ghazal poetry. I wish all the best to my friends in Ghazal Manch Surrey.

Bhupinder Dulay- Punjabi Ghazalgo
(Co-Ordinator- Kalma da kaafla Toronto)

Ghazal Manch Surrey is a literary organization which has accomplished its name in North America. Every poet’s wish is to be invited to Ghazal Manch Surrey office and every poet’s dream is to be fortunate enough to participate in their annual poetry program. This organization particularly stands out as it consists of masters of ghazal, mentors, famous and established poets. I am closely associated with Ghazal Manch as I personally know the ghazal poets, as such, I am proud of their hard work and success.

Dr. Randeep Malhotra- Ghazal Singer

The literary folks of Surrey and North America are very happy that Ghazal Manch Surrey is starting a website. I met the team of Ghazal Manch Surrey about three years ago at a book release function and I was mesmerized by their passion, commitment, and creativity to literature. They are committed to sustaining ghazal poetry by conducting extensive analysis and holding frequent mini poetry recitals. The loyalty of this team to each other is commendable, they seek pleasure in watching each other improve their ghazal poetry and feel proud of each other’s success.  I congratulate Gautam, Rajwant Raj, Jaswinder, Dashmesh Gill Firoze, ustad Krishan Bhanot and rest of the team for their success. I wish Ghazal Manch Surrey continued success.

Roop Sidhu- Famous Ghazalgo from Dubai

Dear Rajwant Raj and Davinder Gautam,

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the warm hospitality you extended to me during my visit to the Ghazal Manch Surrey headquarters. It was truly a pleasure to spend time with both of you and witness firsthand the dedication and passion you have for preserving the Punjabi language and the art of Punjabi Ghazal.

Your commitment to maintaining the tradition of ghazal is incredibly commendable. It is inspiring to see how successfully you have managed to keep this beautiful art form alive and thriving, even more so than many organizations in India, despite operating in a foreign country. This speaks volumes about the intricate processes and protocols you follow, and the collaborative spirit within your team.

The respect and support that the Ghazal Manch team members have for each other are clearly the pillars of your success. Whether it's a small poetry event or a large-scale production, the unity and coordination within your team shine through.

Once again, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules on a Saturday to host me. I look forward to staying connected and supporting the wonderful work you do.

Dr. Prithipal Sohi

I have been watching the activities of Ghazal Manch Surrey for the past many years. All the ghazalgoes of this Organization write and sing very emotional and beautiful ghazals. The annual Poetry event organized by them every year is of international standard. Their compositions give great pleasure to the listeners by giving them mental peace. They have played an important role in changing Surrey's environment by providing a musical and nuanced form to Surrey's business culture. Apart from the annual event, the colors of these regular meetings and festivals are also very beautiful. The mutual love and kindness of all these members also becomes a guide for others in this individualistic society. I pray for further progress and creative development of Ghazal Manch Surrey.