LAHORE: The Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture (Pilac) will publish 10 landmark books on Punjabi literary and cultural heritage within a week.

Pilac Director Dr Muhammad Asim Chaudhry told Dawn that Pilac was on a mission to preserve and promote Punjabi’s linguistic and cultural legacy with the upcoming release of significant books. These new titles span a wide literary range, from classical poetry and folklore to drama and cultural studies, offering scholars and readers a rich tapestry of Punjabi expression.

Mr Chaudhry gave details of the upcoming publications. According to him, Punjabi Adab Di Kahani is a chronicle of Punjabi literature by Abdul Ghafoor Qureshi. Drawing on insights from renowned literary figures, the book traces the evolution of Punjabi prose and poetry, serving both as a scholarly resource and inspiration for future writers. Muhammad Asif Khan’s major work Kafiyan Shah Hussain presents Shah Hussain’s mystic poetry with glossary that simplifies complex words, making it accessible for today’s readers. In Aakhia Bulleh Shah Ne, Khan interprets Bulleh Shah’s verses, underscoring their continued relevance as spiritual and social commentary.

Shafqat Tanvir Mirza’s Punjab Lok Reet explores Punjab’s regional traditions and poetic histories, blending folklore and classical references in a volume that bridges culture, anthropology and literature. In Paromjhare Di Jannat Bibi, Ghulam Murtaza compiles Punjabi folktales that reflect rural values and age-old storytelling customs.

Kulliyat Siraj Qadri offers the collected works of Sufi poet Siraj Qadri whose accessible language and allegorical style echo the voices of Punjab’s spiritual heritage. His poetry, grounded in human morality and divine love, upholds the tradition of Sufi expression rooted in community wisdom.

Ghughoo Ghoray is a collection of plays by Dr Nasir Baloch. The plays tackle contemporary social themes through humour, empathy, and critique, contributing to the growing body of Punjabi dramatic literature. Saeed Doshi’s Heer Doshi retells the classic Heer Ranjha legend in a provocative legal format, portraying Kaido not as a villain but as a defender of social values. By questioning long-held narratives, the book offers a fresh, critical lens on cultural storytelling.

Another notable entry is Lahore Di Khoj, a literary and visual exploration of Lahore’s historic soul. Compiled over 12 years, the book documents architectural, religious and cultural landmarks with rich imagery and reflective prose. It pays tribute to the city’s pluralistic legacy and urges preservation amid rapid urban change.

Rounding off the collection is The Fragrance of Seven Colours by Raja Sadiqullah, an anthology of his modern Punjabi poetry presented in English, Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi scripts. This multilingual format bridges cultural and linguistic divides, allowing readers across borders to experience the emotional depth and poetic beauty of Punjabi identity, love, and harmony.

Asim Chaudhry said these 10 works reaffirmed Pilac’s dedication to nurturing Punjabi language, literature, and cultural consciousness, ensuring that the voices of its past and present continue to inform and inspire future generations.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2025