‘Hond Di Prism’, the fourth book authored by (retd) Principal Desh Bir, was formally released during a meeting of the Government College Retired Teachers’ Welfare Association held at Hotel Presidency on Wednesday.
The book is a Punjabi translation of 68 “middles" originally published by the author in various English daily newspapers over the years. Introducing the work, Desh Bir said the essays reflect his observations and emotional responses to life, society, people and contemporary realities.
Present on the occasion were noted Punjabi litterateur Dr Pritpal Mehrok, poet Madan Veera and retired Principal Rajinder Kaur, who translated the essays from English into Punjabi. Speakers at the event praised Rajinder Kaur for preserving the spirit and literary texture of the original writings while rendering them into Punjabi with remarkable finesse.
Describing the book as an insightful literary work, Madan Veera said the essays succeed in observing and interpreting life in its varied shades and experiences. He noted that the book opens new intellectual, emotional and aesthetic horizons for readers.
Dr Pritpal Mehrok appreciated both the literary depth of the essays and the quality of translation, observing that the writings encourage readers to reflect on society, human relationships and the system around them. He remarked that the author has successfully compelled readers to introspect about the way they perceive their surroundings and life itself.
Speaking about his creative impulse, Desh Bir said he has always been deeply sensitive to human experiences, hopes, struggles and emotions. “Whenever an issue, event or person leaves a strong impression on my mind, I feel compelled to express it through words," he said. He added that the essays in ‘Hond Di Prism’ represent a “prismatic dispersion of life," portraying its bright, sombre and tender shades alike.
The author credited the success of the Punjabi edition to Rajinder Kaur, whose “miracle touch" helped bring the work meaningfully closer to Punjabi readers.