LAHORE (Nazrana Times): Punjabi Adabi Majlis, part of the Institute of Punjabi and Cultural Studies at Punjab University Oriental College, hosted the launch of Pehli Roti (The First Roti), a collection of 13 Punjabi short stories by young fiction writer Ali Usman Bajwa. The book was published by Sanjh Publications, Lahore.

Prof. Dr. Nabila Rehman, principal of Oriental College, chaired the event. Amjad Saleem Minhas of Sanjh Publications introduced the author and the collection in the presence of Prof. Dr. Naveed Shahzad, director of the Institute of Punjabi and Cultural Studies.

Scholars Discuss Three Stories from the Collection

Dr. Zaheer Wattoo, chairperson of the Punjabi Department at GC University, Lahore, presented a detailed review of three stories: Gogo, Poornay and Ghari Syanf. Dr. Muhammad Irfan ul Haq, assistant professor at Punjab University’s Institute of Punjabi and Cultural Studies, also shared his reading of the collection.

Bajwa Reads ‘Pehli Roti’ and Takes Questions

Bajwa spoke about his development as a writer and the importance of Punjabi language and literature. He then read the title story, Pehli Roti, which was warmly received by the audience. Students and guests asked him questions after the reading.

Artificial Intelligence in Punjabi Fiction

In her closing address as chair, Rehman praised Ghari Syanf for exploring artificial intelligence and described it as a milestone in modern Punjabi fiction. The story was presented at the launch as the first Punjabi short story about artificial intelligence written in Pakistan.

Students, faculty members, writers and guests from various walks of life attended. The ceremony concluded with tea and refreshments.