“Punjab is unique. There is no other place like Punjab. A land where there are no famines, no beggars on the streets, where emotions are still valued and values bear an emotional tinge,” said author and photographer Atul Bhardwaj at the launch of his latest coffee book “Sparkling Punjab” which he has co-authored with Vijay Singhal.
Vijay said they decided to come up with the book so that the exquisite culture of Punjab could be presented in the right perspective. “It is a soulful journey through every nook and corner of the land called Punjab, India's most sound state, culturally and economically. The book explores different aspects such as social and economic conditions, religious beliefs, literature, music, and dances of the blessed land.” The introduction to the book is penned by the eminent poet and lyricist Gulzar and the foreword is written by veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra.
Emerald green fields, robust rustic ways, warm and welcoming hospitality, valour and sacrifice, the land pulsating with prosperity has been brought to life with over 400 breathtaking pictures and a vibrant narrative. The photographs compiled in the book have been taken by Atul himself. “It took over two years for me to cover the whole of Punjab and capture every aspect and emotion. From the village of Malwa to the urban Jalandhar; rural sports to marriage at the Golden Temple, I had to ensure that no facet of Punjab remains undiscovered.” Some photographs related to the history of Punjab have procured from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Speaking about the viability of the project, the duo, which specialises in coffee table books, said, “This (the book) is the first attempt to portray a complete picture of Punjab.”
Atul further explained that Punjab and its people were deeply attached to each other. Punjab has a large emigrant population settled in foreign countries, but they still feel close to their homeland. “Even when a Punjabi lives in Canada or the UK, he still stays deeply rooted to his own culture. The emigrant population wanted something to cherish the memories of their birthplace with and we have tried to deliver to the people's expectations.”
