Sikh Society of Dayton (USA) releases the English version of the book ‘Matak Hulare’ by Dr. Jasbir Singh Sarna
Dayton, USA, 14 September 2026: The English version of the poems recorded in the book 'Matak Hulare' (Swinging Rhythms of Grace.) by the famous Sikh poet, litterateur and thinker Bhai Vir Singh has been released at the Sikh Society of Dayton (USA). The book is translated by Dr Jasbir Singh Sarna.This book is a collection of poems related to the Kashmir journey and the natural, spiritual and aesthetic consciousness of Kashmir. Dr. Sarna has edited this work with great effort, research and emotional sensitivity to convey the poetic vision of Bhai Vir Singh Ji, the natural beauty of Kashmir and the spiritual experience associated with it to the English readers.
The specialty of the book is that it does not only present the English translation of the poems, but a clear and scholarly method has been adopted to understand each poem. First, the original Punjabi poem of Bhai Vir Singh Ji, after that it is presented in Roman language, then the English translation and finally an expressive and explanatory commentary on the poem is given. In this way, the reader gets the opportunity to understand its meaning, symbols, spiritual connotations and the natural background of Kashmir by connecting it with the original poetic style.
The author has made an effort to convey the nature, spirituality, love, wonder and spiritual experience present in Bhai Vir Singh Ji's Kashmir-related poems to the world through the English language. His effort is not limited to just linguistic translation, but is an attempt to keep the soul and emotion of the original poem as alive as possible in another language.
During the release ceremony, various scholars and Sikh thinkers said that Kashmir does not come as just a geographical region in the poetry of Bhai Vir Singh Ji, but it takes the form of a spiritual and aesthetic experience. Dr. Sarna's presentation of this poetic legacy in English language is particularly important, because through it, a priceless heritage of Punjabi and Sikh literature can reach a wide readership of the world. This book will act as a cultural bridge for the new Sikh and Punjabi generation living abroad. The young generation, which cannot directly connect with Punjabi script or original Punjabi literature, will be able to easily get acquainted with the poetic world of Bhai Vir Singh Ji through the English translation. Sarna's long literary and historical experience was also appreciated. Dr. Sarna has written and edited 72 books so far. His works cover a variety of topics related to Sikh history, the history of Jammu and Kashmir, Sikh literature, Punjabi culture, religious thought, and natural heritage.
Head Granthi Bhai Hem Singh and Bhai Bhai Prem Singh, Kartar Singh Tari, Avtar Singh Springfield, Dr. Darshan Singh Sehbi, Rajpal Singh Bajaj, Baljit Singh Maharaja Student Wale, Dr. Charanjit Singh Gumtala, Parminder Singh Bassi, Jaswinder Singh Virdi, Darshan Singh Bedwan, Parminder Singh Lucky, Iqbal Singh Bajwa, Lakhwinder Singh Multani etc. were present in this event.
