In a quiet room brimming with books and accolades, celebrated Punjabi author Waryam Singh Sandhu recounts the serendipitous start of his writing career—a story that began when he was just a teenager in his village. Now 80, Sandhu’s reflections provide both an intimate glimpse into his early life and a testament to the power of words.
At the tender age of 13, while still in Class VIII, Sandhu had sent a write-up to the editor of a local newspaper and almost forgotten about it. One ordinary day, a call from his village changed everything. An elderly resident, holding the very newspaper on which Sandhu’s name appeared, approached him with warm pride. “The man asked if I was the same Waryam whose name had been published. I nodded, and with hearty laughter, he urged, ‘Pind da naam kadd de’—make our village proud and famous,” Sandhu recalls. This unexpected encounter, shared with The Tribune, proved to be a turning point that transformed a shy teenager into a burgeoning writer with a newfound sense of purpose.
Sandhu’s humble origins in Sursingh village—formerly part of Amritsar district—instilled in him the values of hard work and the importance of community. His early exposure to literature came at home, where he watched his farmer father become completely absorbed in books. “I was only five when I first noticed my father reading with such concentration. I realized that the words written on a page could unlock entire worlds, filled with laughter, tears, and every emotion in between,” he explains. This early experience ignited a passion for writing that would only grow stronger with time.
Over the years, Sandhu’s literary journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. His debut book, Lohe de Hath (1971), marked the beginning of a prolific career that would see him publish over 30 books. Among his most acclaimed works are Chauthi Koot and Jamraud, both of which have transcended the written word by being adapted into films. Notably, the film adaptation of Chauthi Koot even graced the screens at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. His contribution to literature was further recognized when he was honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award, cementing his status as one of the foremost voices in Punjabi literature.
Sandhu’s life has been a balancing act of creativity and dedication. While pursuing his passion, he also served as an educator—a role that saw him teaching at a government school and later completing advanced degrees including a BEd, MPhil, and eventually a PhD in 2005. His academic journey culminated in a long and distinguished tenure at Khalsa College, Jalandhar.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Sandhu continues to write. This year, he penned Rang Prasang Surjit Patar De, a poignant tribute to the legendary poet Surjit Patar who passed away in 2024. Adding to the excitement, literature and poetry enthusiasts now have another reason to celebrate with the upcoming release of his first poetry collection, Warya Picho.
For Waryam Singh Sandhu, writing is not merely a craft—it is his very existence. “My wajood is because of writing. I am nobody without it. Writing is not just a habit; it holds the power to change the world,” he states with the conviction of someone who has seen firsthand the transformative magic of words.
From a village encouragement to global recognition, Waryam Singh Sandhu’s journey is a reminder that the roots of our beginnings often nurture the most profound expressions of the human spirit.
