The literary world mourns the loss of one of its most cherished luminaries, Dr Surjit Patar, who peacefully departed this world in his sleep on Saturday morning. The eminent poet, aged 79, left behind a legacy woven with profound verses and a deep commitment to the Punjabi language and its cultural heritage.
Dr Surjit Patar’s poetic journey was marked by brilliance and innovation, reflected in timeless works such as ‘Hawa Vich Likhe Harf’, ‘Patjhar Di Pazeb’, and ‘Surzameen’. His words, infused with emotion and wisdom, resonated deeply with readers across generations, earning him accolades and reverence.
In 2012, Dr Patar was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri for his remarkable contributions to literature and education, a testament to his unparalleled dedication to the craft. He served as the president of the Punjab Arts Council and the Punjabi Sahit Akademi, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Punjab.
Beyond the realms of poetry, Dr Surjit Patar’s scholarly pursuits were equally remarkable. Hailing from Patar village in Jalandhar district, he pursued his academic endeavors with fervor, earning a Ph.D. on the ‘Transformation of Folklore in Guru Nanak Vani’ from Guru Nanak Dev University. His intellectual curiosity and passion for literature led him to translate works of renowned authors like Federico Garcia Lorca and Bertolt Brecht into Punjabi, enriching the literary tapestry of the language.
Dr Patar’s influence extended beyond the written word into the realm of cinema, where his dialogues added depth and resonance to films like ‘Shaheed Uddham Singh’ and the Punjabi adaptation of Deepa Mehta’s ‘Heaven on Earth’. His versatility as a writer and his ability to capture the essence of human experience garnered him widespread acclaim and admiration.
As we bid farewell to Dr Surjit Patar, we remember not only his literary brilliance but also his humility, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his craft. His absence leaves a void in the literary world, but his words will continue to echo in the hearts of those who found solace and inspiration within them.
