11 May
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
The literary world mourns the loss of Padma Shri Surjit Patar, a prominent Punjabi poet and writer, who passed away early Saturday morning, reportedly due to a heart attack. Patar, aged 79, breathed his last in Ludhiana, leaving behind a legacy of profound literary contributions.
Hailing from the village of Pattar Kalan in Jalandhar, Surjit Patar made significant strides in the field of literature, renowned for his eloquent poetry and impactful writings. His notable works include “Letters Written in the Air,” “Temple of Words,” “Bajeb of Autumn,” “Sur Zamin,” “Brikh Arj Kare,” and “Alphabet Smoldering in the Dark.”
After completing his Master’s degree from Panjab University, Patiala, Patar pursued a Ph.D. from Guru Nanak Dev University. He later served as a professor of Punjabi at Punjab Agricultural University until his retirement. Patar’s dedication and expertise earned him recognition, including the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2012.
Throughout his illustrious career, Patar received numerous accolades for his literary prowess, including the Punjab Sahitya Akademi Award in 1979, Sahitya Akademi Award in 1993, Panchananda Award in 1999, Anand Kao Samman in 2007, Saraswati Samman in 2009, and Gangadhar National Poetry Award.
Patar’s passing leaves a void in the literary landscape, with tributes pouring in from fellow writers, admirers, and cultural enthusiasts. His enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations of poets and writers, ensuring his contributions to Punjabi literature are cherished and remembered for years to come.