AMRITSAR: Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, president of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has expressed grave sorrow over the death of Surjit Patar punjabi writer and poet Padmashri awardee.
He said that Patar has made an important contribution in spreading the Punjabi language. His major achievement is winning top honors like Padma Shri and Sahitya Academy Award for writing in a regional language.
Advocate Dhami said that Paying reverence and respect to the Tenth Patshah Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Patar edited an important book under the publication of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, "Tere Dar Se Vagadi Kavi-Nadi - 52 Kawi-Rachnawan", which includes the poems of the included poets. It highlights various aspects of Sikh history. The passing away of such a great writer is extremely painful for his family as well as for the academic and Punjabi literary field. Advocate Dhami paid tribute to the departed soul while sharing grief with the character's family.
Meanwhile vice chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev university Dr. Jaspal Singh Sandhu expressed his deep sorrow over the sad and sudden demise of eminent poet and Padam Shree Awardee Dr. Surjeet Patar.
He passed away today at age 79, following a heart attack. In this sad moment, he said that the demise of Patar Sahib has caused an irreparable loss to the Punjabi literary and academic world. He said that Surjit Patar was an alumni of Guru Nanak Dev University. He received his Doctorate degree in 1997 from School of Punjabi Studies of the Guru Nanak Dev University under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Joginder Singh Kairon, on the topic of “Transformation of folklore contents in Nanak-Bani". He was also awarded Doctor of Philosophy (Honors Caza) by Guru Nanak Dev University in 2012. Guru Nanak Dev University's Theme Song was also composed by Patar Sahib.
He was deeply attached with Guru Nanak Dev University and always involved in the literary and academic activities of this university.
Prof. Sandhu said that Patar Sahib will always remained alive in the memories of his readers due to his high-quality poetry.
Dr. Karanjit Singh Kahlon, Registrar said that the entire Punjabi literature world is in deep shock after the demise of Patar Sahib.
Dr. Palwinder Singh, Dean Academic Affairs also expressed his grief over the death of Dr. Patar and termed great loss to punjabi literary world.
Dr. Manjinder Singh, Head School Of Punjabi Studies expressing his grief said that Punjabi world has no other Patar Sahib and the Eternal truth from his pen will always guide the generations to come.
All teachers, students and other staff of the university express heartfelt condolences on the eternal demise of Patar Sahib.