22-05-2025
Padma Shri-winning Sikh scholar Rattan Singh Jaggi passes away at 98, legacy to live on
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Patiala: The world of Punjabi and Hindi literature mourned the loss of one of its brightest stars on Thursday, as Padma Shri awardee Rattan Singh Jaggi passed away at the age of 98.
Jaggi was a scholar, critic, and author whose vast body of work touched the fields of Gurmat, Sikh scripture, and the Bhakti movement.
Jaggi, who was unwell for some time, breathed his last in Patiala, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy of over 150 published works. He is survived by wife Dr Gursharan Kaur Jaggi, who is a former principal of Govt College for Women in Patiala, and son Malwinder Singh Jaggi, a retired IAS officer.
Jaggi devoted over six decades to the study of medieval literature and Sikh theology. He earned his PhD from Panjab University in 1962 for his research on Dasam Granth.
He later received a DLitt from Magadh University in 1973 for his work on Guru Nanak's life and philosophy. Fluent in Punjabi, Hindi, Sanskrit, Persian and Urdu, Jaggi's literary contributions spanned encyclopaedias, critical commentaries, translations, and reference works.
Jaggi's profound understanding of Sikh scriptures led to his magnum opus — an eight-volume Punjabi commentary on the Guru Granth Sahib, titled Bhav Prabodhini Tika, and a five-volume Hindi version of the same.
He enriched Sikh scholarship through projects like Sikh Panth Vishavkosh (encyclopaedia of Sikhism) and Arthbodh Sri Guru Granth Sahib, published by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
Tulsi Ramayan, his Punjabi translation of Ram Charit Manas, earned him a National Award from the Sahitya Akademi.
Jaggi was the recipient of numerous national and state-level accolades. In 2023, the govt of India honoured him with the Padma Shri for his contribution to literature and education.
He was also awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award, Punjabi Sahit Shiromani Puraskar, and multiple recognitions from the govts of Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Punjabi University, Patiala, and Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, conferred DLitt degrees upon him, while Punjabi Sahit Akademi, Ludhiana, awarded him a Fellowship.
His notable editorial projects included Punjabi Sahit Sandarbh Kosh, Punjabi Sahit da Sarot Moolak Itihas, and Guru Granth Vishavkosh, all published by Punjabi University. His recent contributions included Guru Nanak Bani: Paath ate Vyakhya, published during the 550th Prakash Purb celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. MSID:: 121340837 413 |
