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Indian Express
3 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
The man who brought gurbani to the masses
Padma Shri Dr Rattan Singh Jaggi, one of the most revered scholars of Sikhism and a towering figure in Punjabi and Hindi literature, passed away in Chandigarh on May 22. He was 98. Over a remarkable career spanning over six decades, Dr Jaggi authored over 150 books and became a widely respected authority on Gurmat, the Bhakti movement, and medieval Indian literature. His erudition, linguistic mastery and deep engagement with Sikh scripture earned him recognition as a literary colossus and a guiding force for generations of scholars. Born on July 27, 1927, Dr Jaggi obtained his PhD from Panjab University in 1962 for his thesis 'Dasam Granth Da Pauranik Addhyan'. He received a DLitt from Magadh University in 1973 for his work 'Sri Guru Nanak: Vyaktitva, Krititva aur Chintan'. He retired as professor and Head of the Department of Punjabi Literary Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, in 1987. Equally at ease in Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit, Persian and English, Dr Jaggi's scholarship was as prolific as it was profound. Among his most significant contributions was the eight-volume commentary 'Bhav Prabodhini Tika – Sri Guru Granth Sahib', followed by its Hindi adaptation in five volumes. His works also include 'Arthbodh Sri Guru Granth Sahib' published by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, and 'Guru Nanak Bani: Paath ate Vyakhya', released in both Punjabi and Hindi during the 550th Prakash Purb celebrations. Dr Jaggi served as editor of several key reference texts published by Punjabi University, including 'Punjabi Sahit Sandarbh Kosh', 'Punjabi Sahit da Sarotmoolak Itihas', and 'Guru Granth Vishavkosh'. His books 'Guru Nanak: Jeevni ate Vyaktitva' and 'Guru Nanak di Vichardhara' were both honoured by the Languages Department, Punjab. His Punjabi transliteration and translation of Tulsi Ramayan earned him a national award from the Sahitya Akademi. In recognition of his lifelong contributions to literature and education, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2023. He was also the recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1989 and the Punjab government's highest literary honour, the Punjabi Sahit Shiromani Award in 1996. The governments of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, the SGPC and several universities and literary bodies also conferred honours upon him. Dr Jaggi is survived by his wife Dr Gursharan Kaur Jaggi, retired principal of Government College for Women, Patiala, and son Malwinder Singh Jaggi, a retired IAS officer. His passing marks the end of an era in Sikh theological scholarship and Punjabi literary tradition. The last prayers will be held on Saturday.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Expelled for 10 years, Virsa Singh Valtoha looks to Akal Takht for returning back to Shiromani Akali Dal
1 2 Amritsar: Former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Virsa Singh Valtoha, who resigned from the party after the five Sikh high priests had in Oct 2024 asked SAD to expel him for 10 years, has now approached the Akal Takht, seeking a review of his case in an effort to facilitate his return to the party. Sources have indicated a strong possibility that the high priests may consider Valtoha's application and could direct SAD to allow his re-entry. On May 21, the high priests made decisions on several significant matters, including the summoning of the jathedar of Takht Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib and others, the reinstatement of former Takht Patna Sahib jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gahur-e-Maskin, who was previously expelled from the panth; and the lifting of the preaching ban on Bhai Ranjit Singh Dhandrianwale. Stating that there was no dispute between him and the party, Valtoha said he resigned from SAD after the former jathedar of Akal Takht directed the party to expel him. Valtoha has now approached the officiating jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, urging a reconsideration of the decision made by the previous jathedar on Oct 15, 2024, who instructed the then SAD working president, Balwinder Singh Bhundar, to expel him. The directive came after the Sikh clergy held Valtoha responsible for "denting the credibility" of the takht jathedars and for engaging in their character assassination. Before the party could formally act on the expulsion order, Valtoha tendered his resignation and remained out of active politics. Virsa said on Tuesday that he submitted a letter at the Akal Takht secretariat, addressing the officiating jathedar and urging him to reconsider the decision taken against him. He said he wrote that as a fallible Sikh, he sought forgiveness from the Guru Panth for every mistake he may have made knowingly or unknowingly, and assured that in future there would be no complaint from his side regarding any violation of the maryada (Sikh code of religious conduct), Gurmat, or principles. "I am an Akali by soul. The loss of Akali Dal has deeply pained my soul. If you consider it necessary, I am also willing to present my viewpoint before you in detail," wrote Valtoha.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Renowned Sikh scholar and literary luminary Dr Rattan Singh Jaggi passes away at 98
Renowned Sikh scholar and literary luminary Dr Rattan Singh Jaggi passes away at 98 (Picture credit: X/@rashtrapatibhvn) PATIALA: The literary and academic world mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars, Padma Shri awardee Rattan Singh Jaggi, who passed away at the age of 98. A towering figure in the realms of Punjabi and Hindi literature, Jaggi was a prolific scholar, critic, and author whose vast body of work continues to illuminate 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 his wife, Dr Gursharan Kaur Jaggi, former Principal of Government College for Women, Patiala, and his son, Malwinder Singh Jaggi, a retired IAS officer. A celebrated academic, 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 the Dasam Granth, and later received a DLitt from Magadh University in 1973 for his work on Guru Nanak's life and philosophy. Fluent in multiple languages including 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 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, titled Bhav Prabodhini Tika, and a five-volume Hindi version of the same. He further 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). His work, Tulsi Ramayan, a Punjabi translation of Ram Charit Manas, earned 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 governments 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. Among his notable editorial projects were 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. Jaggi's life was a testament to scholarly dedication and literary brilliance. His enduring works will remain a cornerstone for generations of students, researchers, and spiritual seekers.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Padma Shri-winning Sikh scholar Rattan Singh Jaggi passes away at 98, legacy to live on
1 2 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 |
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Amritdhari Sikh, 4-year-tenure: SGPC receives jathedar appointment proposals
Amritsar: In a push for reform at the Akal Takht secretariat on the formulation of rules for appointment, retirement, or removal of the Akal Takht jathedar, Sikh bodies have submitted their suggestions to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee ( SGPC ). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The chief administrator of Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib, Nanded, Vijay Satbir Singh, emphasised that the candidate for the position should be an Amritdhari Sikh , fully observant of the Sikh Rehat Maryada (Sikh code of religious conduct). The minimum educational qualification should be either a graduation degree or Giani certification. However, preference should be given to candidates holding a postgraduate degree in Sikh religious studies or theology, he suggested. Given the responsibilities associated with the role, Tejbir Singh further said that the candidate must possess in-depth knowledge of Gurmat philosophy , Sikh religious scriptures, and the Rehat Maryada. Regarding the selection process, he asserted that the election should be conducted by the elected members of the SGPC along with the current jathedars of the Takhts, adding that the process must be democratic, transparent, and accountable. He also proposed that the jathedar's tenure be fixed at four years, with the possibility of a single term extension — not exceeding eight years. In case the removal of a sitting jathedar becomes necessary, it should only be executed with a two-thirds majority vote of the SGPC general house, according to him. The SGPC earlier sought suggestions from Sikh organisations, sampradas, institutions, Singh Sabhas, Sabha societies, and Sikh scholars until April 20, but has now extended the deadline until May 20. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Bhai Bakhshish Singh of Akhand Kirtani Jatha has submitted a detailed 12-page proposal. It stated that Akal Takht is the central seat of Sikh authority, from where guidance has historically been provided to the Khalsa Panth in addressing religious, social, and political challenges. According to Gurmat (Sikh spiritual principles), every Sikh is expected to wholeheartedly accept the decisions issued by Akal Takht through the collective leadership of Panj Piare (five beloved ones). Stating that the current administrative condition of Akal Takht is a matter of serious concern for the Sikh community, he opined that there is an urgent need to overcome this decline. He said that the Akhand Kirtani Jatha has submitted suggestions regarding the qualifications of the jathedar, the process of selection, powers and responsibilities of the jathedar, tenure and procedures for retirement or removal, as well as the supporting administrative framework and financial resources of the institution. To strengthen the administrative structure, he said the jatha has emphasised the inclusion of dedicated departments for religious affairs, political matters, economic planning, historical research, education, Sikh cultural affairs, interfaith relations, diaspora affairs, international relations, and media communications. MSID:: 120517452 413 |
