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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
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Consequences of Munir's promotion to Field Marshal: Pakistan army echoes terrorist rhetoric
S D Pradhan has served as chairman of India's Joint Intelligence Committee. He has also been the country's deputy national security adviser. He was chairman of the Task Force on Intelligence Mechanism (2008-2010), which was constituted to review the functioning of the intelligence agencies. He has taught at the departments of defence studies and history at the Punjabi University, Patiala. He was also a visiting professor at the University of Illinois, US, in the department of arms control and disarmament studies. The ministry of defence had utilized his services for the preparation of official accounts of the 1971 war and the counterinsurgency operations in the northeast. In the JIC/National Security Council secretariat, he was closely involved with the preparation of the reports of the Kargil Review Committee and the Group of Ministers on national security as also with the implementation of their recommendations. His publications include two books and several articles. LESS ... MORE The elevation of General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal has taken the strategic community by surprise. Many had assumed Munir's primary goal was to secure an extension of his tenure by escalating tensions with India. His promotion, however, came in the wake of a significant military setback against India, raising serious questions about its timing and intent. Operation Sindoor: A strategic setback for Pakistan India's Operation Sindoor inflicted a severe blow on Pakistan's military and terror infrastructure. In this decisive operation, nine terrorist camps were destroyed, resulting in the death of over 100 militants, including senior commanders. Indian forces also targeted and destroyed 11 Pakistani airbases, eight fighter jets, an airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft (SAAB 2000), six Bayraktar TB2 UCAVs, and two Shaheen-class missiles. India captured a Chinese-made PL-15 air-to-air missile and neutralized Pakistani LY-80 and HQ-9 air defence systems, underscoring the vulnerabilities of Pakistan's Chinese-supplied arsenal. International military analysts echoed the success of the operation. Austrian expert Tom Cooper described it as a 'clear-cut victory' for India, while American analyst John Spencer highlighted that India had demonstrated the capability to strike Pakistan at will. Faced with overwhelming losses, Pakistan requested a ceasefire. False narratives and manufactured propaganda Despite the heavy damage, the Pakistani military, in coordination with its civilian government, launched an aggressive propaganda campaign claiming victory over India. Unsupported allegations of damage to Indian airbases were circulated, though satellite imagery provided no evidence. This false narrative served a domestic purpose: to mask the military's failure and to justify Munir's elevation. The civilian government, led by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, quickly endorsed Munir's promotion, stating it was in recognition of his 'brilliant military leadership' and 'courageous defence of Pakistan's sovereignty.' However, the move is widely perceived as a political manoeuvre to restore the Army's image and solidify Munir's position amid internal criticism from within the ranks. A dangerous convergence with terrorist ideology What followed Munir's promotion was even more alarming: a marked shift in the rhetoric of the Pakistan Army, increasingly resembling that of terrorist organisations. Pakistan Army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry declared, in language eerily like Hafiz Saeed, 'If you block our water, we will choke your breath.' Such rhetoric suggests that the Pakistan Army may be adopting narratives crafted by terrorist outfits. Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif is the son of Mahmood Sultan Bashiruddin, a notorious Pakistani scientist known for attempting to provide nuclear secrets to Osama bin Laden through the organisation Ummah Tameer-e-Nau. His important position raises further concerns about the ideological leanings within the military's senior leadership. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif even claimed that Pakistan had avenged its 1971 defeat-an assertion that appears to cater to demands long made by terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Al-Badr. On May 11, while defending Pakistan's 'Operation Bunyanum Marsoos,' Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif described Munir as someone deeply committed to 'jihad.' Munir had received his early education in a madrasa. This has earned Munir the label of 'Jihadi General' among analysts. Terrorists empowered, subservient civilian government Munir's authority within Pakistan has grown unchecked. The civilian government, widely seen as subservient to the military, is incapable of restraining him. Under his leadership, the military has provided state funerals for senior terrorists, further strengthening the perception of an unholy alliance between the army and extremist groups. Despite initial condemnation, the international community's response to recent escalations has been muted. Some global players continue to equate India and Pakistan, ignoring the stark contrast in their approaches to counterterrorism. Meanwhile, China actively supported Pakistan during the conflict, sharing intelligence on Indian airbases. Turkey reportedly supplied military equipment. Notably, former Pakistani Army officer Adil Raja alleged that Munir ordered the Pahalgam attack only after receiving approval from China. Implications for India and regional stability For India, the situation remains precarious. Munir is widely held responsible for orchestrating the Pahalgam attack. His 16th April speech, where he invoked the two-nation theory and expressed strong anti-Hindu sentiments, highlighted his ideological rigidity and intent to continue Pakistan's long-standing policy of 'bleeding India through a thousand cuts.' Although some Pakistani analysts argue that economic decline and limited military capacity make a large-scale conflict with India unlikely, given Munir's radical views and close alignment with terrorist objectives, future provocations cannot be ruled out. India must remain vigilant. Strengthening surveillance and early-warning systems to detect terrorist activity is essential. Pre-emptive countermeasures should be prioritized. India must also continue leveraging strategic tools such as the Indus Waters Treaty to pressure Pakistan until wanted terrorists are handed over. Simultaneously, India must intensify diplomatic efforts to build a strong strategic narrative exposing the nexus between the Pakistan Army and terrorism. Sustained engagement with international stakeholders could generate pressure on Islamabad and create space for democratic forces within Pakistan to challenge military dominance. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
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
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Punjab government not to purchase banned Pusa 44 variety of paddy: Chief minister Bhagwant Mann
Patiala: Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday said the state govt would not purchase the water-guzzling paddy variety Pusa 44, which had been banned by the govt. He said anyone sowing this variety would do so at their own risk. Replying to media queries on Wednesday, Mann said the govt had already declared that farmers could go ahead with short-term varieties, including PR 126, 127, 128, or PR 129. However, Pusa will not be purchased as it takes 152 days, and if anyone is sowing the banned water-guzzling variety, they will be responsible for it, he added. There are reports that some farmers are preparing their nursery to sow the long-duration Pusa 44 variety after obtaining seeds from the neighbouring state of Haryana, said Mann. Replying to a query on the political outcry over the appointment of non-Punjabis as chairpersons of various boards, Mann condemned former deputy CM and Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, saying that during their rule, the SAD appointed the Punjabi University VC from Delhi. "Punjabiyat is our mission. The opposition leaders are even making false propaganda that residents from Haryana are getting jobs in Punjab, but we are giving jobs to Punjabis and have made the Punjabi written test compulsory for govt jobs. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 빠진 치아 있다면? 1개도 10개도 개당 33만원에 임플란트 해드려요 플란치과 더 알아보기 Undo Sometimes, we have to bring 'specialists' from other states. Our specialists from Punjab are working in other states. Four Punjabis have become ministers in foreign nations," the CM highlighted. Earlier, Mann addressed a gathering after reviewing ongoing development works in Ghanouri Kalan, Ghanour Khurd, Kataron, and Changali villages. He said various govt departments were working in coordination with each other for the welfare of the rural population. Mann said Punjab lived in its villages and that the ultimate goal of a progressive and vibrant Punjab could only be achieved through clean and green villages. He said the state govt had already placed major emphasis on achieving this goal. "Dhuri will be developed as a model city through holistic development, backed by adequate funding. The city will soon be equipped with world-class healthcare and educational facilities, improved roads, clean ponds, water recharging systems, and canal water irrigation. Significant resources have already been allocated to ensure the comprehensive development of villages in the segment. There is no shortage of funds for development, and the state govt is making all possible efforts to ensure the holistic progress of villages," said the CM. "A detailed roadmap has been drafted to boost ongoing development efforts in both urban and rural areas. In addition to development, efforts are being made to place the state on a path of high economic growth for the benefit of its people," he added. The CM revealed that a total of Rs 13.98 crore had been issued for 129 development projects in these panchayats, out of which 93 projects worth Rs 8.67 crore had been completed. He further said 36 projects worth Rs 5.31 crore were currently in progress and would be completed soon. Furthermore, based on the needs of the five village panchayats, an additional grant of Rs 12.19 crore had been issued for 32 more development projects, said Mann. MSID:: 121320317 413 |
