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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
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 |