Dr Dharampal Sahil: From Kandi village to Central Govt language adviser
His short story collection Neenh De Patthar (The Foundation Stones) was introduced by the renowned writer Master Lal Singh, who affectionately dubbed him the “Firefly of Kandi.”
Though he began his career as a lecturer in chemistry, Dr Dharampal Sahil’s true chemistry was with literature. Despite a background in science and serving as a principal, he carved a name for himself in Punjabi-Hindi literature, becoming a celebrated figure for bridging the gap between the Kandi dialect and mainstream Punjabi literary discourse.
Rising from the modest village of Tung in Hoshiarpur, Dr Sahil has, through dedication, discipline, tireless effort and literary passion, authored over two dozen original books. Today, he stands as a respected figure in both Hindi and Punjabi literature, inspiring emerging writers across the region.
As an educator, he has received numerous honours, including the “Bharat Shiksha Ratna” by the Global Society for Health and Educational Growth, Delhi, as well as “Vidya Vachaspati” and “Sahitya Gaurav” by Vikramshila Vidyapeeth. He was also selected as a member of the Research Board of Advisors by the American Biographical Institute.
In recognition of his literary contributions, the Government of India appointed Dr Sahil to the Hindi Language Advisory Committee established by the Ministry of Home Affairs. He is notably one of only three non-government writers selected from across the country, alongside Dr Binu D from Trivandrum, Kerala, and Adarsh Pati Tiwari from Deoria, UP.
Dr Sahil prefers immersing himself in books rather than mobile screens. “Even as a science student, I was drawn to books. That passion has stayed with me throughout my life. Whether I’m travelling or waiting in queues, I always carry a book. Reading offers more comfort and insight than scrolling a screen,” he says.
Dr Sahil was honoured by President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in 2007 as a creative teacher. His Hindi novel Biscope received a national award of Rs 1 lakh from the Government of India in 2008. His novels Samjhauta Express and Beti Hun Na earned the Best Book Award from the Language Department of Punjab, while Machan secured first position in the All India Novel Competition.
From his early days as a chemistry lecturer to a school principal, Dr. Sahil remained deeply connected to the cultural and literary traditions of the Kandi region. His literary works capture the region’s unique ethos, including Kandi Da Kanthahar, a rich collection of Kandi folk songs. He vividly portrays the socio-cultural backdrop of Kandi in its native dialect.
Dr Sahil has authored seven Punjabi novels—Dhiyan Marjaniyan, Pathrat, Kuarjhat, Mannhe, Khidran Ton Pehlan, Kask, and Khora—and twelve Hindi novels, which have garnered acclaim from scholars, researchers, and linguists.
Beyond writing, he has promoted Kandi’s cultural identity through radio, television, and newspaper articles. His consistent contribution to editorial pages and commentary on social issues has established his distinct voice in the literary landscape.
In a Punjabi University, Patiala-funded project, Dr Sahil compiled the “Kandi Pahari Boli Da Shabdkosh” (Dictionary of the Kandi Hill Dialect), published by the university’s Publication Bureau and released during the World Punjabi Conference. He was also part of the expert team for the Punjabi-Hindi Dictionary project by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, documenting 39 regional languages.
In Hoshiarpur, Dr Sahil remains active in literary and social spheres through the Drishti Vision Forum and the Cultural Preservation Society, constantly motivating young minds to read, write and contribute to the literary world.
Jalandhar