Padma Shri awardee Sikh scholar Jaggi dies at 98

Dr Rattan Singh Jaggi, a towering figure in Punjabi and Hindi literary circles, passed away at the age 98 following a brief illness on Thursday. He is survived by his wife Dr Gursharan Kaur Jaggi and son Malwinder Singh Jaggi.

A prolific author, Jaggi wrote over 150 books during his lifetime. In recognition of his immense contribution to literature and education, he was awarded the the Padma Shri in 2023. He had earlier received a National Award from the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, in 1989 and the Punjabi Sahit Shiromani, the highest state award by the Punjab Government, in 1996.

Born on July 27, 1927, he dedicated his life to studying, writing and critically analysing medieval literature from different perspectives. He had good command over English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Persian and Sanskrit.

He edited “Punjabi Sahit Sandarbh Kosh”, “Punjabi Sahit da Sarot Moolak Itihas” and “Guru Granth Vishavkosh”, which were published by Punjabi University, Patiala. His other notable endeavours included “Sikh Panth Vishavkosh” and a five-volume sub-commentary on Sri Guru Granth Sahib titled “Arthbodh Sri Guru Granth Sahib”, which was released by the SGPC.

Condoling the death of Dr Jaggi, former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh wrote on “X”: “Deeply saddened by the passing away of Padma Shri Dr Rattan Singh Jaggi, a towering scholar of Sikh and Hindi literature. His immense contribution to academia and culture will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family.”

Punjab