Surjit Patar (January 14 1945 - May 11 2024) was a prominent Panjabi poet and academic whose work captured the essence of Panjabi life, emotions, and social struggles.

Born Surjit Singh Hunjan in 1945 in Pattar Kalan village, Jalandhar, he adopted his pen name 'Patar' from his birthplace. Patar's early life was shaped by his father's absence. Working in Kenya for years, his father returned home only briefly. This experience instilled in Patar a sense of responsibility as the sole male child, caring for his mother and sisters. While details of his personal life are relatively private, it's known that his early dreams revolved around music, perhaps influenced by his father's religious devotion and singing of Gurbani hymns. These emotions likely influenced the lyrical quality of his future poetry. 

Despite his initial science studies, Patar's academic journey shifted towards literature. He graduated from Randhir College, Kapurthala, and went on to earn a Master's degree from Punjabi University, Patiala. His academic pursuits culminated in a PhD in Literature from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. His doctoral thesis explored the 'Transformation of Folklore in Guru Nanak Vani', demonstrating his deep interest in Panjabi heritage and religious traditions. 

Patar began writing poetry in the mid-1960s, his work gaining recognition for its unique blend of personal experiences, social commentary, and lyrical beauty. He published numerous acclaimed poetry collections, including 'Hawa Vich Likhe Harf' (Words Written in the Air), a collection that established him as a prominent voice in Panjabi literature. Other notable works include 'Birkh Arz Kare' (Thus Spake the Tree), which explored environmental concerns, and 'Hanere Vich Sulagdi Varnmala' (Garland Burning in the Darkness), a collection that delved into themes of love, loss, and the human condition. Patar's literary contributions earned him prestigious awards. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award, a national honor for Indian literature, and the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards (which he later returned in protest of farmer's rights violations). He was also bestowed the Saraswati Samman, another prestigious literary award.

Patar's dedication to Panjabi literature extended beyond his own writing. He served as president of the Punjab Arts Council and the Punjabi Sahit Akademi, actively promoting Panjabi language and literature. An accomplished scholar, Patar translated the works of renowned poets and playwrights like Federico García Lorca, Bertolt Brecht, Pablo Neruda, and Girish Karnad into Panjabi, enriching the Panjabi literary landscape. He also wrote dialogues for the Panjabi films 'Shaheed Uddham Singh' and 'Videsh' (the Panjabi version of Deepa Mehta's 'Heaven on Earth').

Surjit Patar's life and work were dedicated to celebrating and exploring the complexities of Panjabi culture. His legacy continues to inspire readers and writers, reminding them of the power of words to capture the essence of human experience. 

Dr. Surjit Patar, the legendary Panjabi poet and academic, has passed away. This post is dedicated in his honour. R.I.P.