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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Time of India
Govt schools to celebrate ‘Welcome Week'
Patna: The education department has asked all govt schools in Bihar, from classes I to VIII, to celebrate 'Welcome Week' from June 23 to June 27. Director of primary education, Sahila, issued a letter on Saturday to all district education officers and district programme officers in this regard. The initiative has been taken to smoothly re-engage children in the teaching-learning process and improve attendance following a 20-day summer holiday. Over the five-day period, schools will organise three activities for students each day. The day will begin with inspiring songs played through loudspeakers an hour before the school day starts, followed by a warm welcome by teachers at the school gates. During the morning assembly, headteachers will conduct student-focused activities, including a welcome speech, inspirational stories, the introduction of a great personality's life, poetry recitation and discussions designed to foster motivation and engagement. Homework completed by students over the summer break will also be assessed during Welcome Week. Those who perform exceptionally well will be honoured with a badge to instil pride and strengthen their connection with the school, thereby encouraging regular attendance. Each day's first teaching period will revolve around a specific theme. On the first day, under the theme 'Summer Vacation Express', students will share their holiday experiences with teachers. On the second day, "Homework Express" will focus on activities related to evaluating and discussing summer homework. The third day's theme, "Mathematics Express", will involve mathematical activities. On the fourth day, students will take part in "Reading Express", reading one Hindi chapter of their choice. The final day will be celebrated as "Welcome Week Express," during which students who excelled in the homework assessment will be honoured with badges in the presence of their parents. The department expects that this structured and engaging initiative will help students transition back into academic life with enthusiasm and promote stronger school attendance in the weeks ahead.
News18
21 hours ago
- News18
SSC GD Constable Scorecard 2025 Released: Steps To Download, What's Next
Last Updated: SSC GD Constable Scorecard 2025: Candidates who participated in the recruitment exam can now view their scorecards by logging in with their credentials. The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has published the SSC GD Constable Scorecard 2025 on its official website, Candidates who participated in the recruitment exam for Constable (General Duty) positions can now view their scorecards by logging in with their credentials. The examination took place from February 4 to 25. The provisional answer key was published on March 4, 2025, with a window to submit objections open until March 9. The final answer key was compiled after considering these objections. The results were announced on June 17 via a PDF listing the roll numbers of the selected candidates. The scorecard, released on June 20, provides details on candidates' performance in areas such as General Intelligence, General Knowledge, Mathematics, and English/Hindi. It includes raw and normalised marks, total correct and incorrect responses, and qualification status for the next stage. The scorecards will be accessible until July 4, 2025. Step 1 – Visit the official website of SSC at Step 2 – Go to the 'Result Section" on the homepage. Step 3 – Select the 'Constable-GD" tab. Step 5 – Download and save the merit list that opens in PDF format. The scorecard will include name of exam, candidate's name, roll number, exam date, marks scored, percentage, etc. In case of any error, one must report to the authorities immediately and get it rectified at the earliest. Candidates who have qualified the written exam will next have to appear for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Physical Standard Test (PST), followed by medical examination and document verification. SSC has updated the provisional vacancies for the Constable (GD) in CAPFs, SSF, Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles, and Sepoy in the NCB Examination, 2025. The recruitment drive now aims to fill a total of 53,690 positions. Previously, SSC had announced 39,481 vacancies for these roles in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Secretariat Security Force (SSF), Rifleman (GD) in the Assam Rifles, and Sepoy in the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). This number has now been increased.
India.com
a day ago
- India.com
Meet Queen Of Ranthambore: Used To Be World's Oldest-Surviving Tigress In Wild, Passed Away At Age Of...
photoDetails english 2919747 Updated:Jun 21, 2025, 09:23 PM IST Why Named Machli? 1 / 7 Machli, in Hindi, means 'fish', and the reason for the tigress' unique name was her fish-shaped mark on the left ear of her face. The Ranthambore National Park website also stated that she inherited this name from her mother. Film On Machli 2 / 7 A film on Machali, 'The World's Most Famous Tiger', won the National Award at the 66th National Film Awards. Other Names 3 / 7 Machli's other names also include- 'Queen of Ranthambore', 'Lady of the Lakes', and 'Crocodile Killer'. Machli's Death 4 / 7 Machli passed away at the age of 20, and this made her the World's Oldest-Surviving Tigress in the wild. Machli Was Famous 5 / 7 Machli was also famous for being the 'most photographed tigress.' She had been the subject of many research papers on wildlife, journals, books, documentaries, short films, and journals. Machli's Cubs 6 / 7 Machli gave birth to three cubs – one female (Sundari – T-17), and two males (Broken Tail and Slant Ear). By April 2002, Machali gave birth to her second litter, the two cubs named Jhumru (male) and Jhumri (female). She also mothered several other cubs. Credits 7 / 7 Photo Credit: Ranthambore National Park Website
