Grand old man of Punjabi literature Kanwal no more
Kulwinder Sandhu
Tribune News Service
Moga, February 1
The grand old man of the Punjabi literature, Jaswant Singh Kanwal, who wrote 102 books on socio-romanticism and socio-political conditions of Punjab, passed away at his native village Dhudike in the district on Saturday. He was 100.
CM offers condolences
- Chandigarh: CM Capt Amarinder Singh offered condolences on the death of Jaswant Singh Kanwal. He described Kanwal as a versatile writer, who vividly portrayed the rural life of Punjab. “He will be remembered for his contribution to the Punjabi language. He lent voice to the common man grappling with socio-economic hardships,” the CM said. TNS
Born on June 27, 1919, at Dhudike village, Kanwal started writing on subjects related to socio-romanticism of his times. During the 1970s, particularly at the time of Emergency, he was influenced by the Naxalite movement. And this reflected in his novel Lahoo Di Lo. No Indian publisher was willing to publish the novel. So Kanwal managed to get it secretly published from Singapore and people smuggled its copies to India.
Later, Kanwal was criticised in the political and literary circles for sympathising with the Khalistan movement. No matter his inspiration — be it socio-romanticism or socio-political — his writings were always influenced by characters from rural society.
He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for his novel Taushali Di Hanso in 1998. Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Literature.
His famous books were Haani, Roop Dhaara, Morha, Jera, Jungle De Sher, Raat Baaki Hai, Puranmaashi, Mittar Pyare Nu, Pali, Gora Mukh Sajjna Da, Sach Nu Phansi, Kande, Hal Muridan Da, Sandhoor, Barf Di Agg, Roopmati and Gawachi Pag.
Former Chief Minister and SADpatron Parkash Singh Badal said, “Deeply saddened at the passing away of my friend and noted litterateur. His absence will be felt in the literary world. His works were a gift to everyone who had the pleasure to read them. My condolences to members of his family and admirers.”
Noted Punjabi writer Baldev Singh ‘Sadaknama’said: “Kanwal’s life was a blessing and his works will remain with us forever.”
