Punjabi writer S Tarsem passes away at 77

Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, February 23

A renowned Punjabi writer and former president of Kendri Punjabi Lekhak Sabha, Dr S Tarsem, today passed away at the age of 77. Dr S Tarsem breathed his last in the morning at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) where he had been undergoing treatment since he suffered a cardiac arrest a few days ago. According to his family, Dr Tarsem was admitted to the DMCH on February 18 after he complained of severe chest pain.

Dr Tarsem was cremated at Malerkotla in the evening. He is survived by two sons, who are staying at Malerkotla. He was born at Tapa in Barnala and he started his career as schoolteacher. He had taught at Government College, Malerkotla, for many years. He had also remained actively associated with Left parties. During his 40-year-long career in Punjabi literature, Dr Tarsem contributed more than 24 Punjabi books. His autobiography, ‘Dhritrashtra’, was widely acclaimed.

President of Vishav Punjabi Sahit Vichar Manch Gulzar Singh Pandher, general secretary Dalvir Ludhianvi, former president of Punjabi Sahit Akademi Sukhdev Singh Sirsa, Kendri Punjabi Lekhak Sabha president Sarabjit Singh, Gurnam Kanwar, Surinder Kailey and Janmeja Singh Johal expressed grief on his sudden demise.