Dr Dheer’s journey through words & wellness

Ayurvedic physician, writer and social worker Dr Jawahar Dheer has carved a distinguished niche for himself in the realms of medicine, literature and community service.

Born on June 10, 1950, to parents Dr Hans Raj Dheer and Yashoda, he is the younger brother of internationally-acclaimed Urdu and Hindi writer Dr Keval Dheer, whom he regards as his inspiration and guiding light.

A graduate in Ayurvedic medicine (GAMS), Dr Dheer served the Punjab Government’s Department of Ayurveda with distinction, retiring as District Ayurvedic and Unani Officer, Ludhiana, after more than 34 years of unblemished service. Throughout his career and even after retirement, he has actively organised and supported numerous Ayurvedic medical camps, offering treatments rooted in India’s traditional healing systems, while also working as a dedicated social worker to uplift communities.

Dr Dheer’s contributions extend far beyond healthcare. He is an accomplished author with 17 published books — 15 in Hindi and two in Punjabi — along with four edited volumes and numerous articles published in newspapers, magazines and journals since 1967. His literary work spans travelogues, novels, satire, poetry and short stories, making him a versatile voice in contemporary Indian literature, with command over multiple genres. Notable works include Sachetra Bharat Ke Teerth; Shraddha Ka Mahasagar: Shri Amarnath; Ek Tukda Aadmi; Andhe Logon Ka Sheher; and Maa Kabhi Marti Nahin. His Punjabi books, Jeevan Diyan Yaadan and Rishtiiyan Di Khushboo, have also been well received. Two more books are currently in press.

His writings on pilgrimage and travel have earned particular acclaim. His travelogue Meri Videsh Yatra: Australia won the Giani Gyan Singh Award (2017) from the Punjab Government’s Department of Languages for best travel writing. His travel series on Amarnath and Manimahesh, published in three languages by leading media houses, were later compiled into celebrated coffee-table books.

His serialised pilgrimage narratives in various newspapers have resonated with readers for their vivid detail and cultural insight.

Dr Dheer’s work has been recognised at the highest levels. In 1999, he was honoured by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his contributions to literature and social service. Over the years, he has received more than 30 literary awards and over 300 honours from various institutions, including accolades from Punjab’s Chief Ministers, cabinet ministers and senior bureaucrats. In 2017, Doordarshan Jalandhar produced a documentary on his life and work, which was broadcast across 72 countries.

His engagement with broadcast media spans more than five decades. Since 1969, over 200 of his radio talks and literary programmes have been aired, alongside numerous television appearances starting in 1974. He has also written scripts and acted in short films such as Shiv Parvati Ki Kreeda Sthali Manimahesh and Shanidev, showcasing his artistic versatility.

Throughout his career, Dr Dheer has interacted with a host of eminent personalities, including three Indian Prime Ministers — Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Inder Kumar Gujral and Dr Manmohan Singh — as well as cultural icons like Murari Bapu, Swami Ramdev, Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar and celebrated poets such as Bashir Badr, Rahat Indori and Gulzar. These encounters enriched his worldview and reinforced his commitment to literature and service.

Despite his many accolades, Dr Jawahar Dheer remains deeply grounded, attributing his journey to the blessings of the Almighty. With his enduring dedication to Ayurveda, literature and social service, he continues to inspire generations, embodying the true essence of a life lived with purpose, passion and humility.