Literature is mirror which reflects society, says Prof Gandam

In an era when multiple talents rarely converge in a single individual, Prof (retd) Jaswant Singh Gandam stands out as a notable exception. A seasoned educationist, acclaimed writer, skilled orator, translator, interpreter, compere, media personality and philanthropist, he embodies a lifelong commitment to intellect, literature and compassion.

Now in his seventies, Prof Gandam dedicated nearly 36 years to teaching English at Guru Nanak College, Phagwara, inspiring generations of students. During his tenure, he undertook key roles including Vice-Principal, Officiating Principal, NCC officer, Dean of Cultural Affairs, Youth Welfare In-charge, Chief Editor of the college magazine and President of the Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers’ Union (PCCTU) at both unit and district levels. His voice, as both educator and master of ceremonies, left a lasting imprint on the academic and cultural fabric of the institution.

Alongside his teaching career, Prof Gandam developed an impressive literary profile. He authored three acclaimed prose works—Kuchh Teriyan Kuchh Meriyan, Suttey Shehar Da Safar and Ugade Suraj Di Akh—as well as an anthology of poems titled Bulh Seetiyan Sarna Nahin. His writings, marked by a blend of seriousness, satire and wit, have earned praise from noted Punjabi literary figures such as Dr Surjit Pattar, Gurmit Palahi, and Ujjagar Singh. “For me, literature is both a social document and a mirror. It mirrors society and is also a mirror to it,” he says, highlighting his belief that humour and satire, often dismissed as light, carry serious purpose and power.

His contributions extend beyond authorship. As a translator, he introduced Punjabi readers to timeless English short stories by literary greats including William Somerset Maugham, Guy de Maupassant, Anton Chekhov and O Henry. His fluency in languages also made him a sought-after interpreter. He served as interpreter for former Punjab Governor (Late) SS Ray and later for international delegations from Canada, Britain, Hungary and other countries. His interpreting skills earned public recognition, including applause from renowned Punjabi intellectual Jagjit Singh Anand and official acknowledgment from the Canadian government after translating a speech by Canada’s Federal Minister Herb Dhaliwal in Phagwara.

Prof Gandam’s was the first recipient of the Outstanding Young Person Award by Indian Jaycees, received an Award of Honour from Guru Nanak College management under (Late) Jagat Singh Palahi and was conferred the Manmatta Pattarkar Puraskar by the Punjabi Column Navees Te Pattarkar Manch, Punjab. He was also honoured by Punjab’s then Chief Minister Beant Singh.

Parallel to his academic and literary pursuits, Prof Gandam has always been guided by deep philanthropy. Quietly and consistently, he has supported the education of needy students, adopting many for their graduation studies—often through personal contributions and the practice of dasvandh (tithing). “For me, helping a needy student or a poor patient is like offering prayers and performing pooja,” he states. Even after retirement, Prof Gandam continues to serve society. He remains an executive member of the College Governing Council, participates in educational forums and is a respected public speaker whose words resonate with diverse audiences.