Prof Kamlesh Duggal pens autobiography

Professor Kamlesh Singh Duggal, a name synonymous with journalism in Doaba, is set to unveil his autobiography, “Meri Udaan: Amargarh to Jalandhar”.

The book, which chronicles his journey from the quiet village of Amargarh in Malerkotla to becoming a distinguished figure in the world of journalism and mass communication, will be launched by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann soon.

Often hailed as the man who laid the groundwork for modern journalism, Prof Duggal has inspired countless people through his work. His journey began in 1975 when he first became a regular reader of the Punjabi Tribune, soon rising to prominence as a columnist. His early articles were marked by a distinct focus on regional issues, with his first piece, “Eh Amargarh Hai Pyare”, shining a light on the challenges faced by his village.

He said, “Meri Udaan” would offer readers a glimpse into his formative years in Amargarh, his academic endeavours, his professional journey which started from a training at a Punjabi media house while pursuing his bachelors in journalism and his personal memories. “The book not only outlines my life but also reflects the evolution of rural Punjab, the struggle of communities and my love for roots,” he added.

Currently serving as the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at Guru Nanak Dev University, Ladowali Road, Prof Duggal has been promoting the preservation of Punjabi language. He has announced in his circles offering a free copy of his book to anyone who writes to him in Punjabi. “This is my way of encouraging people to honour and cherish our linguistic heritage. So far, I have received around eight letters,” he said.

He said the idea for his memoir came to life during a 75-day visit to Canada last year, where the peaceful surroundings of a local library inspired him to reflect deeply on his journey. “This book is an attempt to preserve the details of my life—from the hardships of village life to the opportunities that led me to Ludhiana and finally to Jalandhar,” said Prof Duggal. The autobiography also highlights his landmark contributions to Punjabi journalism, including the launch of his own newspaper Darpan Doaba between 1982 and 1989 and the publishing of Punjabi journalism and articles, a seminal work on the subject.

Peers from Punjabi journalism community described him as “Aam aadmi vang vicharda khas aadmi” (an extraordinary man who lives like an ordinary person), a sentiment echoed throughout the book.