Renowned Sikh scholar Dr Rattan Singh Jaggi dies at 98

The doyen of the Punjabi and Hindi literary world, Dr Rattan Singh Jaggi, passed away following a brief illness at the age of 98. He is survived by his wife Dr Gursharan Kaur Jaggi (retd Principal, Government College for Women, Patiala), and son Malwinder Singh Jaggi (retd IAS).

Dr Jaggi was a prolific author who wrote more than 150 books. Besides being counted amongst the distinguished scholars in Punjabi and Hindi literary circles, he had an authority on the subjects of ‘Gurmat’ and ‘Bhakti Movement’.

Born on July 27, 1927, he devoted his life to studying, writing and critical analysis from different perspectives regarding medieval literature. He commanded a complete understanding of English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Persian and Sanskrit and contributed highly-acknowledged literary works in the shape of books, commentaries and encyclopedias.

He edited the ‘Punjabi Sahit Sandarbh Kosh’, ‘Punjabi Sahit da Sarot Moolak Itihas’ and ‘Guru Granth Vishavkosh’ which were published by the Punjabi University, Patiala. His other notable endeavours included ‘Sikh Panth Vishavkosh’ and a five volume sub-commentary of Sri Guru Granth Sahib titled 'Arthbodh Sri Guru Granth Sahib’, which was released by Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee.

Due to his immensely valuable contribution to the literature and academic spheres, he was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2023 by the President of India. He was conferred with a National award in 1989 by the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, and Punjabi Sahit Shiromani — the highest state award by the Punjab Government — in 1996.