‘Books are a collection of wisdom, philosophy’

Seventy-year-old Chetan Singh has long held a deep respect and admiration for books. Retiring as Director of the Language Department, Punjab, in 2015, Singh’s journey in the department began in 1987 when he joined as a Research Assistant. Over the years, he served as the District Language Officer in Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Ropar.

From the outset, Singh charted a different course. Instead of spending his entire day within office walls, he took the initiative to hold ‘Pustak Melas’ (book fairs) across the region. “I wanted to create a culture of books everywhere,” Singh told The Tribune. “At that time, there were no proper phones, modes of transportation, or staff, but I made sure to contact everyone who could help me achieve this goal.”

He recalls a moment from his time in the Tanda area of Hoshiarpur. “I was giving a speech and had brought along a vast collection of books. Once the session ended, all the books were sold immediately. That day, I felt so satisfied and fulfilled,” he added.

In recognition of his outstanding work in promoting books, Singh was honoured with an appreciation letter by the then Governor in 1994. He was later promoted to Deputy Director in 1995, followed by further promotions to Joint Director, Additional Director and ultimately Director, a position he held until his retirement in 2015.

Beyond administrative roles, Singh also served as the editor for several influential publications, including Linguistic and Cultural Survey of Bajwara and Dhobaha, Guru Tirath Cycle Yatra by Bhai Dhanna Singh Chahal, Sahibzadeya de Shaheedi Prasang and Puratan Sikh Likhta.

His editorial work on Guru Tirath Cycle Yatra, published in 2016, earned widespread acclaim. “I wanted to preserve Sikh literature that is rare to find,” Singh said, emphasising the importance of safeguarding cultural and historical texts.

Chetan Singh’s love for books goes back to his childhood. “My father, who was in the army, would read books to us and that’s how I developed my love for literature. Kitaba sadiya di syanap, philosophy da sangrah hai,” he remarked, meaning “Books are a collection of wisdom and philosophy.” He believes it is the responsibility of both teachers and the government to ensure that books become an integral part of everyone’s life.