Punjabi University ex-VC Joginder Singh Puar dies at 87

Jalandhar, October 15

Former Punjabi University, Patiala, Vice Chancellor Prof Joginder Singh Puar passed away after a brief illness here today. He was 87.

Puar had served as the Vice Chancellor from 1993 to 1999. A Leftist and a promoter of Punjabi language, Puar started his career with the university in the Languages Department in 1972.

He moved to Guru Nanak Dev University in 1986 as a professor and returned to the Patiala university as its VC in 1993. Puar, who penned books on Punjabi grammar and tenses, served as the president of the Punjabi Bhasha Academy and editor of a vernacular daily.

Dr Puar did his schooling from Government School, Ladhewali village, Jalandhar, after which he moved to England for higher studies. He is survived by his wife Ratnesh Puar and daughter Maninder Puar.

His last rites were performed at his native place here in the afternoon. Higher Education and Languages Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa mourned Puar’s death. — TNS