Rattan Singh Jaggi
Rattan Singh Jaggi | |
|---|---|
ਰਤਨ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੱਗੀ | |
| Born | 27 July 1927 |
| Died | 22 May 2025 (aged 97) Chandigarh, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation(s) | Scholar, author, literary critic |
| Known for | Commentaries on Sikh scriptures, encyclopedic works |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2023), Sahitya Akademi Award (1989), Punjabi Sahit Rattan (1996) |
| Academic background | |
| Education | Panjab University (Chandigarh) (PhD), Magadh University (D.Litt.) |
| Alma mater | Panjab University, Magadh University |
| Thesis | Critical study of Pauranik compositions in Dasam Granth (1962) (1962) |
| Website | rattansinghjaggi |
Rattan Singh Jaggi (Punjabi: ਰਤਨ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੱਗੀ, 27 July 1927 – 22 May 2025) was an Indian scholar, author, literary critic and academic specialising in Punjabi, Hindi and Gurmat literature. He was known for his research, publications, and multi-volume commentaries on Sikh scriptures and related literature. He was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honour, in 2023 in the field of literature and education.[1][2]
Background
Rattan Singh Jaggi was born on 27 July 1927 in Pindigheb, District Campbellpur, British India (now in Punjab, Pakistan). Following the Partition of India, his family relocated to India.[3] He pursued higher education, earning Master of Arts degrees in Punjabi (1955) and Hindi (1957).[2] He later obtained a PhD in 1962 from Panjab University (Chandigarh) with a thesis on the Puranic compositions in the Dasam Granth.[4] In 1973, he was awarded a D.Litt. degree by Magadh University, Bodh Gaya, for his research on Guru Nanak.[3][4]
Jaggi died after a brief illness in Chandigarh on 22 May 2025 at the age of 97.[5]
Career
Jaggi began his academic career as a lecturer in a government college in 1957. In 1963, he joined Punjabi University, Patiala, where he taught in the Department of Punjabi. He eventually became Professor and Head of the Department of Punjabi Literary Studies and served as the Chief Editor of the university's literary magazine, 'Khoj Patrika'. He retired from Punjabi University in 1987.[3] After his retirement, he remained associated with the university and continued his scholarly work.[3]
He authored over 140 books on various aspects of Punjabi, Hindi, and Gurmat literature.[6][7] His work is particularly noted for its depth in medieval literature and the Bhakti Movement.[8]
Selected works
Jaggi's notable contributions to literature include multi-volume encyclopedias and detailed commentaries on major religious texts.
Encyclopedias
- Dictionary of Literary terms (Punjabi: Sahit Kosh)
- Dictionary of allusions used in Punjabi Literature (Punjabi: Punjabi Sahit Sandarbh Kosh)
- Guru Granth Encyclopedia (Hindi: Guru Granth Vishvkosh)
- Encyclopaedia of Sikhism (Punjabi: Sikh Panth Vishvkosh), published in two volumes initially and later expanded to four volumes.
Translations
Jaggi also provided comprehensive commentaries and translations of important religious and literary works:[4]
- Translation of Tulsi Ramayan into Punjabi.
- Multi-volume commentary on the Dasam Granth in Punjabi and Hindi.
- Several multi-volume commentaries on the Guru Granth Sahib,[9] including Arth Bodh Shri Guru Granth Sahib and Bhav Parbodhni Teeka Shri Guru Granth Sahib. He also completed transliteration and translation/commentary of the Guru Granth Sahib in Hindi.[10]
His research on Guru Nanak's Bani led to publications such as Guru Nanak: Jeevni atey Vyaktitatva and Guru Nanak di Vichar dhara, both of which received awards. During the 550th Prakash Purb celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev, the Punjab Government commissioned and distributed his volume titled Guru Nanak Bani: Paathatey Vyakhya in Punjabi and Hindi.[4][8]
Awards and recognition
- Sahitya Akademi Award (1989), for his translation of Tulsi Ramayan into Punjabi.[11]
- 'Punjabi Sahit Shiromani' (now known as 'Punjabi Sahit Rattan') (1996), the highest state award conferred by the Punjab Government[2]
- Honorary D.Litt. degrees from Punjabi University, Patiala (2014), and Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar (2015)[4]
- Padma Shri (2023)
- GYAN RATNA award (2023)[12]
Jaggi also won numerous other awards from Punjab and Haryana state governments for his books.[2][8]
References
- ^ Tribune News Service (26 January 2023). "Dr Rattan Singh Jaggi gets Padma Shri for Punjabi, Hindi, Gurmat literature". The Tribune (Chandigarh). Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "The President of India conferred Padma Shri to Dr. Rattan Singh Jaggi in field of Literature & Education from Punjab in the Civil Investiture Ceremony". Press Information Bureau. 22 March 2023. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Introduction". Dr. Rattan Singh Jaggi Official Website. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Tribune News Service (26 January 2023). "Padma Shri Award for Punjabi scholar Dr Rattan Singh Jaggi". The Tribune (Chandigarh). Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ^ "Harjot Bains Mourns Passing of Padma Shri Awardee Dr. Rattan Singh Jaggi". No. Yes Punjab. 22 May 2025. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
- ^ "पंजाब के साहित्यकार डॉ. रतन सिंह को पद्मश्री: दशम ग्रंथ दा पौराणिक में PHD की, 144 पुस्तकें लिख चुके". Dainik Bhaskar (in Hindi). 26 January 2023. Archived from the original on 3 April 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
- ^ a b S., Bechu (22 March 2023). "Dr Rattan Singh Jaggi receives Padma Shri from President Murmu: 7 reasons why the veteran Punjabi author is a literary titan". Times Now. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ^ a b c "Punjabi university honours Rattan Singh Jaggi". The Times of India. 30 April 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
- ^ "श्री गुरु ग्रंथ साहिब: Shri Guru Granth Sahib (Set of 5 Volumes) | Exotic India Art". www.exoticindiaart.com. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
- ^ Khanna, Bharat (30 October 2017). "Nonagenarian translates Guru Granth Sahib in Hindi". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ^ "..:: SAHITYA : Akademi Awards ::." sahitya-akademi.gov.in. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
- ^ "Famous Sikh scholar Padma Shri Dr. Rattan Singh Jaggi was conferred upon the GYAN RATNA award". Punjab Newsline. 20 May 2023. Retrieved 17 May 2025.