In the hushed whispers of the Punjab breeze, a poet’s voice now finds its ease.
Surjit Singh Patar, a beacon of our land, now rests in peace, his final stand.
In the wake of Padma Shri Surjit Singh Patar’s passing, we grieve the departure of a revered, critically acclaimed, and celebrated figure, as well as a steadfast advocate of Punjabi poetry. While he may no longer be with us, his legacy of hope and optimism will continue to resonate, offering solace and inspiration whenever we face adversity, especially within the Punjabi-speaking community.
Patar wrote: Hanera na samjhe ki chanan dar gaya hai,
Raat na soche ki suraj mar gaya hai,
Baal jota zindagi de maan mattiyan,
Uth jaga de mombattiyan,
Tu jaga de mombattiyan…
(The ‘dark times’ should not misjudge that the light was afraid of the dark, the night should not think that the sun has died, light up candles for the honour of life, get up and light candles, light up candles…)
And then:
Je ayi pathjhar taa fer ki hai,
Tu agli rutt ch yakeen rakhin,
Main labh ke lyona kalma kito,
Tu fullan jogi jameen rakhin…
(Never mind even if autumn descends, maintain faith in the forthcoming season. I’ll seek out and bring a scion for you, (till then) safeguard a piece of land as small as a flower)
Patar’s convictions and ethical principles held greater significance for him than any worldly temptations or possessions. In a bold stand for justice, he relinquished his Padma Shri during the farmers’ movement, and prior to that, in 2015, he returned the Sahitya Akademi Award in protest against the escalating intolerance and communal discord in India. His actions spoke volumes about his unwavering commitment to righteousness and his refusal to compromise his principles.
To the world, he shone as a renowned poet. But to me, he was more than that—he was a cherished friend and a beloved relative. He was the uncle of my younger brother’s wife.
Patar also shared another connection with me as the brother-in-law of one of my close friends, Sadhu Singh Nanra. My departure from India in 1975 marked a physical distance, but the bond we shared transcended borders and time, leaving an indelible mark on my heart.
During my visits to India or his trips to Canada, we cherished moments spent together, reveling in his company and the beauty of his poetry. His generosity knew no bounds, as he graciously gifted me with some of his books, each one now a prized gem in my collection and a cornerstone of my personal library.
During one of his visits to Mississauga, I fondly recall our delightful gathering at Hirjit Singh Pabla’s residence.
Patar was about eight years younger than me, a fact that led me to assume he would outlive me. Yet here I am, mourning his departure from this world. Such is the unpredictability of life.
So, farewell, my dear friend. May you rest in eternal peace.
(Prithpal Chagger is a community leader who lives in Mississauga)
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