![Veteran Punjabi Poet Surjit Patar, Padma Shri Awardee, Passes Away at 79](https://media.newstracklive.com/uploads/latest-news/india-news/May/11/big_thumb/SurjitPatar_663f1b5636427.jpg)
Renowned Punjabi poet Surjit Patar, aged 79, known for his Padma Shri honor, peacefully passed away at his residence near Barewal Colony on Saturday morning, as confirmed by his family. His demise has stirred sadness across various circles, with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressing condolences and acknowledging him as a "proud son of Punjabi language."
Patar, celebrated for works like ‘Hawa Vich Likhe Harf’, ‘Hanere Vich Sulagdi Varanmala’, ‘Patjhar Di Pazeb’, ‘Lafzaan Di Dargah’ and 'Surzameen', was recognized with the Padma Shri in 2012 for his literary and educational contributions. He held esteemed positions including presidency at the Punjab Arts Council and Punjabi Sahit Akademi, receiving accolades such as the Sahitya Akademi Award and Saraswati Samman during his career.
Originally hailing from Patar village in Jalandhar district, Patar pursued his academic journey at Randhir College in Kapurthala and later earned his PhD from Guru Nanak Dev University. His teaching tenure at Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana marked another significant chapter.
Additionally, Patar’s translations of works by Federico Garcia Lorca, Girish Karnad, Bertolt Brecht, and Pablo Neruda into Punjabi expanded the reach of literature. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring lamented Patar’s demise as an irreparable loss for Punjabi literature, extending heartfelt condolences to his family.
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