PATIALA, June 1: The Antim Ardas and Bhog ceremony for Padma Shri Dr. Rattan Singh Jaggi, a towering figure in Punjabi and Hindi literary scholarship, will be held today on June 1, from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Mall Road, near Fountain Chowk in Patiala.
A scholar whose literary contributions shaped the modern study of Sikh scripture and medieval literature, Dr. Jaggi authored more than 150 books over a career spanning six decades.
He passed away recently, leaving behind a profound intellectual legacy across linguistic and religious traditions.
“He dedicated his life to the study and critical interpretation of the sacred Bani of Sikh Gurus and Bhakti movement,” said a family member.
“His commitment to research in both Punjabi and Hindi remained unwavering until his final years.”
Born on July 27, 1927, Dr. Jaggi earned his Ph.D. from Panjab University, Chandigarh in 1962, focusing on Dasam Granth Da Pauranik Addhyan. In 1973, he received a D.Litt. from Magadh University, Bodhgaya, for his work on Sri Guru Nanak: Vyaktitva, Krititva aur Chintan.
He retired in 1987 as Professor and Head of the Department of Punjabi Literary Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala.
Throughout his career, Dr. Jaggi received numerous honors. He was conferred the Padma Shri and Sahitya Akademi Award by the Government of India, and the Punjabi Sahit Shiromani Puraskar by the Government of Punjab. He was also recognized by the governments of Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). He received D.Litt. degrees from both Punjabi University, Patiala, and Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, and was honored with the Gyan Rattan Puraskar from Panjab University, Chandigarh.
Among his significant editorial works are the Punjabi Sahit Sandarbh Kosh (Reference Dictionary of Punjabi Literature), Punjabi Sahit da Sarot Moolak Itihas (Historical Sources of Punjabi Literature), and the Guru Granth Vishavkosh (Encyclopedia). His monumental contribution to Sikh religious literature includes the eight-volume Bhav Prabodhini Tika – Sri Guru Granth Sahib, a comprehensive commentary on the Guru Granth Sahib.
He also authored the Sikh Panth Vishavkosh (Encyclopedia of Sikhism) and the five-volume Arthbodh Sri Guru Granth Sahib, published by the SGPC. In 2019, during the 550th Prakash Purb of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the Punjab Government published his dual-language work Guru Nanak Bani: Paath at Vyakhya in Punjabi and Hindi.
“He rendered invaluable service not just to Sikh theology but to Indian literary heritage,” said a spokesperson from Punjabi University.
Dr. Jaggi is survived by his wife, Dr. Gursharan Kaur Jaggi, retired principal of Government College for Women, Patiala, and his son, Malwinder Singh Jaggi, retired IAS officer.
The family has invited friends, admirers, and the literary and academic community to join the prayer service and commemorate his legacy.
