The third S. Nanak Singh Memorial Lecture was organized here today in the Senate Hall of Guru Nanak Dev University, highlighting the enduring legacy of one of Punjabi literature's most celebrated novelists S. Nanak
Singh.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh emphasized the importance of preserving the literary contributions of not only Novelist S. Nanak Singh but also other eminent writers. He asserted, “Just as the S. Nanak Singh Center has been established in the Bhai Gurdas Library, families of other great Punjabi writers should come forward to safeguard and promote their legacies.
Guru Nanak Dev University stands ready to support these initiatives.” In his inaugural address, Prof. Karamjeet Singh lauded the efforts of the S. Nanak Singh Literary Foundation and his family for their commitment to preserving Singh's literary heritage.
He welcomed distinguished guests by presenting them with saplings, symbolizing growth and continuity. Additionally, the Vice Chancellor announced a merit-based financial assistance of Rs. 25,000 from the Foundation
to research student Kulwinder Kaur.
Continuing his remarks, Prof. Karamjeet Singh recognized S. Nanak Singh's unparalleled place in Punjabi literature, particularly in novel writing. He stated, “The name of the novel evokes the essence of Nanak Singh; Punjabi novels are synonymous with his persona.”
Highlighting Nanak Singh's remarkable journey that spanned over four decades, from his first novel *Matrei Maa* (1924) to his final work *Gagan Damama Bajio* (1967), he noted that Singh captured the breadth of human experience through themes of family struggles, societal issues, and the complexities of life.
In works like *Pyaar di Duniya*, *Garib di Duniya*, and *Tutti Veena*, Nanak Singh artfully depicted the humanistic aspects of the partition, bringing to light the lost glory of Punjabi culture. Dr. Manjinder Singh, Head, School of Punjabi Studies, emphasized the necessity of translating the works of significant authors like Nanak Singh into various languages, acknowledging the support extended by the Punjabi Department.
S. Navdeep Singh Suri, Ambassador of India to the UAE, elaborated on the aims of the S. Nanak Singh Literary Foundation, asserting that Singh is an integral part of Punjab's cultural heritage. He highlighted the establishment of the Nanak Singh Center at Bhai Gurdas Library of the University to ensure the preservation and promotion of Nanak Singh's literary contributions.
S. Kanwaljit Singh Suri, son of S. Nanak Singh, shared personal anecdotes, reflecting on his father’s character traits of simplicity, kindness, and a profound love for music. Keynote speaker Dr. Jagbir Singh, Chancellor of Punjab Central University, presented a lecture focused on “The Creator of Modern Punjabi Literature: Nanak Singh.”
He conveyed that Nanak Singh, often regarded as the father of Punjabi novels, skillfully navigated the balance between traditional values and modernity, providing a poignant counterforce to communal tensions within his writings.
Dr. Singh highlighted the thematic complexities of patriotism versus betrayal, specifically noting Nanak Singh’s psychological insight in the middle-class character portrayed in the novel *Pavitra Papi*.
Dr. Harinder Kaur Sohal, Coordinator of the Novelist Nanak Singh Center, illustrated Nanak Singh’s philosophical belief that humanity exists in a delicate balance between angelic and devilish tendencies, with life serving as the crucible for this eternal struggle.
The event concluded with a collective commitment to uphold and celebrate the literary heritage of Punjabi culture, ensuring that the legacy of S. Nanak Singh continues to inspire future generations.