*Former Rajya Sabha MP Tarlochan Singh to be honoured for lifelong contribution to promoting Gurmat principles & Sikh philosophy*
*'Gurmat Ratan' Memorial Award instituted in memory of Padma Shri Dr Ratan Singh Jaggi to recognise outstanding contributions to Gurmat*
*Punjab Kala Parishad, Dr Ratan Singh Jaggi Memorial Foundation topresent annual 'Gurmat Ratan' Award carrying ₹51,000 cash prize*
*Open Air Theatre renovation underway under Dr Ratan Singh Jaggi Memorial Foundation as Punjab Kala Parishad honours scholar's enduring legacy*
CHANDIGARH; 15th July 2026:(Press ke takat)
The Punjab Kala Parishad, in collaboration with the Padma Shri Dr. Ratan Singh Jaggi Memorial Charitable Foundation, will confer the first Memorial 'Gurmat Ratan' Award upon former Member of Parliament Sardar Tarlochan Singh. The award comprises a cash prize of ₹51,000, a shawl and a commemorative memento. The award jury consisted of Dr. Balkar Singh, Dr. Nivedita Singh, Dr. Atam Randhawa, and Malwinder Singh Jaggi. Former MP Sardar Tarlochan Singh has played a significant role in spreading the principles of Gurmat among the masses and promoting the message of Sikh philosophy across the world.
The renovation of the Open Air Theatre of the Punjab Kala Parishad is also being undertaken by this trust under the leadership of Malwinder Singh Jaggi, son of the late Dr. Ratan Singh Jaggi. This award will be presented annually to a distinguished personality for outstanding contributions in the field of Gurmat principles.
Former MP Tarlochan Singh is a distinguished Sikh leader, social worker, and educationist. He served as a Member of the Rajya Sabha from 2004 to 2010. Prior to this, he also served as the Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities. He made significant contributions towards the protection of minority rights, promotion of communal harmony and advancement of social justice. His efforts in preserving Sikh heritage, promoting education and strengthening national unity will always be remembered. Known for his simplicity, integrity, and dedication to
public service, Tarlochan Singh earned respect across the country.
Renowned scholar Padma Shri Dr. Ratan Singh Jaggi is regarded as one of the foremost experts in Punjabi and Hindi literature, as well as Gurmat and Bhakti movement literature. He dedicated his entire life to the study of medieval literature from diverse perspectives and to researching various aspects of the writings of the Sikh Gurus and the Bhakti movement, making an outstanding contribution to the field.
His major works include complete Hindi and Punjabi commentaries on the Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the Sri Dasam Granth Sahib, commentary on Guru Nanak's writings, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Encyclopaedia, the Sikh Panth Encyclopaedia, transliteration and Punjabi translation of Tulsi Ramayan, A Source-Based History
of Punjabi Literature, and nearly 150 other books.
In 2023, he was honoured with the Padma Shri by the President of India for his distinguished services in the fields of literature and education. He was also the recipient of the Sahitya Akademi National Award (Delhi), the Punjab Government's highest literary honour, the Punjabi Sahitya Shiromani Award, along with several other prestigious national and state-level awards.
In summary, Dr. Ratan Singh Jaggi's contribution to literature was truly exceptional. He was undoubtedly a priceless gem of the literary world, and his scholarly legacy will remain an enduring part of humanity's cultural heritage.
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