Foreword To The Book 'Bhai Vir Singh - Life, Times and Works' By Gurbachan Singh Talib and Attar Singh

Panjab University, Chandigarh (then known as East Panjab University, Solan) can take just pride in having conferred its first Degree of Doctor of Oriental Learning (Honoris Causa) upon Bhai Vir Singh: a grand old man of Punjabi renaissance and the progenitor of Modern Punjabi literary tradition. As a token of high esteem in which this great Punjabi savant was held by the University the conferment was made on September 1, 1949 at his own residence in Amritsar.

After almost a quarter century of that happy event the Panjab University has again come forward by associating itself with the celebra­tions of the First Centenary of this noble son of the Land of Five Rivers. The University has chalked out a very elaborate programme which inclu­des amongst other things publication of two commemorative volumes: one each in English and Punjabi, to celebrate the anniversary in a befitting manner. Another significant proposal in this regard is for institution of Bhai Vir Singh Professorship in the University to perpetuate his memory and symbolize the value that this University attaches to his singular con­tribution towards revival of learning and creative endeavour in Punjabi language.

Bhai Vir Singh's was a polychromatic personality which realised itself in diverse fields of activities. He was a great mystic poet who enriched the Punjabi language and transformed it into a powerful medium of subtle and refined expression. By his persistent devotion he not only created Punjabi prose but also welded it into a dynamic vehicle for speculative, reflective, imaginative, informative as well as work­-a-day journalistic writing. He laid foundations for the modern Punjabi fiction and playwrighting with his pioneering works in these genres. But above all he was a great scholar of Sikh scriptures and theological and historical texts. He not only prepared exegesis of a major portion of the Adi Granth, but also compiled a monumental 14 volume annotation, with full-blown commentaries, of that great classic of Braj Bhasha, Gur Partap Suraj Granth by Kavi Santokh Singh. He also participated in preparation of the first lexicon of the Adi Granth, and edited for publication numerous other minor texts with significant editorial introductions and notes. But all these hectic literary activities did not exhaust Bhai Vir Singh's passion for reaching out of himself. He took an active part in the cause of spreading modern education in the Punjab, especially amongst the Sikhs and was responsible for launching and managing many insti­tutions for the welfare of the blind, the widows and other destitute people.

In planning this volume the University has taken great care that it does not become a mere collection of messages and tributes. The Editors have been able to persuade a galaxy of contemporary writers and intel­lectuals to contribute significant studies in depth on different aspects of the life and versatile genius of Bhai Vir Singh. It is a matter of great satisfaction for us in the University that another grand old man of Punjab Dr. Bhai Jodh Singh has also contributed an article specially written for this volume.

The articles included in the volume cover a wide area of interest ranging between close textual studies of major works of Bhai Vir Singh on the one hand and deep-going enquiries into his sources of inspiration and his continuing influence on the other. It is very reassuring indeed to find that the present volume is going to be the first major attempt at an objec­tive recapitulation and analytical revaluation of the literary and scholarly achievements of Bhai Vir Singh. Seen in that light the volume also cons­titutes a purposeful contribution to scholarly enquiries into an important period of the cultural History of the Punjab.

I would like to place on record my deep appreciation for the excel­lent job done by the Editors especially Professor Gurbachan Singh Talib, Guru Nanak Professor in the Department of Guru Nanak Sikh Studies at this University till recently. His introductory article to the volume running into the length of a full size monograph is at once a meaningful guide to an understanding of the cultural and historical influences shaping the literary sensibility of Bhai Vir Singh and a contemporary appraisal of his achievements.

SURAJ BHAN

Vice-Chancellor