PATIALA, May 22— Dr Rattan Singh Jaggi, towering figure in Punjabi and Hindi literary circles and recipient of the Padma Shri, passed away after a brief illness at the age of 98. He is survived by his wife, Dr Gursharan Kaur Jaggi, former principal of Government College for Women, Patiala, and son Malwinder Singh Jaggi, retired IAS officer.
Born on July 27, 1927, Dr Jaggi authored more than 150 books and was widely regarded for his mastery in Gurmat, the Bhakti Movement, and medieval literature. A scholar fluent in Punjabi, Hindi, English, Urdu, Persian, and Sanskrit, he made outstanding contributions through encyclopedic and critical works.
He served as editor for landmark reference works like Punjabi Sahit Sandarbh Kosh, Punjabi Sahit da Sarot Moolak Itihas, and Guru Granth Vishavkosh, all published by Punjabi University, Patiala. His monumental five-volume commentary Arthbodh Sri Guru Granth Sahib was released by the SGPC.
In recognition of his literary and academic excellence, Dr Jaggi received the Padma Shri in 2023, a National Award from Sahitya Akademi in 1989, and the Punjab Government’s Punjabi Sahit Shiromani award in 1996.
His passing marks the end of an era in literary scholarship.
