Amritsar, January 14, 2025 – Hon’ble Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann termed the legendary Punjabi poet Padma Shri Surjit Patar as one of the greatest poets of this century. In his memory, he announced the establishment of the ‘Surjit Patar Center for Ethical AI (Artificial Intelligence)’ at Guru Nanak Dev University. Addressing the Surjit Patar Memorial Ceremony 2025, held at Golden Jubilee Convention Center of the University in collaboration with the Punjab Kala Parishad and the Department of Languages, Punjab, CM Mann emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting Punjabi language and culture at global level. He announced the annual Surjit Patar Memorial Award to encourage young poets to engage with Punjabi literature.

The Chief Minister highlighted the role of technology in strengthening Punjabi and said that the Punjab Government is collaborating with institutions like the Punjab Kala Parishad and the Department of Languages to ensure that the language keeps pace with modern advancements. He stressed the importance of channeling artificial intelligence (AI) for public welfare and announced full support for University’s ‘Surjit Patar Center for Ethical AI’.
Recalling his cherished memories with the poet, Chief Minister expressed his gratitude for Patar’s contributions to enriching Punjabi poetry. He remarked, “If English has poets like John Keats, Punjabi has Surjit Patar.” The Chief Minister also recited some of Patar’s iconic poems, reflecting on their timeless appeal and relevance.

He paid homage to the Tutti Gandhhi historical event on Maghi at Sri Mukatsar Sahib and emphasized Punjabi’s global reach, noting that Punjabis carry their rich heritage wherever they go. He also highlighted the growing influence of Punjabi in Bollywood, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the language’s development.

The Chief Minister, along with other dignitaries, honored Surjit Patar’s wife, Mrs. Bhupinder Kaur, Brother S. Upkar Singh, Sister Balbir Kaur and his son Manraj Patar, and other family members with Fulkaris. A Book entitled ‘Surjit Patar in Poetic Truth Journeying’, authored by Amarjit Singh Grewal was also released by CM, celebrating the poet’s legacy.

Earlier, Prof. Karamjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University, presided over the event and welcomed Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and other distinguished guests. Quoting a line from Surjit Patar’s poem, he also reflected on the significance of the historical Maghi day. He emphasized that this day symbolizes the unparalleled sacrifice of the forty martyrs and their unwavering devotion to Guru, calling it a unique example of courage and commitment. Prof. Singh commended the Chief Minister’s efforts to preserve the legacy of Surjit Patar and promote Punjabi language and literature. Highlighting Surjit Patar’s concern about the ethical challenges posed by advancements in machine intelligence, he noted that the poet often addressed these issues in his works. Responding to these concerns, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann agreed to establish the ‘Surjit Patar Center for Ethical AI’ at the university, a proposal that was warmly accepted.

Eminent thinker, Amarjit Singh Grewal delivered the Surjit Patar Memorial Speech, reflecting on Patar’s moral vision and its relevance in the era of AI. He expressed that Patar’s works carried the potential for global recognition, including a Nobel Prize.
Three distinguished poets, Swaranjit Savi (Chairman of Kala Parishad), Jaswant Jafar (Director of the Language Department, Punjab, Patiala), and Dr. Manmohan (renowned poet), paid heartfelt tributes to Surjit Patar.

Following this, Mr. Ashwani Chatley, President, Punjab Sangeet Natak Akademi, Punjab Arts Council, Chandigarh described Surjit Patar’s personality as profoundly musical and emphasized the need to preserve and promote his literary legacy globally. He remarked that had these efforts begun earlier, Punjab might have become a deserving contender for the Nobel Prize in literature. Mr. Chatley further announced a budget of five hundred crore rupees for the construction of the Surjit Patar Literature and Culture Center and a grant of ten lakh rupees for the annual Surjit Patar Memorial Event and Award. Dr. Atam Singh Randhawa, President of the Punjabi Sahitya Akademi, Chandigarh, fondly recalled Surjit Patar’s significant contribution to fostering a culture of reading and literature. On this occasion, Mrs. Bhupinder Kaur, wife of Surjit Patar, shared cherished memories of her late husband and recited his poetry, including verses dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, leaving the audience deeply moved. The Deputy Chairman of Punjab Kala Parishad, Dr. Yograj, spoke about Surjit Patar’s enduring influence, affirming that his legacy will remain immortal.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh honored Amarjit Singh Grewal, Swaranjit Savi, Dr. Jaswant Jafar, Dr. Manmohan, Ashwani Chatley, Dr. Atam Randhawa, Dr. Yograj, Bikramjit Singh Rababi, Madam Anujot Kaur, Ustad Neele Khan, Dr. Manjinder Singh, and Dr. Harjit Singh with Fulkari. Special recognition was given to S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Cabinet Minister, S. Jasbir Singh Sandhu, MLA, Dr. Palwinder Singh, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Prof. Karanjeet Singh Kahlon, Registrar and event coordinator, for their efforts.

A calligraphy exhibition of Surjit Patar’s poetic works, curated by renowned artist Siddharth, was also held. The musical session featured enchanting performances by Bikramjit Singh Rababi on the harp and renditions of Surjit Patar’s poetry by Ustad Neele Khan, Manraj Patar, Upkar Singh, and Anujot Kaur.
The stage proceedings were masterfully conducted by the head of Punjabi Studies School, Dr. Manjinder Singh, and Dr. Baljit Kaur Riar. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Yograj.