Fought every year to continue my studies, says Sahitya Akademi Award winner Pal Kaur

Pal Kaur’s literary journey began in 1986 with her debut poetry collection Khalaawasi and spans decades. Her work is celebrated for capturing the intricate layers of the female psyche with profound sensitivity and balance.

Born on May 15, 1956, in Kalomajra village, Patiala district, to Surain Singh and Surjit Kaur, Pal Kaur was the youngest of eight children. Her father was also a poet. Among her six sisters, she was the only one who attended school. However, her educational journey was fraught with challenges.

“My two brothers were the youngest among my five sisters, and I was the youngest of all. When my brothers started going to school, I also got the opportunity to study. But every year, I had to fight to continue. I was asked to drop out after fifth grade, but I insisted on studying. This struggle repeated every academic year. I’ve experienced firsthand the discrimination women face in society,” she said in an interview with The Indian Express.

Despite these challenges, Pal Kaur pursued her education, eventually earning a doctorate in Punjabi from Kurukshetra University. She chose not to marry, dedicating her life to teaching and writing.

Pal Kaur has published seven poetry collections, a book of literary criticism, two edited volumes, and a book featuring portraits of single women. She has received numerous accolades, including the Shiromani Kavi award from the Punjab government and the Baba Farid and Bhai Santokh Singh awards from the Haryana government. After a long tenure as a professor of Punjabi at S.A. Jain College, Ambala City, she retired in 2016 and continues to engage in literary pursuits.

About the book

Published in 2022, Sun Gunvanta Sun Budhivanta is a poetic retelling of Punjab’s history. The long poem explores the region’s Nath tradition, Bhakti, Sufi, and Gurmat heritage, highlighting the contributions of sages from these traditions. It draws on tales of yogis, Naths, pirs, Qadiris, Sufi fakirs, and other historical narratives, tracing Punjab’s journey through the Guru era to the Sikh struggles under the Mughals, culminating in the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Pal Kaur said that this book represents the first part of her work. She is currently writing the second part, chronicling Punjab’s history up to the present day.