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

Dr Pal Kaur’s award-winning book portrays Punjab’s history in poetic form. The award will be presented at a ceremony in March 2025.

Pal Kaur’s literary journey began in 1986 with her debut poetry collection Khalaawasi and spans decades. (

Renowned Punjabi poet, writer, and Senior Vice President of the Punjabi Sahit Akademi, Ludhiana, Dr Pal Kaur, has been honoured with this year’s Sahitya Akademi Award for her book Sun Gunvanta Sun Budhivanta. The prestigious national award, conferred annually by the Sahitya Akademi in Delhi, recognises outstanding works in 24 Indian languages, including Punjabi.

Dr Pal Kaur’s award-winning book portrays Punjab’s history in poetic form. The award will be presented at a ceremony in March 2025.

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.

Story continues below this ad

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.

Kamaldeep Singh Brar

Kamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts. Core Beats & Specializations Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions. National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups. Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies: 1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht "Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. "YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies. "As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications. 2. Crime & National Security "Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison. "Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border. "15 schools in Amritsar get bomb threat emails; police launch probe" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering the panic and police response to mass threats against educational institutions. 3. Political Analysis & Elections "AAP wins 12 of 15 zones in SAD stronghold Majitha" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant shift in the 2025 rural elections where the Akali Dal lost its grip on a traditional fortress. "Tarn Taran bypoll: woman faces threats after complaining to CM Mann about drug menace" (Nov 9, 2025): A ground report on the personal risks faced by citizens speaking out against the illegal drug trade in border villages. "AAP wins Tarn Taran bypoll, but SAD finds silver lining" (Nov 14, 2025): Analyzing the 2025 assembly by-election results and the surprising performance of Independents backed by radical factions. 4. Human Interest "Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims" (Nov 20, 2025): A tragic investigative piece about parents selling an infant to fund their addiction. "Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s PITEX" (Dec 8, 2025): A feature on financial independence initiatives for rural women at the Punjab International Trade Expo. Signature Beat Kamaldeep is known for his nuanced understanding of border dynamics. His reporting often highlights the "drug crisis in the underprivileged localities" (like Muradpur in Tarn Taran, Nov 9, 2025), providing a voice to marginalized communities affected by addiction and administrative neglect. X (Twitter): @kamalsbrar ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
Sahitya Akademi award