Punjabi poet Surjit Patar gets Padma Shri

The announcement of Padma Shri for renowned poet Surjit Patar has been greeted with all round applause and celebration. The poet who is considered as a living legend has dedicated his recognition to Punjabi language and literature. “This is a tradition which was started by great souls like Guru Nanak and Baba Sheikh Farid and I am just taking this tradition forward,” said Dr Patar,whose phone rings continuously as congratulatory messages pour in. Patar,a recipient of Sahitya Akademi Award,Panchnad Puruskar and Saraswati Samman in 2010,has to his credit collection of works like Hawa Vich Likhe Harf,Lavzaan dee dragah,Birkh Arz Kare,Hanere Vich Sulagdi Swaran Mala. He is also known for translation of plays by Federico Garcia Lorca. Patar has also translated poems by Pablo Neruda and Bertolt Brecht. 65-year-old Patar debuted on the Punjabi poetry scene in the mid 60s. Patar is also known as people’s poet. —