The walls of Punjab Bhawan in Delhi have been recently adorned with portraits of 20 eminent Punjabi intellectuals, honoring their invaluable contributions to literature, academia, social reform, and cultural heritage. This initiative seeks to celebrate the profound legacy of Punjab’s intellectual and literary luminaries, whose ideas and works have left an indelible mark on the region’s history and development.
Honoring Punjab’s Intellectual Heritage
Punjab has a long and illustrious tradition of intellectual and cultural contributions. From poets and philosophers to social reformers and historians, Punjabi intellectuals have played a vital role in shaping the discourse on politics, literature, and human rights. The decision to display their portraits in Punjab Bhawan, a significant establishment representing the state in the national capital, is a tribute to their extraordinary influence and achievements.
The inclusion of these portraits serves multiple purposes. First, it ensures that visitors to Punjab Bhawan—whether they are officials, scholars, or general citizens—are reminded of the immense contributions of Punjabi intellectuals. Second, it inspires future generations to learn about and take pride in their heritage. Lastly, it reaffirms Punjab’s commitment to recognizing and preserving the contributions of its thinkers and visionaries.

The Intellectuals Represented
The 20 intellectuals selected for this honor represent diverse fields of knowledge, including literature, philosophy, history, social activism, and political thought. Each of these figures has contributed uniquely to the advancement of Punjabi society.
1. Baba Farid (1173–1266)
A revered Sufi poet, Baba Farid’s verses form an integral part of Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. His poetry speaks of divine love, humility, and devotion, leaving a lasting impact on Punjabi literature and spirituality.
2. Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539)
The founder of Sikhism and a spiritual leader, Guru Nanak was a profound intellectual whose teachings promoted equality, social justice, and devotion to God. His philosophical compositions form the bedrock of Sikh thought.
3. Waris Shah (1722–1798)
The legendary poet who penned Heer Ranjha, Waris Shah is regarded as the Shakespeare of Punjabi literature. His magnum opus remains one of the most celebrated tragic romances in South Asian literature.
4. Bhai Vir Singh (1872–1957)
A poet, novelist, and historian, Bhai Vir Singh played a crucial role in the Singh Sabha Movement and the revival of Sikh literature and culture. His works continue to inspire literary and spiritual discourse.
5. Saadat Hasan Manto (1912–1955)
A master storyteller, Manto’s short stories candidly portrayed the brutal realities of partition and the human condition. His fearless critique of society makes him one of the most influential writers of modern Punjabi and Urdu literature.
6. Amrita Pritam (1919–2005)
A towering literary figure, Amrita Pritam was the first prominent female Punjabi poet and writer. Her poetry and novels, including Pinjar, addressed themes of love, loss, and feminism.
7. Giani Gurmukh Singh Musafir (1899–1976)
A poet, historian, and politician, Giani Gurmukh Singh Musafir’s literary works reflected his deep concern for Punjabi identity and heritage.
8. Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna (1870–1968)
A revolutionary freedom fighter, Bhakna was a founding member of the Ghadar Movement. His intellectual contributions fueled the fight against colonial rule.
9. Prof. Puran Singh (1881–1931)
A poet, scientist, and philosopher, Puran Singh’s works blended spirituality with scientific inquiry. His writings emphasized the synthesis of modernity and tradition.
10. Dr. Dharamvir Bharati (1926–1997)
A noted playwright and editor, Bharati’s works addressed complex social issues, influencing contemporary Punjabi thought.
11. Gurdial Singh (1933–2016)
A Jnanpith awardee, Gurdial Singh’s novels and short stories depicted the struggles of rural Punjab, highlighting the resilience of the common people.
12. Harbhajan Singh (1920–2002)
An acclaimed poet and literary critic, Harbhajan Singh’s poetry explored existential themes and human emotions.
13. Dr. Surjit Patar (b. 1945)
A contemporary poet, Dr. Surjit Patar’s works carry the essence of Punjabi folklore while addressing modern socio-political issues.
14. Dalip Kaur Tiwana (1935–2020)
A distinguished novelist, Tiwana’s works focused on gender dynamics, social justice, and human resilience.
15. Prof. Mohan Singh (1905–1978)
A poet of great acclaim, Mohan Singh’s verses reflected the pain of partition and the transformation of Punjabi society.
16. Dr. Jaswant Singh Neki (1925–2015)
A psychiatrist and poet, Dr. Neki’s literary works provided psychological depth to Punjabi literature.
17. Sant Singh Sekhon (1908–1997)
A literary scholar and critic, Sekhon’s works played a pivotal role in modern Punjabi literature.
18. Pash (Avtar Singh Sandhu) (1950–1988)
A revolutionary poet, Pash’s verses were radical in their call for justice, reflecting the socio-political struggles of Punjab.
19. Shiv Kumar Batalvi (1936–1973)
A tragic poet, Batalvi’s poetry expressed intense emotions of love, separation, and existential pain.
20. Balwant Gargi (1916–2003)
A playwright and theater personality, Gargi’s contributions to Punjabi drama and literature remain unparalleled.
The Significance of the Installation
The installation of these portraits at Punjab Bhawan is not merely a decorative effort; it is a cultural statement that acknowledges the invaluable role of intellectuals in shaping society. By recognizing the contributions of poets, scholars, and social reformers, Punjab Bhawan becomes a site of historical and intellectual reverence.
This initiative is expected to serve as an educational tool for visitors, offering a glimpse into Punjab’s rich literary and intellectual tradition. Moreover, it is an inspiration for young scholars, encouraging them to explore and contribute to the fields of literature, social justice, and history.