Giani Gurdit Singh


Giani Gurdit Singh was born in Mithewal village in the state of Punjab, India. He was considered one of the greatest contemporary writers in Punjabi and his book Mera Pind is regarded as a classic. It is now in its 14th edition and has been in print continuously since 1961. He was also a pioneering journalist, the Owner-Editor of Parkash 1947–1978. He was also the Editor of Singh Sabha Patrika a monthly magazine of Sikh history and divinity.
Giani Gurdit Singh graduated as "Giani" from Punjab University, Lahore in 1945 and he specialised in literature, divinity, history and folklore. He was a member of the Punjab Legislative Council from 1956 to 1962. He contributed to the debates at that time and in the creation of Punjabi University, Patiala and in the recognition of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, as the 5th Takht of the Sikhs. He was General Secretary of the Singh Sabha Shatabadi Committee, Amritsar, which was renamed Kendriya Sri Guru Singh Sabha.
As the Editor of the magazine Singh Sabha Patrika he focused on issues of importance to the Sikhs.
He also established two Guru Granth Vidya Kendras, one in Chandigarh and another in Mehrauli, Delhi.

Family

Giani Gurdit Singh is survived by his wife, Inderjit Kaur Sandhu, a former Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University, Patiala,. and Chairperson, Services Selection Commission, Government of India, and his sons, Roopinder Singh, and Ravinder Singh. Giani Gurdit Singh is a legend in the Punjab.

Literary and research work

Mera Pind draws a word picture of cultural life in Punjab, more specifically, of the Malwa region. With 29 chapters and 12 comments by critics, the 480-page book takes its readers through the life, customs, folk songs, seasons, using a series of relatable characters that find resonance with people who have a connection with the village life. It remains the author's most famous creation and is often prescribed as a textbook for advanced Punjabi students.
The following is a chronological listing of his published works: