Jaswant Singh Neki
Jaswant Singh Neki | |
---|---|
Metaphysical poetry | |
Notable works | Simriti De Kiran Ton Pehlan (Before Shedding Memory) (1975) |
Spouse | Kanwerjit Neki (m. 1945) |
Children | 2 |
Jaswant Singh Neki (27 August 1925 – 11 September 2015) was a leading Indian
As a poet he is known mostly for his poetry collections, Asle to Ohle Tak (Illusion and Reality, 1955) and autobiographical, Koi Naon Na Jane Mera (2000). He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in Punjabi in 1979 for his work, Karuna Di Chuh Ton Magron.[2][3] His long autobiographical poem Simriti De Kiran Ton Pehlan (Before Shedding Memory) published in 1975, is considered among the masterpieces of Indian literature.[1][4] His works as a scholar of Sikhism include, Ardaas: Darshan Roop Te Abhiyas, Sada Vigas, Achetan di Leela, Divine Intimations, Prophet of Devotion and Pilgrimage to Hemkunt.
Early life and education
He was born in the village of Murid, District of
Education
It was in
There he enjoyed two merit scholarships – one granted by the University and the other by the college. In his FSc (Medical) exam, he stood second in the university. For his graduate course in medicine and surgery, he joined
In 1947 when the country was partitioned, he left Lahore and joined
Professional career
As a psychiatrist, rising through the ranks, he became Professor & Head of Psychiatry Department at the
He also served as Chairman of the Board of Consultants constituted by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee for setting up of an Institute of Medical Sciences. In 1974, he was elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Medical Sciences[5] and in 1989, he received Kohli Memorial Award for being the Best Professional of the Year.
Literary activities
He is a well-recognized metaphysical poet in Punjabi who has contributed ten volumes of original verse. His opus magnum is his autobiography in verse. He also wrote powerful, inspiring prose as evidenced by his books Achetan di Leela, Meri Sahitak Swaijeevani and Ardas. He has won several prestigious awards in literature. These include: Sahitya Akademi Award, Asan Memorial Award, Shiromani Sahitkar Award (Languages Deptt.), Sarvotam Sahitkar Award (Punjabi Akademy, Delhi) in 2009 for Sada Vigaas (prose).,[6] Bhai Vir Singh Award, KS Dhaliwal Award, Puran Singh Memorial Award. Guru Nanak Dev University conferred on him Ph.D. honorous causa for his contribution to literature. He has been a member of the jury (Punjabi) for Sahitya Akademy Awards and member of the Advisory Committee (Punjabi) for Jnan Peeth Award. He was one of the past Chairmen of Punjabi Academy, Chandigarh.
He also served as Honorary General Secretary of Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan, New Delhi.
Religious activities
Belonging to a devout religious family, Dr Neki always evinced keen interest in religion. Like his family, he also observed unbigoted, liberal views. During his student life, he became President of the
For several years, he was a member of the Dharam Prachar Committee of
In 2001, he received the Giani Lal Singh memorial award for his work in the field of poetry.[7]
Personal life
In 1955, he married Kanwerjit, the eldest daughter of his own Professor, Lt. Col. Dr. Gurbaksh Singh. He had two children, both of whom live in the United States. Neki died on September 11, 2015, In New Delhi.[8]
Publications
1955 | Asle te Ohle | Singh Brothers, Amritsar | Punjabi Poetry |
1965 | Eh Mere Sanse Eh Mere Geet | Singh Brothers, Amritsar | Punjabi Poetry |
1975 | Simrati de Kiran Ton Pehlan | Navyug Publishers, New Delhi | Punjabi Poetry |
1978 | Karuna Di Chuh Ton Magron | Navyug Publishers, New Delhi | Punjabi Poetry |
1980 | Pratibimban De Sarovar'chon | Punjabi Writers Coopoerative, New Delhi | Punjabi Poetry |
1985 | Na Eh Geet Na Birharha | Navyug Publishers, New Delhi | Punjabi Poetry |
1989 | Birkhe Heth Sabh Jant | Navyug Publishers, New Delhi | Punjabi Poetry |
1989 | Ardas: Darshan Roop Te Abhiaas | Singh Brothers, Amritsar | Sikh Religion |
1990 | Paani Wich Patase | Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan, New Delhi | Punjabi Poetry (Rhymes for Children) |
1992 | Geet Mera Sohila Tera | Singh Brothers, Amritsar | Punjabi Poetry |
1992 | Meri Sahitik Sve Jivanee | Punjabi University, Patiala | Literary Autobiography |
1997 | Vishav Ardas | Singh Brothers, Amritsar | Punjabi Poetry (World Prayers) |
1998 | Achetan Di Leela | Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar | Psychology |
2000 | Koi Naon Na Jaane Mera | Singh Brothers, Amritsar | Punjabi Poetry (Autobiography) |
2000 | Spiritual Heritage of Punjab | Guru Nank Dev University, Amritsar | Spirituality |
2002 | Pilgrimage to Hemkunt | UBSPD and NIPS | Spiritual Travelogue |
2004 | Sungad Abnoos Di | ARSEE Publishers, Delhi | Punjabi Poetry |
2004 | Prophet of Devotion | SATVIC Media Pvt. Ltd., Amritsar | Life & Teachingsof Sri Guru Angad Dev |
2005 | My Ardas & My Gurus' Bani | SNP Panpac Pte Ltd, Singapore | Ardas, Japji Sahib, Rahiras and Sohila for Children |
2006 | Divine Intimations – Nitnem | Hemkunt Publishers, New Delhi | Banis Japji Sahib, Jap Sahib, Sawayyas, Rehras Sahib, Sohila Sahib and Ardas |
2007 | Guru Granth Sahib and Its Context | Bhai Vir Singh Sahitay Sadan | Essays on different aspects of Guru Granth Sahib |
2011 | Asal Vidya | Sukrit Trust, Ludhiana | Anectodes from Author's life |
References
- ^ ISBN 81-237-1978-7.
- ^ Awardees Archived 21 February 2014 at the Wayback Machine Sahitya Akademi website.
- ISBN 81-7201-324-8.
- ISBN 0-313-28778-3.
- ^ "List of Fellows - NAMS" (PDF). National Academy of Medical Sciences. 2016. Retrieved 19 March 2016.
- ^ "Punjabi Academy Literary Award announced". The Hindu. 16 September 2009. Archived from the original on 23 September 2009.
- The Tribune. 21 January 2001.
- ^ "Jaswant Singh Neki: Eminent Punjabi Poet, Sikh Theologian, Psychiatrist". Sikh Chic. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
- Vedamsbooks: Pilgrimage to Hemkunt/text by Jaswant Singh Neki. Photographs by Sondeep Shankar. Reprint. New Delhi, UBSPD, 2002, 96 p., (pbk). ISBN 81-7476-375-9
- The Tribune, Chandigarh, India: Jaswant Singh Neki honoured