Jaswant Singh Rahi

Jaswant Singh Rahi Biography

Jaswant Singh Rahi was a noted Punjabi poet, freedom fighter and communist. His slogan “Jai Mitarta" made him a popular person. He has given significant contributions to Punjabi literature during the 20^th century, as a novelist, short story writer and also his autobiography work. He published his autobiography work - Main Kiven Jeeveya in three volumes. He was also an influential political leader belonging to communist party in his region. He was conferred with the honour of "Rashtriya Kavi" by the Government of India in 1972. Kabran Da Gulab, Lahoo Bhiji Chanani, Dohre Rahi De, Pauna De Tarihaey, Parchhavian da sach, Moye phulan da mandar and Adhoora Safar are among his famous works.

He was born in 1913 in Dera Baba Nanak, Punjab, the place where he lived his whole life. His family was associated with freedom struggle movement and inspired by the freedom struggle, he joined the Communist movement. ‘Rahi’ tag was added to his name after that. He was married to Satwant Kaur and had 8 children. Noted journalist Baninder Rahi is his grand daughter. Jaswant Singh Rahi is known for his outstanding contributions to Punjabi literature, apart from his illustrious political career as a communist leader. He achieved the title of National Poet of India on the Republic day of 1972. Rahi was also conferred with Tamar Patra in the 1980s by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

A former naxal activist of Punjab, he has also edited several works and has been a mentor of several authors like Rajwant Kaur Nagi & Shiv Kumar Batalvi. He was very close to noted writer and philosopher - Baba Pyare Lal Bedi. He passed away on 11 April 1996 aged 83. He was also a close associative of politician Santokh Singh Randhawa.

Published: N/A

Updated: February 19, 2016