Bhai Vir Singh.pdf - Vidhia.com

Preface
In theyear 19'1'2 falls thefirst centenaryofthebirthofBhaiVir
Singh, Punjabi poet and savant. To honour the occasion,
SahityaAkademihasincludeda monographonhiminitsseries
entitled 'Makers of Indian Literature'. By this gesture the
Akademi has taken cognizance of an important literary
anniversary on the national calendar. Bhai Vir Singh is one of
theseminalfigures oftheliteraryrenaissancewhichtookplace
inthe country atthe turn ofthis century. He is truly the creator
of modem Punjabi literature and his impact on many areas of
Punjabilife hasbeendeepandpermanent. This book attempts
to present Bhai Vir Singh's personality and works in the
background of the cultural situation whicll prevailed at the
time ofhis birth. Sincetheaudiencewill, inthemain, comprise
those not familiar with his writings, summaries have been
given of a few of them. Similarly, some of his poems are
presented in the author's English translation.
While writing this book I had the advantage of access to
theLibrary of Bhai Vir Singh's brotherDr. Balbir Singh, himself
aneminentthinker and author. I record my deep obligation to
him for his courtesy and helpfulness. I must also repeat here
my grateful thanks for the help received from my revered
teacher Dr. Ganda Singh on whose advice and generosity I
have continuously drawn these many years. In the archives
of the Christian Retreat and Study Centre at Rajpur Ifound, in
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