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If you have any information on Mahakavi Barkat Punjabi or would like to contribute
in developing this site, please email to Sandeep Sharda at info@barkatpunjabi.com
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As a Family and People’s Man |
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Barkat Ram was born on 3rd January, 1912, in Jandiala Guru, a small village near Amritsar, Punjab (India). His early life was just like any other small kid at that time however, he took his studies seriously and went on to finish his graduation (B.Com). Subsequently he took up a job in Central Bank in the year 1932. He soon left the job and jumped in the freedom movement. Thereafter, he devoted himself completely to the Independence struggle.
He married Smt. Sumitra Devi in 1936. The couple had their first child Vijay Kumar in 1939. The same year they moved to Delhi’s Paharganj area. They later moved to Patel Nagar in 1952, when this colony was established. Subsequently they had three more sons (Ajay Kumar, Vinay Kumar and Akshey Kumar) and three daughters (Manorama, Subhash and Navprabhat alias Rita).
His elder sons Vijay Kumar and Ajay Kumar have both retired and now spend most of their time as social workers in Patel Nagar area of Delhi. His younger sons Vinay and Akshey are actively involved in politics. All his sons play an active role in influencing the polity by acting as a channel between the common people and the politicians of the area. His family has been involved in numerous developments in the area, all the members are highly respected personalities in the society. They have successfully managed to continue Barkat Punjabi’s legacy of "Selfless Service".
Barkat Punjabi had two brothers, Ram Nath Sharda and (Late) Tirath Ram Sharda. He also had one sister Satya Devi. Both his brothers originally lived in East Africa (present day Kenya) and eventually migrated to England in mid 60’s. New Delhi now has a road named "Barkat Punjabi Marg" in Patel Nagar area of the city, which speaks highly of his respect and popularity in the society. Barkatjee (as he was fondly called by his Sikh friends) was also an active member of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Committee, probably the only non Sikh member of this institution in a very long time. He is a highly respected personality in the Sikh community because of his immense contribution to Punjabi language and his tremendous love for Sikh religion.
In recognition of his sincerity, honesty, devotion and dedication as a social worker, he was appointed as "Custodian" by Government of India, to settle the refuges who had come from Pakistan after Partition of 1947. His work to rehabilitate the refuges was highly lauded.
He was an active social worker till the very last days of his life (barring his last two years when he got sick and could not move). He devoted himself to the people of Patel Nagar, and became the founder member of “Ram Lila Dramatic Club”. This club is still active in the region. He was also a block president of Congress Committee for Patel Nagar, and contested the elections on congress ticket in1962. |
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As a Freedom Fighter |
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Barkat Punjabi was an Ardent Freedom Fighter. He was an active member of Bharat Naujawan Sabha, an organization led by great patriot "Shaheed Bhagat Singh". He was sent to Gurdaspur jail where he stayed for seven months following which he was asked to leave Punjab. He settled in Delhi in 1939 from where he continued the freedom struggle till the country gained Independence in 1947. As mentioned earlier, he left his Central Bank job so that he could get deeply involved in the freedom struggle.
In recognition of his freedom struggle, Barkatjee was awarded "Tamra Patra" in 1972 and was also given Freedom Fighter’s Pension (which his wife Smt. Sumitra Devi still avails).
During 1965 and 1971 wars, he visited the border areas along with Smt. Indira Gandhi to motivate the army. |
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As a Writer and People’s Poet |
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Barkat Punjabi met his guru Firozdin Sharaf in mid 1930’s who resided near preset day Lahore (Pakistan). He recognized his writing skills and inspired him to write in Punjabi. His guru gave him the title "Barkat –e– Punjabi" which eventually became Barkat Punjabi. He was always know by this name after that.
As a poet he rose to the stature of National Poet and was conferred with the honour of Mahakavi. In recognition of his outstanding work in Punjabi literature, Barkatjee was awarded "Poet of the People" award by Punjabi Sahitya Kala Acadamy, Delhi. The award was given by Late Ex President Giani Jail Singh, who specially invited him to receive the award at his residence. Barkatjee’s command on Punjabi language and his in-depth vision enabled him to penetrate to the sensitivities of human mind. His ability to create masterpieces with tremendous eases was highly admired by both his critics and followers.
Some of the master pieces that he has given to the world as books with his golden pen are:
- "Jug-Jug Jive Khalsa,"
- Sanjhi Dharkan,
- Saki De Bue Te,
- Sakne Piyale Bharian Surahian.
- Translation of Bhagvat Gita to Punjabi.
Apart from this he has written numerous poems which were relevant to political and economical situation of the country. His poem "Fatwa" and "O Mera Punjab" became very popular during the emergency period of 1977, and during the militancy in Punjab during 1983-85. The popularity and eminence of this great poet can be vouched from the fact that he got many invitations to attend Musiarias in Pakistan, Burma, Singapore, Hong Kong, Great Britain, Canada and Uganda.
Barkatjee left us for heavenly abode on 19th December, 1993 at about 2:00 PM, leaving behind a legacy which is normally hard to earn during one human life span. He was 81 years old at that time. He died of prolonged illness (diabetes and paralysis) that lasted two years. He died peacefully in his house in Delhi, where he had moved in 1952 as a young energetic, dynamic and eventually a highly respected individual, who spent his life working for the people through his poetry and selfless charity. The society lost one of the premier Punjabi poets and a wonderful human being. It will be very difficult to fill the vacuum left by Barkatjee. However, for his family, friends, society and all individuals that knew him, Barktjee will stay alive in their hearts. His poetry and work is here to stay till eternity and so is the name BARKAT PUNJABI.
As per Barkatjee’s last wish, he was cremated with Sikh religious rights by his Hindu family. Even in his death, he was able to demonstrate his belief in democracy and religious harmony which he had practiced and preached all his life. |
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