S. Jagdev Singh Jassowal Taught Punjab to Live Through Crisis as a Timeless Cultural Leader — Prof. Gurbhajan Singh Gill
Ludhiana, January 10
At an event titled “Yaadan Jassowal Diyaan” organized by the Malwa Cultural Forum (Regd.) under the chairmanship of Sh. Krishan Kumar Bawa, Prof. Gurbhajan Singh Gill, the forum’s president, paid tribute to the legendary S. Jagdev Singh Jassowal. The event, held a day before the Lohri Mela 2025 at Guru Nanak Bhawan, was a reflection on the immense contributions of S. Jassowal as a timeless cultural leader and visionary.
Prof. Gill shared that S. Jassowal was not only a politician and lawyer, but also a Trikal Darshi (timeless visionary) and a cultural icon. He recalled how, in 1978, S. Jassowal initiated the Prof. Mohan Singh Yadgari Cultural Mela, teaching the people of Punjab how to live joyfully, dance, sing, and unite even during times of crisis. Following the example set by Prof. Mohan Singh, similar cultural events were organized in many districts across Punjab, named after various writers, sports figures, and freedom fighters.
S. Jassowal also held the distinction of being the first political advisor to Chief Minister Justice Gurnam Singh during the formation of India’s first non-Congress United Front Government in 1967. Under his inspiration and guidance, the Punjab government approved the opening of over 50 Guru Nanak Colleges and the establishment of Guru Nanak Dev University during the 500th anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth.
Former Punjab Technical Education Minister S. Malkit Singh Dakha spoke highly of S. Jassowal’s farsightedness, particularly in relation to the Maharaja Dalip Singh Memorial Basiyaan Kothi Raikot project. He shared that during his travels to America and Canada, he witnessed the widespread respect S. Jassowal commanded internationally, with admirers in every country and city.
Krishan Kumar Bawa, Chairman of the Malwa Cultural Forum, recalled that from 1980 until his last breath, S. Jassowal continued to guide him in various areas, even inspiring the institutional work related to Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji. He also mentioned that the tradition of celebrating Lohri for daughters every year was initiated by S. Jassowal, a noble thought that he imparted to the forum.
Renowned journalist from Sacramento, USA, S. Gurjitinder Singh Randhawa, described S. Jassowal as the “undisputed king of culture.” He shared that S. Jassowal’s circle included renowned singers, musicians, writers, journalists, and social leaders. His company was a constant source of learning for everyone around him.
S. Jassowal’s grandson, S. Amrinder Singh Jassowal, said, “My grandfather was not only dear to our family but to the entire Punjabi world. Many artists, writers, and cultural personalities feel his absence deeply.”
Other notable speakers, including Dr. Satish Kumar Sharma, former National Director of DAV Institutions, Dr. Gurikbal Singh, General Secretary of Punjab Lok Virasat Academy, Satbeer Singh Sidhu from Punjabi Tribune, and others, reminisced about their time with S. Jassowal, remembering him as an immense cultural force and a guiding light.
On this occasion, individuals like Gurjitinder Singh Randhawa, Trailochan Lochi, Dr. Gulzar Singh Pandher, S. Darshan Singh Shankar, Dr. Jagtar Singh (Former Chief Librarian, Punjabi University Patiala), Ravinder Sian, and many others were honored with Lohri Melas.
The event saw the presence of several esteemed guests, including Jasbir Singh Rana Jhanday, President of the Malwa Cultural Forum, Rachpal Singh Talwada, Director of Milk Plant Ludhiana, renowned sports promoter and writer Jagrup Singh Zarkhar, Sukhvinder Singh Basemi, Inderjeet Kaur Oberai, Nikki Kohli, Resham Singh Sagoo, Nahinder Mahindra Gaurav, Shalini, Simmi Kawatara, Sonia Alag, Lakhwinder Singh, Arjun Bawa, and others.
