Gurdial Singh Rahi
- Born:
- January 10, 1933, Bhaini Fateh Singh, British India (now Punjab, India)
- Died:
- August 16, 2016, Jaito, Punjab, India
- Nationality:
- Indian
- Profession(s):
- Novelist, Short Story Writer, Educator
Early Life and Education
- Early education faced interruptions due to financial constraints.
- Later completed his schooling and pursued higher education.
- Worked as a teacher to support his family and education.
Career and Major Achievements
- Rose to prominence as a leading Punjabi novelist.
- His writings often depicted the social and economic realities of rural Punjab, particularly the lives of marginalized communities.
- Recipient of the Jnanpith Award (1999), India's highest literary award.
- Awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India.
- Served as a professor in various colleges.
Notable Works
- Novels: Marhi Da Deeva (1964), Anhe Ghore Da Daan (1976), Parsa (1991), Addh Chanani Raat (1972).
- Short Story Collections: Published several collections of short stories, exploring themes of poverty, social injustice, and human relationships.
- His semi-fictionalized Gurdial Singh autobiography, Alakhpur Di Chaunk, provides insights into his early life and literary influences.
Legacy and Impact
Gurdial Singh's work significantly contributed to Punjabi literature by providing a realistic and empathetic portrayal of rural life and social inequalities. His writings have been translated into several languages, making his work accessible to a wider audience. He is remembered as a major voice for the marginalized and a prominent figure in Indian literature.