Jaswant Neki
Encyclopedia
Dr. Jaswant Singh Neki (also known as (born 27 August 1925) is a leading India
n Sikh
scholar, significant neo-metaphysical
Punjabi language
poet and former Director of PGI Chandigarh and Head of the Psychiatry Department at All India Institute of Medical Sciences
(AIIMS), Delhi.
As a poet he is most known for his poetry collections, Asle to Ohle Tak (Illusion and Reality, 1955) and autobiographical, Koi Naon Na Jane Mera (2000). He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award
in Punjabi in 1979 for his work, Karuna Di Chuh Ton Magron. His long autobiographical poem Simriti De Kiran Ton Pehlan (Before Shedding Memory) published in 1975, is considered masterpiece of Indian literature
. His works as scholar of Sikhism
include, Ardaas: Darshan Roop Te Abhiyas', Sada Vigas, Achetan di Leela , Divine Intimations, Prophet of Devotion and Pilgrimage to Hemkunt.
(now in present-day Pakistan
). His father was S. Hari Gulab Singh and his mother was Smt. Sita Wanti. When he was still an infant, his parents moved to Quetta
in (Baluchistan
) in present-day Pakistan
.
that he joined Khalsa High School whence he matriculated in 1941 securing the highest marks in entire Baluchistan and setting up a new record. He joined Forman Christian College
, Lahore, for his premedical studies.
There he enjoyed two merit scholarships – one granted by the University and the other by the college. In his FSc (Medical) exam, he stood second in the university. For his graduate course in medicine and surgery, he joined King Edward Medical College, Lahore
. There too he received a merit scholarship granted by the Govt. of Baluchistan.
In 1947 when the country was partitioned, he left Lahore and joined Government Medical College, Amritsar
, where he completed his medical studies to graduate in 1949. He worked first as a House Physician, then as Asstt. Registrar, and then as a Demonstrator in Medical College, Amritsar, with a short stint, in between, as Demonstrator in Christian Medical College Ludhiana
. While teaching there, he passed his MA (Psychology) exam as a teacher candidate from Aligarh Muslim University
, securing First Division and first position in the University. He passed his DPM exam from All India Institute of Mental Health, Bangalore
, and Mysore University, in 1958 with double distinction and setting up a new record. Thus he qualified as a psychiatrist.
, New Delhi and occupied that chair for about a decade (1968–1978). Then he was appointed Director of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research
, Chandigarh
(PGI) where he spent three years (1978–1981). From there, he was picked up by the World Health Organization
, Geneva, as a consultant for a project in Africa where he served for over four years (1981–1985). He came back home in 1985, and since then has been engaged in private practice. In between, he had a short engagement with the United Nations Development Programme
and United Nations Fund for Drug Abuse (South-East Asia).
Currently, he is Chairman of the Board of Consultants constituted by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee for setting up of an Institute of Medical Sciences. In 1989, he received Kohli Memorial Award for being the Best Professional of the Year.
, Asan Memorial Award, Shiromani Sahitkar Award (Languages Deptt.), Sarvotam Sahitkar Award (Punjabi Akademy, Delhi) in 2009 for Sada Vigaas (prose). , Bhai Vir Singh Award, KS Dhaliwal Award, Puran Singh Memorial Award. Guru Nanak Dev University conferred on him PhD honorous causa for his contribution to literature. He has been a member of the jury (Punjabi) for Sahitya Akademy Awards and member of the Advisory Committee (Punjabi) for Jnan Peeth Award. He is one of the past Chairmen of Punjabi Akademy, Chandigarh.
Currently, he is the Honorary General Secretary of Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan, New Delhi.
and organized training camps for the Sikh youth in the Sikh lore. He has produced two authentic books. One is Ardas – Darshan, Roop te Abhias which has been evaluated as an 'all-time classic'. The second one, Vishva Ardas, is a collection of over 300 prayers from different religious groups, tribes and communities of different times and places, translated into Punjabi verse.This has been called "a landmark piece of work". Commissioned by Guru Nanak Dev University
, he wrote The Spiritual Heritage of the Punjab which traces the evolution of spiritual thought and practice from the pre-Aryan times up to Guru Gobind Singh. Lately, he has produced an exquisitely produced book Pilgrimage to Hemkunt that compares with high international standards.
For several years, he has been a member of the Dharam Prachar Committee of Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee
, the elected body that administers Sikh shrines. He was honoured with 'Order of the Khalsa' Award on the 300th Anniversary of the Khalsa, celebrated in Anandpur Sahib
on 13 April 2000. He has represented his community at various international forums including The Parliament World Religions 1993, Unesco Conference on Religion and World Peace 1998, Unesco Center Catalunya Conference on Universal Ethics 1998, World Thanksgiving Conference 1999
In 2001, he received the Giani Lal Singh memorial award for his work in the field of poetry.
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
n Sikh
Sikh
A Sikh is a follower of Sikhism. It primarily originated in the 15th century in the Punjab region of South Asia. The term "Sikh" has its origin in Sanskrit term शिष्य , meaning "disciple, student" or शिक्ष , meaning "instruction"...
scholar, significant neo-metaphysical
Metaphysical poets
The metaphysical poets is a term coined by the poet and critic Samuel Johnson to describe a loose group of British lyric poets of the 17th century, who shared an interest in metaphysical concerns and a common way of investigating them, and whose work was characterized by inventiveness of metaphor...
Punjabi language
Punjabi language
Punjabi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by inhabitants of the historical Punjab region . For Sikhs, the Punjabi language stands as the official language in which all ceremonies take place. In Pakistan, Punjabi is the most widely spoken language...
poet and former Director of PGI Chandigarh and Head of the Psychiatry Department at All India Institute of Medical Sciences
All India Institute of Medical Sciences
All India Institute of Medical Sciences is a premier medical college and teaching hospital based in New Delhi, India. The Institute operates autonomously under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare ....
(AIIMS), Delhi.
As a poet he is most known for his poetry collections, Asle to Ohle Tak (Illusion and Reality, 1955) and autobiographical, Koi Naon Na Jane Mera (2000). He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award
Sahitya Akademi Award
Sahitya Akademi Award is a literary honor in India which Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters, annually confers on writers of outstanding works in one of the following twenty-four major Indian languagesAssamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri,...
in Punjabi in 1979 for his work, Karuna Di Chuh Ton Magron. His long autobiographical poem Simriti De Kiran Ton Pehlan (Before Shedding Memory) published in 1975, is considered masterpiece of Indian literature
Indian literature
Indian literature refers to the literature produced on the Indian subcontinent until 1947 and in the Republic of India thereafter. The Republic of India has 22 officially recognized languages....
. His works as scholar of Sikhism
Sikhism
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded during the 15th century in the Punjab region, by Guru Nanak Dev and continued to progress with ten successive Sikh Gurus . It is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world and one of the fastest-growing...
include, Ardaas: Darshan Roop Te Abhiyas', Sada Vigas, Achetan di Leela , Divine Intimations, Prophet of Devotion and Pilgrimage to Hemkunt.
Early life and education
He was born in village of Murid, District of JhelumJhelum District
Jhelum District is in the Punjab province of Pakistan. According the 1998 census the district had a population of 936,957, of which 31.48% were urban. Jhelum is known for providing a large number of soldiers to the British and later to the Pakistan armed forces due to which it is also known as...
(now in present-day Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
). His father was S. Hari Gulab Singh and his mother was Smt. Sita Wanti. When he was still an infant, his parents moved to Quetta
Quetta
is the largest city and the provincial capital of the Balochistan Province of Pakistan. Known as the "Fruit Garden of Pakistan" due to the diversity of its plant and animal wildlife, Quetta is home to the Hazarganji Chiltan National Park, which contains some of the rarest species of wildlife in the...
in (Baluchistan
Baluchistan (Chief Commissioners Province)
The Chief Commissioner's Province of Baluchistan was a province of British India located in the northern parts of the modern Balochistan province.- History :...
) in present-day Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
.
Education
It was in QuettaQuetta
is the largest city and the provincial capital of the Balochistan Province of Pakistan. Known as the "Fruit Garden of Pakistan" due to the diversity of its plant and animal wildlife, Quetta is home to the Hazarganji Chiltan National Park, which contains some of the rarest species of wildlife in the...
that he joined Khalsa High School whence he matriculated in 1941 securing the highest marks in entire Baluchistan and setting up a new record. He joined Forman Christian College
Forman Christian College
Forman Christian College University, or FCCU, is a chartered university in Lahore, Pakistan, named after its American-born founder, Dr. Charles William Forman.- History :...
, Lahore, for his premedical studies.
There he enjoyed two merit scholarships – one granted by the University and the other by the college. In his FSc (Medical) exam, he stood second in the university. For his graduate course in medicine and surgery, he joined King Edward Medical College, Lahore
Lahore
Lahore is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and the second largest city in the country. With a rich and fabulous history dating back to over a thousand years ago, Lahore is no doubt Pakistan's cultural capital. One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Lahore remains a...
. There too he received a merit scholarship granted by the Govt. of Baluchistan.
In 1947 when the country was partitioned, he left Lahore and joined Government Medical College, Amritsar
Government Medical College, Amritsar
Government Medical College, formerly known as Glancy Medical College, was established in 1864 in Lahore, British India and located to Amritsar, India in 1920.-History:...
, where he completed his medical studies to graduate in 1949. He worked first as a House Physician, then as Asstt. Registrar, and then as a Demonstrator in Medical College, Amritsar, with a short stint, in between, as Demonstrator in Christian Medical College Ludhiana
Christian Medical College Ludhiana
The Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, India was the first medical school for women in Asia. It was founded by Dame Edith Mary Brown. It became officially recognized by the government in 1915....
. While teaching there, he passed his MA (Psychology) exam as a teacher candidate from Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh Muslim University ,is a residential academic university, established in 1875 by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan as Mohammedan Angelo-Oriental College and later granted the status of Central University by an Act of the Indian Parliament in 1920...
, securing First Division and first position in the University. He passed his DPM exam from All India Institute of Mental Health, Bangalore
Bangalore
Bengaluru , formerly called Bengaluru is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bangalore is nicknamed the Garden City and was once called a pensioner's paradise. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, Bangalore is India's third most populous city and...
, and Mysore University, in 1958 with double distinction and setting up a new record. Thus he qualified as a psychiatrist.
Professional Career
As a psychiatrist, rising through the ranks, he became Prof. & Head of Psychiatry Department at the All India Institute of Medical SciencesAll India Institute of Medical Sciences
All India Institute of Medical Sciences is a premier medical college and teaching hospital based in New Delhi, India. The Institute operates autonomously under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare ....
, New Delhi and occupied that chair for about a decade (1968–1978). Then he was appointed Director of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research is one of the most prestigious medical and research institutions of Asia. Located in Chandigarh, India, it is globally recognized for its quality education, medical research and training facilities as well as for the excellence of its...
, Chandigarh
Chandigarh
Chandigarh is a union territory of India that serves as the capital of two states, Haryana and Punjab. The name Chandigarh translates as "The Fort of Chandi". The name is from an ancient temple called Chandi Mandir, devoted to the Hindu goddess Chandi, in the city...
(PGI) where he spent three years (1978–1981). From there, he was picked up by the World Health Organization
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that acts as a coordinating authority on international public health. Established on 7 April 1948, with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the agency inherited the mandate and resources of its predecessor, the Health...
, Geneva, as a consultant for a project in Africa where he served for over four years (1981–1985). He came back home in 1985, and since then has been engaged in private practice. In between, he had a short engagement with the United Nations Development Programme
United Nations Development Programme
The United Nations Development Programme is the United Nations' global development network. It advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP operates in 177 countries, working with nations on their own solutions to...
and United Nations Fund for Drug Abuse (South-East Asia).
Currently, he is Chairman of the Board of Consultants constituted by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee for setting up of an Institute of Medical Sciences. In 1989, he received Kohli Memorial Award for being the Best Professional of the Year.
Literary Activities
He is a well-recognized metaphysical poet in Punjabi who has contributed ten volumes of original verse. His opus magnum is his autobiography in verse. He also writes powerful, inspiring prose as evidenced by his books Achetan di Leela, Meri Sahitak Swaijeevani and Ardas. He has won several prestigious awards in literature. These include: Sahitya Akademi AwardSahitya Akademi Award
Sahitya Akademi Award is a literary honor in India which Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters, annually confers on writers of outstanding works in one of the following twenty-four major Indian languagesAssamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri,...
, Asan Memorial Award, Shiromani Sahitkar Award (Languages Deptt.), Sarvotam Sahitkar Award (Punjabi Akademy, Delhi) in 2009 for Sada Vigaas (prose). , Bhai Vir Singh Award, KS Dhaliwal Award, Puran Singh Memorial Award. Guru Nanak Dev University conferred on him PhD honorous causa for his contribution to literature. He has been a member of the jury (Punjabi) for Sahitya Akademy Awards and member of the Advisory Committee (Punjabi) for Jnan Peeth Award. He is one of the past Chairmen of Punjabi Akademy, Chandigarh.
Currently, he is the Honorary General Secretary of Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan, New Delhi.
Religious Activities
Belonging to a devout religious family Dr Neki has always evinced keen interest in religion. Like his family, he also has unbigoted, liberal views. During his student life, he became President of the All India Sikh Students FederationAll India Sikh Students Federation
The Sikh Students Federation, formerly the All India Sikh Students Federation, is a Sikh students' union and political organisation in India...
and organized training camps for the Sikh youth in the Sikh lore. He has produced two authentic books. One is Ardas – Darshan, Roop te Abhias which has been evaluated as an 'all-time classic'. The second one, Vishva Ardas, is a collection of over 300 prayers from different religious groups, tribes and communities of different times and places, translated into Punjabi verse.This has been called "a landmark piece of work". Commissioned by Guru Nanak Dev University
Guru Nanak Dev University
Guru Nanak Dev University was established at Amritsar, India on November 24, 1969 to commemorate Guru Nanak Dev's birth quincentenary celebrations. Guru Nanak Dev University campus is spread over 500 acres near village of Kot Khalsa, nearly 8 km west of the Amritsar City on Amritsar - Lahore...
, he wrote The Spiritual Heritage of the Punjab which traces the evolution of spiritual thought and practice from the pre-Aryan times up to Guru Gobind Singh. Lately, he has produced an exquisitely produced book Pilgrimage to Hemkunt that compares with high international standards.
For several years, he has been a member of the Dharam Prachar Committee of Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee
Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee is an organization in India responsible for the upkeep of gurdwaras, Sikh places of worship in three states of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. SGPC also administers Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. Gurdwaras in Delhi are the administered by Delhi Sikh...
, the elected body that administers Sikh shrines. He was honoured with 'Order of the Khalsa' Award on the 300th Anniversary of the Khalsa, celebrated in Anandpur Sahib
Anandpur Sahib
Anandpur Sahib is a city in Rupnagar district in the state of Punjab, India. Known as "the holy City of Bliss," it is a holy city of the Sikhs and is one of their most important sacred places, closely linked with their religious traditions and history...
on 13 April 2000. He has represented his community at various international forums including The Parliament World Religions 1993, Unesco Conference on Religion and World Peace 1998, Unesco Center Catalunya Conference on Universal Ethics 1998, World Thanksgiving Conference 1999
In 2001, he received the Giani Lal Singh memorial award for his work in the field of poetry.
Personal life
In 1955, he married Kanwerjit, the eldest daughter of his own Professor, Lt. Col. Dr. Gurbuxsh Singh.Publications
| 1955 | Asle te Ohle | Singh Brothers, Amritsar | Punjabi Poetry |
| 1965 | Eh Mere Sanse Eh Mere Geet | Singh Brothers, Amritsar | Punjabi Poetry |
| 1975 | Simrati de Kiran Ton Pehlan | Navyug Publishers, New Delhi | Punjabi Poetry |
| 1978 | Karuna Di Chuh Ton Magron | Navyug Publishers, New Delhi | Punjabi Poetry |
| 1980 | | Punjabi Writers Coopoerative, New Delhi | Punjabi Poetry | |
| 1985 | Na Eh Geet Na Birharha | Navyug Publishers, New Delhi | Punjabi Poetry |
| 1989 | Birkhe Heth Sabh Jant | Navyug Publishers, New Delhi | Punjabi Poetry |
| 1989 | Ardas: Darshan Roop Te Abhiaas | Singh Brothers, Amritsar | Sikh Religion |
| 1990 | Paani Wich Patase | Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan, New Delhi | Punjabi Poetry (Rhymes for Children) |
| 1992 | Geet Mera Sohila Tera | Singh Brothers, Amritsar | Punjabi Poetry |
| 1992 | Meri Sahitik Sve Jivanee | Punjabi University, Patiala | Literary Autobiography |
| 1997 | Vishav Ardas | Singh Brothers, Amritsar | Punjabi Poetry (World Prayers) |
| 1998 | Achetan Di Leela | Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar | Psychology |
| 2000 | Koi Naon Na Jaane Mera | Singh Brothers, Amritsar | Punjabi Poetry (Autobiography) |
| 2000 | Spiritual Heritage of Punjab | Guru Nank Dev University, Amritsar | Spirituality |
| 2002 | Pilgrimage to Hemkunt | UBSPD and NIPS | Spiritual Travelogue |
| 2004 | Sungad Abnoos Di | ARSEE Publishers, Delhi | Punjabi Poetry |
| 2004 | Prophet of Devotion | SATVIC Media Pvt. Ltd., Amritsar | Life & Teachingsof Sri Guru Angad Dev |
| 2005 | My Ardas & My Gurus' Bani | SNP Panpac Pte Ltd, Singapore | Ardas, Japji Sahib, Rahiras and Sohila for Children |
| 2006 | Divine Intimations - Nitnem | Hemkunt Publishers, New Delhi | Banis Japji Sahib, Jap Sahib, Sawayyas, Rehras Sahib, Sohila Sahib and Ardas |
| 2007 | Guru Granth Sahib and Its Context | Bhai Vir Singh Sahitay Sadan | Essays on different aspects of Guru Granth Sahib |