SINGH, HARCHARAN (1915 – )

Singh, Harcharan born in 1915, is an eminent Punjabi dramatist and writer. He obtained Master\’s degree in Punjabi and History and got Ph.D. degree for his thesis \’Theatre Traditions in Punjab\’. He was inspired by Norah Richard for writing dramas. Kamlakumari is the first play written by him in 1937. He worked as a Lecturer in the Khalsa College for Women, Lahore. After Independence he settled in New Delhi and worked as a Lecturer in Camp College.He worked as a Reader in Delhi University; then joined Punjabi University, Patiala as a Professor and worked in this capacity till retirement.

During the years 1973-74, he was honoured by the Sahitya Akademi, Delhi with its annual award for his book of drama namely Kal, aj te bhalak (1973) and also by the Punjab Government. His plays are Raja Poras (1938), Dur durade shehron (1939), An/or (1941), Khe dande din char (1943), Dosh (1948), Tera ghar so mera ghar (1953), Punian da chan (1954), Ratta salu (1957), Shobha shakti (1962), Chamkour dt garhi (1969), Mitti dhund jag chanan hoa (1970), Kal aj te bhalak (1972) and Itihas jawab mangda hai. One-act Plays: Jivanlila (1940), Sapatrishi (1942), Panj gitra (1944), Mere chonve ekangi (1957), Harcharan Singh de chonve ekangi (1959) and Murke di Khushbu. Short Stories: Sipian (1942) and Navin saver (1952). Criticism: Punjabi sahit da sanklop itihas (1953).

References :

1. Amarjit Singh, Punjabi sahit da itihas ”Qissa kal, Amritsar, 1981.
2. Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature, 6 Vols., Delhi 1995.
3. Sekhon, S.S. and K.S. Duggal, A History of Punjabi Literature, Delhi, 1992.
4. Singh, N.K., Encyclopaedia of Indian Biography, Delhi, 2000.