Patiala is the nerve centre of Malwa region and the soul of Punjab by virtue of its unparalleled glory and timeless royal lineage. It surrounds places of immense historical grandeur and traditions immersed in true colour of sacredness and innocence.Patiala word is derived from the roots ‘Patti’ and ‘ala’. ‘Patti’ is a local word for a strip of land and ‘ala’ follows from its founder Ala Singh who was a Sidhu Jat Chieftain and founded the royal dynasty of Patiala State in 1763. The rulers of Patiala State such as Maharaja Karam Singh, Maharaja Narinder Singh, Maharaja Mahender Singh, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh and Maharaja Yadvinder Singh were honoured by the British, and Patiala became a 17 guns Salute State during the British rule.
The royal house is now headed by His Highness Captain Amarinder Singh, who was also the Chief Minister of Punjab. It is surrounded by the districts of Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar and the Union Territory of Chandigarh in the North and Sangrur district in the West.It is really appreciating to see that during Captain Amarinder Singh’s tenure as Chief Minister, not only Patiala but other districts of Punjab have progressed a lot by virtue of his leadership and sincere approach for the welfare of people. Member of Parliament Her Highness Preneet Kaur launched the ‘Single Wire Project’ at Anardana Chowk to rid the walled city of haphazard electric cables. A grant of crores of rupees was sanctioned by the Ex-Chief Minister. Moreover, she also inaugurated the construction of an overhead tank at Municipal Corporation Office.
The project would be carried out under the AMRUT scheme of the Union Government. Moreover, Public Parking at the ‘A’ Tank area will decongest the traffic chaos in Adalat Bazar, Top Khana Mor etc. All the roads are being repaired to ease the traffic hazards. Water supply work has also begun which aims to supply water to the residents of Patiala round the clock. There is also a project for the rejuvenation of Bari Nadi and Chhoti Nadi under Patiala Urban Planning and Development Authority. Concrete lining will be done and walkways and cycle tracks to be constructed within the right of way of the Nadi. Captain Amarinder Singh accompanied by M.P. Praneet Kaur, dedicated to the people of Patiala the new rejuvenated and decorated Rajindra Lake, in memory of Maharaja Rajinder Singh.
Moreover, solid waste management plant, shifting of dairies to city outskirts and construction of a new inter-state-bus-terminal are in progress. All these projects had been left ignored under the previous Government. Construction of Hostels for Boys and Girls has been completed in Government Medical College, Patiala. Hats off to Captain Amarinder Singh, whose tireless efforts have yielded rich results. Labs for Physiology Department in Government Medical College, Cancer Centre, De-addiction Centre, hostel for girls in Government Mohindra College, widening of Patiala-Bhadson Road, have come up speedily. Moreover, a number of roads have been upgraded. The construction work on Heritage Street around Qila Mubarak is in progress to make it a tourist attraction.
The work on construction of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Sports University at Sidhuwal Village has begun. Mohindra Kothi renovation and beautification is under progress.The people of Punjab have high aspirations from the newly formed AAP Government. Patiala residents have eyes for the improvement of Patiala and completion of pending projects under its elected MLA Ajit Pal Singh Kohli, a well known and familiar face of the city.There is another feather to the royal touch of Princely State of Patiala. State Bank of Patiala was founded in 1917 by Maharaja Bhupindra Singh with its Head Office at Shera Wala Gate. It merged into State Bank of India on 1 April, 2017.Patiala royal blood flows not only outwardly but it has produced many famous and eminent personalities in various fields like administration, medical, engineering, music, fine arts, literary, educational, law, folk dances, politics, sports and what not.To name a few famous ones have brought laurels to Princely Patiala by virtue of their noble deeds like Bibi Rajender Kaur, Sikh Princess and cousin of Maharaja Amar Singh, Mahender Singh, Maharaja of Princely State Patiala; Bibi Sahib Kaur, Sikh Princess and elder sister of Raja Sahib Singh Sidhu of Patiala; Maharaja Rajinder Singh, Maharaja of Princely State Patiala; Bhupender Singh and grandfather of Captain Amarinder Singh, Mohinder Kaur, Mehtab Kaur, Rajmata of Patiala and mother of Captain Amarinder Singh. Mohinder Kaur deserves special mention for her welfare activities for the needy ones.
Yadvindra Singh son of Bhupender Singh was among those Indian Princes who facilitated the process of integration and was appointed the Rajpramukh of the newly established state of PEPSU. Rajmata Mohinder Kaur was the second wife of the ninth and the last Maharaja of Patiala Yadvindra Singh. He founded the prestigious Yadvindra Public School. The building where the school is housed was donated by Yadvindra Singh.These royal personalities of Patiala added to the royal culture of Patiala. The royalty disperses its fragrance even now all around Patiala. Baradari Gardens speaks of its architectural beauty founded by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh.As a mark of development, the Municipal Corporation of Patiala will erect a public parking at the ‘A’ tank area in the city for which 21 crore rupees have been sanctioned. It will benefit the residents of Adalt Bazaar, Old Sabzi Mandi, Sadar Bazar, Top Khana Mor and A.C. Market.
Work on the Canal Water Supply Project worth 503 crore is already in progress which aims to supply water to residents round the clock. A special grant of 40 crore was sanctioned by the Ex-Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh for the beautification and strengthening of the power distribution system in the walled city and attract the tourists and boost business. Her Highness Preneet Kaur also inaugurated the construction of an overhead tank at the M.C. Office which is a part of Canal Water Supply Project. All the twelve overhead tanks would be constructed to prove a lifeline for city residents. The project will be carried out under the “AMRUT” scheme of the Union government to impart a positive look to Patiala. It has also been decided to shift the dairies in the outskirts of Patiala to improve the hygienic condition of residents.
The Gurudwaras and other shrines of Patiala including Church at Baradari and mosque are the places of worship and appreciation. The Gurudwara Dhukniwaran Sahib, the Moti Bagh Gurudwara, the Gurudwara on Rajpura Road just after crossing Bahadurgarh are historical ones by virtue of the visits of great and spiritually enlightened souls. Dera Baba Jassa Singh Gurudwara is a holy place located on Sular Road in Patiala. It is a sacred place which marks its existence by the presence of great saintly personality like Baba Hardit Singh, Baba Jassa Singh, Baba Nand Singh and Baba Gurmukh Singh Ji.Baba Gurmukh Singh Ji also established Gurmat College, Patiala who devoted and dedicated his life for the Sikhism. He had a deep visionary thinking for the future times. Presently, Professor Jasbir Singh is the Honorary General Secretary of Dera Baba Jassa Singh. The real name of Baba Jassa Singh Ji was Bibi Jas Kaur whose austere tests and dedication to Baba Hardit Singh at Tapiana Sahib transformed her to Jassa Singh and Baba Ji attired her in male clothes.
The Kali Devi temple on the Mall Road is a place of worship for all where all sects of people visit to pay their obeisance. Shri Kali Devi Temple was built by the Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, Patiala in 1936. The Maharaja was inspired to build the temple and erect the six feet tall statues of Maa Kali and Pawan Jyot who brought these from Bengal to Patiala. It has been declared as a national monument. Shrines and temples of Hanuman Ji on Rajpura Road, Samania Gate, Anardana Chowk are also marked by sanctity.Patiala is a land of Wedding Palaces which exhibits its royal touch. Palm Courts, Kohinoor Classic, Casbah Resorts, Chahal Farms, Alcazar Resorts, Amar Classic, Fort Patiala Marriage Palace, Spring Fields, The Grand Square, Silver Oak Farm, Green Park Farm, Jashan Banquet are superb and many more are magnificent by virtue and of their local colour.Coming to the field of education, Patiala is the central hub of education where all faculties and streams are available to the aspiring students.
Government Medical Collage, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Commerce College, Law College, Government College of Physical Education, Govt. Mohindra College, Multani Mal Modi College, Khalsa College, Women College are imparting quality education to the students. Punjabi University, Patiala was established on 30 April, 1962. It is affiliated to UGC, NAAC, AIU. It is spread over 600 acres of land. It has more than 70 teaching and research departments and conducts various degree, diploma and certificate courses through distance learning. Recently Jagat Guru Nanak Punjab State Open University has signed a memorandum of understanding with the institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI) for students exchange and training programme. It will help to impart knowledge and skills for academic, research and training areas.On the recently held 39th convocation, Prof. Gagandeep Kang was honoured with Honoris Causa degree by His Highness Governor Banwari Lal Purohit and the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Arvind.Punjabi University feels honoured to become the first university of India which has established Baba Farid Centre for Sufi Studies in its campus to promote the rich diversity and uniqueness of sufism.
It is a collegiate state public university located in Patiala, Punjab, India. It is the second university in the world to be named after a language after Hebrew University of Israel. Another well known name to be associated with Punjabi University is Sardara Singh Johal who served as Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University and Punjab Agricultural University. He was awarded Padma Bhushan in 2004.There is one Avinash Chander who has been associated with art gallery and museum of Punjabi University, Patiala for about fourteen years which was initiated and inspired by the former Vice Chancellors Dr. M.S. Randhawa and Mr. Kirpal Singh Narang.Punjabi University, Patiala has also honoured former V.C. Inderjit Kaur Sandhu by Women Studies Centre during the 13th International Conference on the theme “Women in Leadership Issues and Challenges” held on November 25, 2021. She is not the First Woman Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University but also of any university in North India in 1975. Facing many challenges both in the office and life, she had high spirits even at the age of 98. She left a void in education when she left us recently on 26 January, 2022. She was the wife of famous author Giani Gurdit Singh.
She studied at Patiala’s Victoria Girls School and later did Postgraduation in Philosophy from Govt. College, Lahore. She also became the first-woman Chairperson of the Staff Selection Commission, New Delhi in 1980. She formed Mata Sahib Kaur Dal during the partition which rehabilitated over 400 families. It is a matter of immense relief and pleasure that the Ex-Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on his visit to Punjabi University eased financial burden by allocating Rs. 150 Crore. Patiala being a royal city has also the distinction to be awarded with eminent, educated and illustrious personalities who have proved their worth immensely in their fields, may be engineering, medical science, law, sports, music, aesthetic arts, administration, food speciality, film production, promotion of culture and heritage etc.Patiala has also flourished in Hotel Industry. Hotel Shaurya, Mohan Continental, Clarion Inn, Hotel Eqbal Inn, The Heritage Villa, Ajuba Residency have come up with well Unit parking facility. ‘Neem Rana’ hotel in Baradari Gardens speaks of its artistic touch. Besides, Garden Resort, Harbans Residency are also good hotels.There are a lot number of established and esteemed schools in the royal city of Patiala.
Yadvindra Public School was founded by His Highness Maharaja Yadvindra Singh of Patiala. It is a co-educational boarding school affiliated to ICSE Board established in 1947. British Co. Ed. School is also affiliated to ICSE Board. Buddha Dal Public School, Saint Peters Academy, Our Lady of Fatima Convent School, Ryan International School, Shivalik Public School, DAV Public School, Blossoms School, Bhupindra International School, Millennium School, Harkishan Public School are affiliated to CBSE Board, New Delhi. Shivalik Public School situated in SST Nagar, Patiala has the facility of complete Solar Power System, Language Laboratory, and unique imported AstroTurf playground with grass from New Zealand. The school has branches at Chandigarh, Phase-VI, Mohali (residential), Sector-78, Mohali and Nawanshahar and the credit goes to our energetic and educated founder and director Dr. Anup Kiran Kaur is the Principal of Shivalik Public School, Sector 56 (Phase VI) Mohali and Gurkiran Nalwa is the Principal of Shivalik Public School, Sector 41, Chandigarh. B.S. Malhotra, retired AGM, Canara Bank has been looking after the administrative machinery of Shivalik Public School, Patiala as Administrative Officer for the last about 10 years.
Bhupinder Kaur is working as Principal of the school. The Main School was established in 1976 in its own 10 acre campus at Mohali. The school has made a remarkable contribution to its infrastructure which includes the first indoor deco-turf tennis court, astro–turf hockey ground and state of the art Auditorium, biggest in the northern region. According to the Director of the school, the schools embellish one’s behavior with good qualities and prompt them to become, as said Albert Einstein “not a man of success, but rather a man of values”. Patiala has the distinction of having a personality like Kahn Singh Nabha who was born at Sabaz Banera, Patiala State. He was a Punjabi Sikh Scholar, writer, anthropologist, lexicographer and encyclopedist. His main influential work is ‘Gur Shabad Ratnakar-Mahaan Kosh’ (1930). It is his magnum opus.The name of Shaheed Uham Singh must be remembered who sacrificed his life for the sake of the nation and sought revenge for the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919 by assassinating Michael O’ Dawyer. He was born in Sunam in 1899.
There is one Deaf and Dumb School in the outskirt vicinity of Patiala managed by Colonel (Retd.) Karminder Singh. Its 55th raising day was celebrated by the society for Welfare of the Handicapped Managing Patiala School for the Deaf and the Dumb to honour the foundation day on 16 April, 2022. Lieutenant General J.S. Cheema PVSM, AVSM, VSM was the Chief Guest. Mrs. Sakshi Sawhney IAS, Deputy Commissioner Patiala presided over the function. Sh. V.S. Tiwana DSSO Patiala was the guest of honour.Recently on 25 Dec, 2021 visited by the Ex-Chief Minister, Charanjit Singh Channi and his wife who was generous enough to donate Rupees 51 lacs. Brahm Mohindra was also kind enough to donate money to the school.
Dr. Surinder Pal Singh Oberoi is a great philanthropist who was awarded the World’s First Honorary Causa Grand Ph.D. degree in Philanthropy bestowed by the International University of Fundamental Studies (IUFS) affiliated to three esteemed establishments-Oxford Education Network, International Parliament of Safety and Peace and California University FCE, CE (USA).It was a proud moment for Patiala when its student Tarlochan Singh recently got India’s highest civilian award Padma Bhushan by His Highness President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind for his contribution in social service. He served the nation in various capacities and remained even Press Secretary to Former President of India, Dr. Giani Zail Singh. He is an alumnus of Mohindra College of Patiala.
Octogenarian Dr. Ratan Lal Mittal, Orthopaedic Surgeon was also honoured with the most prestigious Padma Shri Award for his pioneering work in the club-foot surgery technique.Patiala City has also contributed a lot in the field of law and the one unforgettable name is Dewan K.S. Puri. He was an eminent International Handwriting and Fingerprint expert, Chairman of Patiala Bureau of Identification. He got his education from Government Mohindra College, Patiala till 1934. He got training from various institutes of Calcutta, Phillaur, Cuttack, Trivandrum and Tokyo. He wrote more than 9 books and 100 articles which were published in 32 languages in 28 countries. Dewan K.S. Puri even earned the appreciations and befitting remarks of the Honourable Supreme Court and High Courts as “A rare expert in the field for giving cogent, elaborate and reasoned opinions irrespective of the fact whether it goes in favour or against the party engaging him.”
The American Association of Criminology conferred a fellowship on him and awarded him the tenth annual award for criminal investigation and outstanding public service in the year 1963 in recognition of his achievements. The other awards given to him were Crusade Against Crime Award “Belgium” in the year 1968 and also ROC Police Medal Taiwan in 1981. His Excellency Governor of Punjab conferred Patiala Rattan Award posthumously at Patiala on 16 April, 2000. To honour him, Municipal Corporation, Patiala had named a road after his surname ‘Puri’ as ‘Puri Road’ starting from Arya Smaj to Treveni Chowk, Patiala.The eminent person Dewan K.S. Puri left this world on 9 February, 1998. Punjabi University, Patiala is awarding “Dewan K.S. Puri Gold Medal” award for the M.Sc. Forensic Science topper every year in honour of the person called “The Sherlock Holmes” of India. The book “Selected Works of Dewan K.S. Puri on Disputed Handwriting and Finger Prints Comparison” has been dedicated to the Nation by the Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri Krishan Kant Ji in New Delhi. Presently, the Patiala Bureau of Identification Office is being headed by Dr. Vikram Raj Chauhan who was the associate of Dewan K.S. Puri.
Patiala Bureau of Identification was founded by the late Dewan K.S. Puri an International Handwriting and Fingerprint Expert. Dr. Vikram Raj Singh Chauhan, remained Associate of Dewan K.S. Puri during his life time. He is M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Forensic Science, L.LB, M.B.A, M.A. Urdu, Postgraduate Certificate in Cyber Laws, Advanced Diploma in French, Diploma in Computer Applications etc. He is a life member of Indian Academy of Forensic Science. He is Forensic Expert for the last about 29 years who received his practical training from Late Dewan K.S. Puri. He is life member of Indian Academy of Forensic Science, Punjab Science Congress, Indo Pacific Association of Law, Medicine and Science, World Science Congress, North Zone Forensic Science Association and all India Forensic Science Association.The eldest son of Dewan K.S. Puri, namely Dr. Ajit Singh Puri MBBS, MD (Clinical Medicine) is a noted and eminent physician and settled at Patiala. He is the author of famous book “How to Prevent Common Diseases”.
The book contains an encyclopaedia in miniature so that people at large find it easy to read and seek the true information in a result-oriented manner. He has done his specialisations in Cardiology, Applied Neurology in the United Kingdom. The book has a foreword written by Lord Walton of Detchant, TD, MA, MD, DSc, FRCP and Former Professor of Neurology and Dean of Medicine – University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, Medicine and General Medical Counsel, Former Warden, Green College, Oxford; Former President, World Federation of Neurology. This well-known book written in simple language offers important tips for early diagnosis and prevention of serious ailments. His another landmark book on ‘Dengue’ is also famous having won world-wide fame. Dewan K.S. Puri’s another son Sukhbir Puri is settled in Mauritius and son Jagjit Puri, IAS (Retd.) is well settled at Panchkula. The only daughter Veena Leekha with her husband Ved Leekha is settled at Pune. The other sons are Sukhdev Puri, IPS, the former Police Officer at Mumbai. Balbir Puri is another son of Dewan K.S. Puri.
Sukhdev Singh Puri son of Dewan K.S. Puri an honest, hard-working, determined, justice loving, devoted and committed IPS officer of 1967 batch was conferred the title of ‘Justice Puri’ by his associates. He retired as Director General of Maharashtra. He was strictly against the culprits because he decided the cases with pure justice and authority. He solved the case of Fake Stamp Paper Scam known as Telugu Scam, run by Abdul Karim. It is one among the tip of the iceberg. He died in Canada on 15 October, 2021 when he was staying with his son there.Uday Bakshi eulogized him saying:“He was a warm, affectionate and wonderful person who always reached out to help those in need selflessly. He always thought good of everyone.”He was known for his competence and integrity and admired in police circles as being a thorough professional.
Another laurel in the past in Unani system was Late Hakim Kundan Lal Kalra (Unani System of Medicine) He was a reputed and well known Hakim of Punjab who cured a number of patients in Punjab and adjoining states with his self prepared medicines. He had the ability to diagnose the patients through pulse consultation only. His sons Jaspaul Kalra and SS Kalra are reputed engineer and author respectively who have earned a good name in their fields. Moreover, Dr. NK Sharma and Dr. Neeraj Sharma are also well known practitioners in Ayurvedic Medicine.Patiala has the distinction to have a number of reputed hospitals like Amar Hospital, Columbia Hospital, Vardhman Hospital, Walia Hospital run by surgeon Dr. RPS Walia, Aggarsen Hospital (Charitable) and many more like Preet Hospital, Garg Mission Hospital, Eye Hospitals of Dr. Rama Atray and Dr. Garg are very famous. Hans Hospital is also well-known. Dr. Ajat Shatru Kapur’s hospital in Model Town caters to cosmetic surgery and many more complications of the skin. Government Ayurvedic College has a good and sound reputation.
He presented internationally acclaimed book ‘Rise and Decline of Mughal Empire to Ex. V.C. B.S. Ghumman, Dr. Deepak Vohra, an Indian Diplomat of eminence and His Holiness Nobel Laureate, Dalai Lama who praised the book for its simple language that abounds in immense knowledge. He also received a certificate for his active participation on a webinar on ‘Sufism in Punjab’ held in 2021 at Punjabi University.Patiala being a royal city has the blood of charity to help its residents in need. A number of organizations are being run for the deserving and needy people. There is one ‘Aapki Apni Rasoi’ near Polo Ground being run by Maheshinder Bansal who serves lunch to the people prepared in Pure Desi Ghee just for Rupees five which includes chapatis, rice, one vegetable plus sweets without any distinction. About 500 to 700 people are served food daily. Vardhman Rasoi is also being run by Saurabh Jain who provides lunch for Rs. 10/- where more than 500 people get the food daily.
Anish Mangla, who is the Founder President of Shri Radha Krishan Jan Sewa Samiti is doing charitable service since 1996. More than 1000 widows at Barindavan are being provided clothes and medicines for the last more than 20 years. About 280 families at Patiala are being donated ration worth Rs. Two Lacs per month. In the field of education, top twenty students from Shakuntala School, Tudhial School, Arya Girls/Boys School, Kumar Sabha School get scholarships. Twenty-five students getting 85% or above marks get free education for higher studies. 9200 HIV patients are getting nutritious food. Dr. Khushdeva Singh Ashram is also getting donation. Hats off to the organization for serving fodder to 800 cows at Chaura Road, Gaushala. Gynae and Ortho doctors also diagnose the patients where 30/35 patients are examined daily.
Above all clothes are distributed on Indo-Pak borders. Another unique venture lies in donating 1000 units of blood at Rajendra Hospital for Thalassemia patients. The organization has also opened one ‘Silai Centre’ where 25 ladies are taught stitching of clothes free of cost.Patiala has the credit to enrichment of music, drama and acting. Om Puri, an Indian actor appeared in Indian, British and American films. He was born in Ambala and spent the early part of his life in Sanaur, Punjab. He collaborated in many films with Amrish Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi and Samita Patil in art films as ‘Bhavani Bhavai’ (1980), ‘Sadgati’ 1981 and ‘Satya’ 1980.He made two highly successful films called, ‘Chan Pardesi’ (1980) and ‘Long Da Lishkara’ (1986). But this great artist passed away at the age of 66 on January 6, 2017 leaving a void in film industry. Authors like Dalip Kaur Tiwana, Jeet Singh Sital, Professor Kasel also loved to stay in royal city by virtue of its environment of peace and serenity.
There is one more distinguishing feature to add to Patiala’s honour that Punjab’s media baron and educationist Jagjit Singh Dardi, Editor-in-Chief, Daily Chardikala; Chairman, Chardikala Time TV and Sri Guru Harkrishan Public Schools and Colleges has been selected by the Govt. of India for one of the highest Civilian Awards ‘Padam Shri’ for his contributions in media education and promotion of Punjabi language. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the world’s largest body of India ‘The Indian Newspaper Society’ since 1988.Patiala is well-known for its delicious delicacies like Rewri Gajjak, Halwa known as ‘Karah’, Shardai, Khoya Kulfi, Saffron Milk, Lassi of varied tastes, special Khoya burfi. There is one Karah Wala Chowk in Patiala where Karah with royal and rich taste was available. Kasora Lassi is also available.
Above all indoor games like ludo, carrom, playing cards, chess were the famous attractions in every household. Moreover, it is very famous for its sophisticated fashion fields like Patiala Shahi Turban, Churidar Trousers, ‘Achkan’ for the gents. Patiala Shahi Salwar, Dupatta on the head is treated as signs of royalty and honour for ladies. Everybody had to wear a turban while entering the Court Hall of Maharajas of Patiala as a mark of respect to the Maharajas.Punjabi University has set up an MOU with University of Religious and Denominations, Iran to understand the roots of Punjabi Culture and Sufi ideas which are an essential part of Gurmat and Sri Guru Granth Saheb. Both the universities can arrange conferences, seminars and workshops in their respective universities.
‘Guru Nanak Chau in the University of Tehran, Iran’ has also been founded and ‘Islami Study Iranian Chair in Guru Gobind Singh Religion and Study Department, Punjabi University, Patiala. Above all, Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University and India’s 14th Government Open University for the admissions to highlight its mission to equip the youth with skill and knowledge. There is a need for innovative programmes ranging from technologically driven courses like certificate courses in Cyber Security, Digital Marketing, Artificial Intelligence and its Applications, Creativity and Innovation in School Education to the progressive courses like values and learning of Sikhism, Rural Management, Effective Business and Social Communication which are the need of the times.
Another landmark in the field of Artificial Limb Expert is Dr. VJS Vohra who is a certified expert by Rehabilitation Council of India as Prosthetic Professional. He is honorary Prosthetic Adviser to Governments of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh.Hard work for CA Prem Garg has created the best creation of his life called ‘Museum of Trees’ in 41 bighas of land where children will be able to appreciate the variety and diversity of trees. ‘Guava Festival’ was organized on 26 August, 2021 at Baradari Gardens and inaugurated by Additional D.C. (Development) Dr. Preeti Yadav for the developments of fruit plants and trees under the aegis of Horticultural Department. A market is also arranged at Baradari Gardens every Thursday (Opp. P.P.S.C. Office) to augment the need for organic foods for the interest and health of the public.Dr. Alankar Singh is the Incharge ‘Gurmat Music Chair and Music Department. He is the first and the only artist who has been honored and blessed by Ustad Bismillah Khan.
It has to be confessed that visually impaired people are also a boon for society. Dr. Kiran Kumari, despite being visually impaired is Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Punjabi University, Patiala. The article coordinated by Dr. Jaswant Singh Puri exposes that visually impaired persons who received sufficient amount of family support were socially integrated and well-adjusted in life and less prone to psycho-social problems. Dr. Kiran Kumari in coordination with Dr. Jaswant Singh Puri in their Article: Psycho-Social Implications of Visual Impairment have endeavoured to put an impressive coverage of her dreams and struggling period and her motivation and achievement.Mr. Shri Chand worked as Artist-cum-painter in theMuseum and Art Gallery, Punjabi University, Patiala. He looked after maintenance, upkeep and display of Paintings and Sculptures.
Smt. Alka Puri, wife of Dr. Ajit Singh Puri well attended Dewan K.S. Puri after passing away of Satwant Singh Puri, the youngest son of Dewan Sahib who was residing with him. Only brother of Alka Puri, Dr. Ravinder Kapoor M.B.B.S. is a well-known consulting Physician. He is the owner of Multi-specialty Kapoor Hospital, Mangalore. The family owns petrol pumps, orchards and temples at the same place. The family is connected with Patiala having ancestral property and the temples with shopping complexes.Another laurel to Patiala Dr. Gautam Sood from the Department of Sociology, Punjabi University, Patiala has been selected as Member, Juvenile Justice Board from Patiala District. Prof. Vishal Goyal, Professor, Department of Computer Science and Dr. Lalit Goyal, Associate Professor, DAV College, Jalandhar, with his team have been working together since 2010 for the development of machine translation system for translation of English Sentences to Indian Sign Language and Animated Videos.
Ministry has associated Sanjay Singh, Deputy Director, ISLRTC along with Punjabi University, Patiala team for its execution. Prof. Arvind, Vice Chancellor said that this is an innovative project which will be helpful for the deaf community. He feels proud that Punjabi University, Patiala is taking this lead.International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was incorporated in 1966 in New York by his founder Acharya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhakti Vedanta Swami Prabhupada. The Rath Yatra starts from Kali Devi Temple and passes through different markets of Patiala. Devotees sing kirtan, distribute Parsad and dance in ecstasy. Students are taught about the importance of taking up the teachings of ‘Bhagwat Gita’ in a very scientific manner.
Art at its best can be well marked in Auditorium created by Harpal Tiwana, a well known writer and director. Another landmark is North Zone Culture Centre near Sheran Wala Gate which has the inkling to promote Art and Culture. Languages Department also speaks of its magnificence.There are a lot number of players from Patiala. To name a few are Navjot Singh Sidhu, Maharaja Yadvindra Singh, Bhupinder Singh, Anmol Malhotra, Anmolpreet Singh, Dhruv Panore, Rajwinder Singh, Amar Nath.Patiala is not only known for its Patiala Shahi Pagg (turban), Patiala Salwar, Punjabi Juttis Patiala Peg, Patiala Pranda but even for gifting us a number of famous singers who have brought name and fame and raised the level of Pollywood. Parmish Verma is one of the well named singer, actor, director. He has directed several movies and videos. He is the son of Satish Verma, theatre artist and writer and Paramjit Verma, a Professor in Patiala.
Another upcoming singer is Harrdy Sandhu. (Hardavinder Singh Sandhu) – a Punjabi singer and actor. He also made his Bollywood debut with the film ‘83’. But before adopting this profession, he also played for the U-19 Cricket Team.
Moreover, Mrs. Puja (Gurinder Kaur Kainth) sings Punjabi Songs in Bhangra, Pop and Folk genres. Satwinder Bitti is a known name in singing and acting who was a national hockey player before being turned to singing. Besides, Dev Kharoud, Rohanpreet Singh of the ‘Rising Star’ fame who has been recently wedded to Neha Kakkar, is a well-known singer in Bollywood. There are singers like Kamal Khan, Guri, Nav Bajwa who sing well.Romy Yadav is a well-known singer from Patiala who rose to the fame and entered Bollywood industry by virtue of his hard work and inspiration of his parents Rakesh and Mamta Yadav. Their daughter Surbhi Yadav has also done a lot of remarkable progress and success in Bharat Natyam and all forms of dances in vogue in Bollywood. The Indian Musician, Bhupinder Singh mainly a ghazal singer and a Bollywood Play Singer was born in Patiala in 1940 and wedded to Mitali Mukherjee in 1983. He was honoured with Mirchi Music Awards for lifetime achievement.
There is a long list of singers and actors and achievers from Patiala like Jimmy Shergill, Fawad Khan, Gulzar, Inder Chahal, Gavie Chahal, Rakesh Sharma (First Indian Astronaut), Dalip Kaur Tiwana (Punjabi Writer), Harpal Tiwana (Actor, Writer, Director), Samiksha, Mahendra Sandhu, Dev Kharoud, Aman Hundal, Harbhajan Mann, Mika Singh, Dilshad Khan (Member of Patiala Gharana, Singer), Jagdish Prashad (Member of Patiala Gharana, Singer), Kaushiki Chakraborty, Daughter of Ajoy Chakraborty and member of Patiala Gharana, Singer. Munawar Ali Khan, son of Bade Gulam Ali Khan, member of Patiala Gharana (singer), Nirmala Devi, Parveen Sultana, Sanjukta Ghosh, Shafqa at Amanat Ali are all members of Patiala Gharana and reputed singers. Above all Pammi Bai, Vicky Dhaliwal, Tochi Raina, Malkit Singh, Gurdas Mann are singers of repute.
Er. Harbans Singh Kular has been elected as Chairman of Rashtriye Jyoti Kala Manch (Regd.) which is being administered by the President Rakesh Thakur. He has also produced and financed a short film ‘Oh Kudi’. He himself is the writer of the story. He has acted also in this short Punjabi film. It is running successfully on a number of channels like Hungama, MX Player and many others. He has plans to produce some more short movies in near future.‘The Patiala Foundation’ – an NGO working to create awareness to save ancient monuments through heritage works, have now raised the issue of thousands of residents. They want to pay homage to the founder of the Royal City, Baba Ala Singh. NGO Chief Functionary Ravee Ahluwalia and senior member Harpreet Sandhu met Tourism Minister Harjot Singh Bains at Quila Mubarak.
They demanded that ‘Digital Darshan’ of the Holy ‘Dhuni’ and ‘Jyot’ be made available on the premises. The Minister assured them to upkeep this at the earliest. Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney also promised help by the district administration. Another laurel is Shruti Gupta, three times world record holder, including two times Limca Book of World Record is much associated to Patiala who did Master’s Degree in Classical Dance (Kathak) from Punjabi University, Patiala.She is very well versed and adept in the art of making snow-covered mountains as her dancing stage. She bears immense love for nature and peace, and Patiala is her second home town which breathes with natural environ and peace. It imparts solace and acts as a balm for her in adverse situations.
Punjabi University will publish selected poems of Padma Bhushan and Sahitya Academy Awardee writer Bhai Vir Singh in Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi (Persian) scripts of Punjabi in the form of a book. It will be published for the first time by the university in view of his 150th birth anniversary. Surjit Patar and playwright and Editor Punjabi Tribune Dr. Swaraj Bir Singh have contributed to the University Project aimed at bringing notable works of Punjabi writers to the fore. Vice Chancellor Prof. Arvind said: “It will be for the first time that selected poems of Bhai Vir Singh will be published and made available in Shahmukhi Script.” Chairperson of Bhai Vir Singh said: “The motive is to spread the message of Punjabi Language.” The university has also started “Bhai Vir Singh Rachna Kosh’ and ‘Bhai Vir Singh Rachnavali and Anukramrika Kosh’ comprising all literary works of the writer.
Punjabi University’s research scholar Arvinder Singh at the faculty of Computer Science has developed software that is capable of creating sentences in Punjabi. He is working on development of Punjabi and integrating it with technological advancement of Punjabi with the help of artificial intelligence. The software created would be instrumental in creating different sentences with the same meaning. He is working on the ‘development of algorithm for paraphrasing in Punjabi Language.’Above all Patiala has the unique distinction of street culture and houses and buildings made of Chhoti Bricks. High roofed houses with thick walls were erected for free flow of pure air and to keep the rooms cool even in summer. Khus Khus chinks were added to increase the cooling and disperse the light fragrance of Khus which added to the serenity of the surroundings.
Dr. Jaswant Singh Puri
Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa)
Social Activist
Punjab Rattan, Member, Dewan Family,
Erstwhile Princely State of Patiala
Note: This article is dedicated to Mrs. Alka Puri, wife of Dr. Ajit Singh Puri and mother of Dr. Jaswant Singh Puri.