About Jagir Singh Chohan

Celebrating the Legacy of Shri Jagir Singh Chohan

Tonight, we are not here to simply remember a name. We are here to celebrate a legacy: the life of a man who believed in the power of words to heal, in the strength of poetry to unite, and in the beauty of culture to connect hearts across borders.

Mr. Jagir Singh Chohan was not just a poet. He was a messenger of peace, a weaver of souls, and a cultural visionary whose heart spoke fluently in Urdu, Punjabi, and Persian. His mission was simple but powerful: to bring together hearts through literature, art, and soulful expression.

Where Politics Draws Lines, Literature Builds Bridges

Mr. Chohan’s academic foundation in three languages gave birth to a remarkable literary career. As Chief Representative of Press Asia International, his writings regularly featured in The Ajit, Awaaz Kam, The Akkas Daily, Punjab Guardian, and Shree Punjabi. Through his pen, India and Pakistan were brought together not through politics, but through poetry.

A Life in Poetry and Public Service

In 1975, he hosted a historic Mushaira honouring legendary poets like Hafeez Jalandhari (author of Pakistan’s national anthem) and Jamna Das Akhtar. It was not just an event: it was a message — a message that art can do what politics cannot: bring people together.

The world recognised his efforts. In 1983, he received the Raj Fatima Medal from Indo-Pak Preem Sabha, a tribute to his lifelong contribution to cross-border understanding through art.

Mr. Chohan’s books were not just printed — they were performed, sung, and celebrated. His published works include:

• Adhure Armaan (1985, 1993)
• Apni Mitti De Pehchaan (1992)
• Sugandh Da Mausam Basant (1995)
• Paaye Pa Likhi Tahreer (2000)

His ghazals and poems were brought to life by legendary artists, including Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Jagjit Singh, Shaukat Ali, Bhudar Ali Khan, Faheem Mazhar, and Ustad Baldev Narang. Canadian artist Sumita Chatterjee also released the cassette “Natze Jaane Shauk Se”, featuring Mr. Chohan’s poetry.

A Global Ambassador of Peace and Language

Mr. Chohan was more than a poet — he was a global cultural diplomat. He represented Punjabi and Urdu literature on international platforms, carrying the voice of the subcontinent across continents while keeping his heart rooted in India.

• 1986: Represented at the World Punjabi Conference, Lahore.
• 1990: Attended Aalami Urdu Conference, New Delhi.
• 1989: At the Olympic Conference in Birmingham, he recited a Persian poem in honour of the Prince of Kuwait, who personally thanked him.

“Ravidas Guru” – An Immortal Qawwali

Among his most impactful poetic tributes is the qawwali “Ravidas Guru”, performed soulfully by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. This piece honours Guru Ravidas, a beacon of spiritual equality and divine love, and reflects Mr. Chohan’s belief in human dignity and universal harmony.

Excerpt (Punjabi)

ਰਵਿਦਾਸ ਭਗਵਾਨ ਦਾ ਰੂਪ ਹੈ,
ਆਏ ਲੱਗਦਾ ਦੁੱਖ ਨਿਵਾਰਣ।
ਰੱਖ ਤਲਵਾਰ ਦਾ ਬੈਨਰ ਜੱਟੇ,
ਰਵਿਦਾਸ ਇਨਸਾਫ਼ ਦਾ ਪੋਗੋ ਡੋਮਿਨ।

Translation

Ravidas came as the divine form,
To lift the world’s suffering.
He carried the banner of justice,
Ravidas, the emblem of fairness.

In this spirit, Mr. Chohan carried in every poem the prayer of the heart. For him, poetry was the purest form of prayer.

A Legacy That Still Sings

Mr. Jagir Singh Chohan left this world on 27th November 1991—but his spirit never left. His words still sing in the ghazals we hear. His dreams still echo in gatherings like tonight’s. His mission lives in every person who believes in peace, art, and unity.

Let us reflect. Let us listen. Let us feel the heartbeat of a man who lived through poetry and loved through truth. He never raised slogans — he raised hearts. He never asked for fame — he gave meaning.

Let the words begin. Let the music flow. Let Sham-e-Chohan shine tonight, as he surely smiles from above.

Event Details

Sham-e-Chohan – A Literary Tribute
Date: 17th April 2025
Time: 5:00 PM
Venue: Village Karari, Punjab