Chandigarh, January 17, 2020: Noted historian, scholar and writer, Prof Surjit Hans, passed away this morning. He was 90 and was not keeping well for some time. Punjab Sahit Akademi and Chandigarh Sahitya Academy awardee, he authored more than 70 books. His book Mittti di dheri was much acclaimed. Among his major achievements was a complete translation of complete works of Shakespeare into Punjabi, for which he was appreciated worldwide and honored in London.
Among his close friends were Punjabi writer Prem Prakash Khannvi and Amarjit Chandan. He leaves behind his daughter, Nanki Hans, who is Chief News Editor of The Tribune, a grandson and hundreds of admirers.
His last works were a translation of Darwin’s Origin of species and book of poems Mrit da Sapna.
As a historian, he belonged to the MacLeod school of thought
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday condoled the death of eminent Punjabi writer and noted Sikh historian Prof. Surjit Hans, father of senior journalist Nanki Hans.
Prof. Hans (89) breathed his last early this morning after a brief illness at Mohali and is survived by his daughter Nanki, Chief News Editor at The Tribune, and a grandson.
In his condolence message, the Chief Minister recalled the literary services of Punjab Sahit Academy and Chandigarh Sahitya Academy Awardee Prof. Surjit Hans, who was credited with the complete translation of Shakespeare in Punjabi, besides authoring 70 books.
The Chief Minister said with Prof. Hans’ death, a void had been created in the literary circles, which was difficult to fill. He extended his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family in their hour of grief.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister’s Media Advisor Raveen Thukral also mourned the death of Prof. Hans.
Prof Hans was also remembered by the Punjab Assembly during obituary references on the last day of its special.