Suraj Te Kehkashan by Sukhpal Vir Singh Hasrat (1980)

Sukhpal Vir Singh Hasrat (1938–2001), a prominent Punjabi poet, enriched the literary landscape with his evocative verses that blend romanticism, social consciousness, and cultural pride. His poetry collection Suraj Te Kehkashan (The Sun and the Milky Way), published in 1979 and awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1980, stands as a testament to his lyrical prowess and deep connection to Punjab’s ethos. Crafted during his tenure as an editor for the Punjab Government’s journal Jagriti, the collection reflects his engagement with both personal introspection and societal transformation in post-independence India. This review argues that Suraj Te Kehkashan is a radiant work of Punjabi poetry, distinguished by its lyrical beauty and thematic versatility, though its regional specificity and traditional style may limit its appeal for contemporary readers. Through an analysis of its poetic craft and cultural resonance, this review highlights Hasrat’s significant contribution to Indian literature.

Suraj Te Kehkashan is a collection of poems that explores themes of love, nature, social justice, and Punjabi identity, set against the vibrant backdrop of Punjab’s rural and cultural landscapes. The title, translating to “The Sun and the Milky Way,” symbolizes the interplay of individual passion (the sun) and collective aspiration (the galaxy), reflecting Hasrat’s vision of personal and societal harmony. The poems range from romantic odes to critiques of social inequities, often invoking Punjab’s rivers, fields, and folk traditions. Hasrat writes:

“The sun kisses the earth’s brow, / And the stars weave dreams no night can disavow.”

This couplet captures the collection’s romantic and aspirational tone, blending celestial imagery with earthly devotion. Other poems address the struggles of Punjab’s peasantry and the enduring spirit of its people, drawing on Hasrat’s experiences post-Partition, when his family relocated from Khanewal (now in Pakistan) to India. The collection employs traditional Punjabi poetic forms like ghazal and kafi, infused with a modern sensibility, creating a lyrical bridge between heritage and contemporaneity.

Suraj Te Kehkashan is a poetic triumph, radiating with Hasrat’s mastery of language and emotional depth. His verses, steeped in Punjabi’s melodic cadences, evoke the sensory richness of Punjab—its golden harvests, flowing rivers, and communal festivities—with vivid authenticity. A poem celebrating rural life exemplifies this:

“In the village’s heart, the banyan speaks, / Its roots entwined with tales the wind seeks.”

This imagery not only paints a pastoral scene but also embeds cultural memory, showcasing Hasrat’s ability to merge nature with human experience. His social consciousness, evident in poems critiquing economic disparities, aligns with the progressive ethos of Punjabi literature, as seen in contemporaries like Gurdial Singh. The Sahitya Akademi Award recognized the collection’s “lyrical fervor and cultural depth,” affirming its role in elevating Punjabi poetry’s expressive range.

The collection’s strengths lie in its versatility and cultural rootedness. Hasrat’s ability to balance romanticism with social critique, as noted in his broader oeuvre like Shakti Naad, appeals to both emotional and intellectual sensibilities. The traditional forms, enriched with modern themes, create a dynamic interplay that resonates with readers familiar with Punjab’s literary heritage. The poems’ brevity—often 12–20 lines—ensures accessibility, while their layered imagery rewards deeper engagement, making the collection a staple in Punjabi literary studies.

However, Suraj Te Kehkashan has limitations. Its reliance on Punjabi cultural references, such as folk tales or Partition-era imagery, may require contextual knowledge, potentially alienating non-Punjabi readers. For instance, a poem’s allusion to the Sassi-Punnu legend carries emotional weight only with familiarity with Punjabi folklore. The traditional poetic style, while elegant, may feel conventional compared to the experimental forms of later poets like Surjit Patar, limiting its appeal to modern audiences seeking innovation. The scarcity of English translations restricts its global accessibility, a common challenge for Punjabi literature, and the collection’s romantic idealism can occasionally overshadow its social critiques, creating an uneven tonal balance.

Suraj Te Kehkashan is a luminous milestone in Punjabi poetry, showcasing Sukhpal Vir Singh Hasrat’s lyrical brilliance and deep connection to Punjab’s cultural soul. Its evocative imagery, thematic versatility, and emotional resonance make it a timeless work, though its regional specificity and traditional style may demand cultural grounding for full appreciation. This collection is essential for poetry enthusiasts, scholars of Punjabi literature, and those interested in South Asian cultural narratives, offering a vibrant exploration of love, justice, and identity. Readers are encouraged to approach it with an openness to Punjab’s literary and historical nuances to fully savor its radiant beauty.

Recommendation: Highly recommended for readers of poetry, Punjabi literature, and South Asian studies.

Reference :Hasrat, S. V. S. (1979). Suraj Te Kehkashan. Ludhiana: Lahore Book Shop.