Dr Pandit Rao Dharennavar travels across the Chandigarh and Punjab on his bicycle to spread the message of Punjabi language promotion.
The 40-year-old took it upon himself to learn a new language just so he could translate works by eight saints and social reformers of Karnataka from Kannada to Punjabi.
Prof. Dharennavar, an assistant professor in Sociology at PG Government College in Chandigarh was inspired by vachana literature and the Sufi culture in the State.
Listen to Dr Pandit Rao Dharennavar's interview with (International Mother Language Day Special Coverage - In Punjabi)
Born and brought up in remote Salotagi village of district Bijapur in Karnataka, Prof. Dharennavar completed his Masters in Karnataka and later joined Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, to pursue M.Phil in Sociology.
Prof. Dharennavar is widely appreciated for his research on Sikh history and Punjabi culture. He has translated many Sikh hymns to Kannada language and Kannada poetry into Punjabi.
“I have translated Sikh holy hymns like ‘Japuji Sahib’, ‘Sukhmani Sahib’, ‘Assa di Vaar’ and Zafarnama and tales of great Sikh warriors like Baba Deep Singh and Bhai Jaita ji into Kannada language,” said Prof. Dharennavar.
He also wishes to translate the holy Sikh scripture Guru Granth Sahib into Kannada language.
A relentless crusader for Punjabi language Prof. Dharennavar is keen to get due place for Punjabi.
Prof. PR Dharennavar with one of his admirers Jaswinder Singh Khalsa Source: Supplied
“The Punjabi language deserves better and it is about time that we start showing some respect to restore its lost pride,” he said in in an interview with SBS Punjabi.
“I am also teaching Punjabi to South Indian doctors and nurses who are working in PGI Chandigarh. I have also written a book ‘Sat Sri Akal Doctor Sahib’ to learn Punjabi for them.”
“Punjabi language is so soulful that you can’t stop falling in love with it. It is painful to see why people in Punjab lacked passion for their mother tongue whereas in Karnataka we are bent to die for honour of our mother tongue,” said Prof. Dharennavar.
