Jalandhar: His short story collection Neenh De Patthar (Foundation Stones) was heralded by renowned writer Master Lal Singh, who fondly called him the “Jugnu of Kandi”. Though he began his career as a chemistry lecturer, Dr Dharampal Sahil’s real fascination was literature. Despite having a background in science and serving as a principal, he made his name in Punjabi-Hindi literature, becoming a well-known figure for bridging the gap between the Kandi dialect and mainstream Punjabi literary discourse. Hailing from the modest village of Tung in Hoshiarpur, Dr Sahil has written over two dozen original books through dedication, discipline, relentless effort and literary passion. Today, he stands as a respected figure in both Hindi and Punjabi literature, inspiring emerging writers across the region. As a teacher, he has received several honours, including the “Bharat Shiksha Ratna” by the Global Society for Health and Educational Growth, Delhi, and the “Vidya Vachaspati” and “Sahitya Gaurav” by Vikramshila Vidyapeeth.
He was also selected as a member of the research board of advisors by the American Biographical Institute. Recognising his literary contributions, the Government of India appointed Dr Sahil to the Hindi Language Advisory Committee set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs. He is one of only three non-governmental authors selected from across the country, including Dr Binu D from Trivandrum, Kerala and Adarsh Pati Tiwari from Deoria, UP. Dr Sahil prefers to immerse himself in books rather than a mobile screen. “Even as a science student, I was drawn to books. This passion has remained with me throughout my life. Whether I am travelling or waiting in a queue, I always carry a book. Reading provides more relaxation and insight than scrolling a screen,” he says.
Dr. Sahil was honoured as a creative teacher by President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam in 2007. His Hindi novel Bioscope received a national award of Rs 1 lakh from the Government of India in 2008. His novels Samjhauta Express and Beti Hun Na received the Best Book Award from the Language Department of Punjab, while Machaan won the first place in the All India Novel Competition. From his early days as a chemistry lecturer to a school principal, Dr. Sahil remained deeply connected to the cultural and literary traditions of the Kandi region. His literary works reflect the unique ethos of the region, including Kandi Da Kanthahar, a rich collection of Kandi folk songs. He has vividly portrayed the socio-cultural background of Kandi in its native dialect. Dr. Sahil has written seven Punjabi novels—Dhiyan Marjaniya, Pathart, Kuarjhat, Manne, Khidran To Pehlan, Kask Aur Khora—and twelve Hindi novels, which have received praise from scholars, researchers and linguists. Apart from writing, he has promoted the cultural identity of Kandi through radio, television and newspaper articles. His constant contributions to editorial pages and commentary on social issues have established his distinct voice in the literary scene. In a project funded by Punjabi University, Patiala, Dr. Sahil compiled “Kandi Pahari Boli Da Shabdkosh” (Dictionary of Kandi Pahari Dialect), which was published by the University’s Publication Bureau and released during the World Punjabi Conference. He was also part of the expert team for the Punjabi-Hindi Dictionary Project by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, which documented 39 regional languages. In Hoshiarpur, Dr. Sahil remains active in literary and social fields through Drishti Vision Forum and Cultural Conservation Society, and constantly inspires the youth to read, write and contribute to the literary world.
