Punjab: Convener of the cultural wing of Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall, trustee of Desh Bhagat Yadgar Samiti and co-founder of Punjab Lok Sabhyachar Manch (PLS Manch), 70-year-old Amolak Singh has lived a life dedicated to social activism. Known for his deep commitment to raising his voice against social evils, Amolak Singh has lived the life of a revolutionary. At the age of only 20, Amolak took a big decision – he decided not to get married, and dedicated his life to a higher cause: challenging the social evils of his time and raising awareness among Dalits. A thinker at heart, Amolak began observing the world around him from an early age. These experiences became a turning point in his life. He remembers the pain his mother felt when a commission agent confiscated their only cattle because they were unable to repay a loan, and how his father, a marginal farmer, spent his entire life working to free the family from the massive debt. Amolak explained, “I was born in a village in Ludhiana. When I was in government primary school, my teacher Ajaib Singh Hans told us about the financial difficulties his family faced. His sisters would sell jute bags decorated with peacocks so that Ajaib Singh could continue his studies.” After a pause, Amolak added, “This made me reflect on the plight of women and the harsh reality of poverty.” His experiences in high school further shaped his outlook. After winning a district-level award for reciting a poem highlighting the plight of workers working in mills while the owners were making huge profits, he became more determined to speak up for the marginalised. In 1970, Amolak joined GNE College in Ludhiana to pursue an engineering degree. However, a major event in 1972 changed his life. Amolak said, “The students were protesting against inflation and blackmailing when they were attacked and one student lost his life. That incident had a deep impact on me and I decided to devote myself completely to public service.”
Amolak Singh’s literary contribution has been significant, with over 36 books published, including several poetry collections. His notable works include Gadar Di Goonj, Paash- Sampoorna Likhta, Lahu Luhan Punjab, Kithe Hai Raat Da Chann and Chithiya Vich Vadda Paash. On March 14, 1982, he founded the Punjab Lok Sabhyacharak Manch, a platform that organises an annual event bringing together drama teams, music troupes, thinkers and intellectuals to raise awareness on various social issues. “It is a space for alternative culture, where our aim is to bring people out of the darkness of our system and enlighten them,” he said. During a performance of the play Ane Nishanchi (Blind Shooter) in Sewewala village near Jaito in 1991, Amolak urged the audience to stay united across communities. The group was attacked by miscreants, a recurring challenge in their journey. For the past 32 years, Amolak has been releasing an annual opera called ‘Jhande De Geet’ during Mela Gadraj Babaya Da, a major cultural event. This performance, with the participation of 100-125 artistes, is a celebration of their revolutionary spirit and dedication to social change. Amolak Singh remains a beacon of hope and resilience for those who want to challenge social injustice, and his life’s work inspires many in the region.
