Swarnjit Savi

Swarnjit Savi, a luminary born on October 20, 1958, (Jagraon Dist. Ludhiana Punjab) in the culturally rich landscape of India, stands as a testament to the transformative power of literary and artistic expression. A postgraduate in English and Fine Arts, Swarnjit Savi's journey is a captivating tapestry of poetry, painting, sculpture, photography, and literary translation, showcasing his multidimensional talent and intellectual depth.

Punjabi poet Swarnjit Savi’s journey to literary fame is set in Punjab’s industrial hub, Ludhiana, where he grew up in a hyper commercial atmosphere listening and responding to his subtle creative urges.

Early Life and Education (1958-1978)

Growing up amidst the Punjab’s industrial hub, Ludhiana, where he grew up in a hyper commercial atmosphere listening and responding to his subtle creative urges. Swarnjit Savi displayed early signs of a prodigious talent. His academic journey led him to pursue postgraduate studies in English and Fine Arts, laying the foundation for a career that seamlessly blends scholarly pursuits with creative endeavours. He started painting during schooling around 1970 and writing short stories, songs and ghazals etc. during graduation in 1977-78.

Poetry: A Symphony of Words (1985-Present)

Swarnjit Savi's poetic compositions resonate as a symphony of emotions, weaving together Punjabi and English with profound insight. His poetic repertoire comprises an impressive 16 books, including the evocative "Dehi Naad" (1994), the soul-searching "Kameshwari) 1998, and the spiritually profound "Aashram" (2005). Savi's poetry transcends linguistic boundaries, earning him critical acclaim and establishing him as a luminary in the literary world. On December 20, 2023 his name was announced for the year’s Sahitya Akademi Award, India’s top official literary award for his collection of Punjabi poetry ‘Mann Di Chip’ 2021 (Chip of Mind). As the title suggests, the book showcases inarguably the best creative use of digital metaphors in poetry to express churnings of contemporary society’s sensibilities in a manner none has done before in the Punjabi language. Doing so, he takes on the monster called Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the realm of literature.

Visual Arts: Painting the Canvas of Emotion (1987-Present)

Paintings

Wein ... from Udasian Babe Nanak Dian

Savi's artistic prowess extends to the canvas, where he creates mesmerizing series such as "Desire," "The Quest," and "Leela.", “ Nee Dhartiye” and “Udasian Babe Nanak Dian” These series, presented in oil on canvas, mixed media on paper, and natural pigments on canvas, serve as visual narratives that delve into the complexity of human emotion. Exhibited globally, his paintings showcase a unique ability to capture the essence of the human experience.

Photography

In the visual narrative, Savi's photography exhibitions, including "The Speaking Tree" (2005) and "The Dancing Lines,"(2007) offer a unique perspective on moments that transcend the ordinary. The dancing lines is an experiment of its kind so much so that reverses the definition, ‘Through view finder we compose the visual before us’ . Savi claims that the photo he clicked is entirely different from what he saw. No one can estimate even. These exhibitions have garnered widespread appreciation for their visual storytelling and artistic finesse. Ex Prime Ministers of India Dr V.P. Singh, Dr Manmohan Singh and The Dalai Lama appreciated the art he created .

Sculpture

Savi's venture into sculpture is marked by significant installations like "Evolution-II" (2012), a stainless steel sculpture symbolizing the evolution of tools and language at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Another monumental work, "Ekomkar and Rabab" (2019), stands at the Zero Point Dera Baba Nanak Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Chowk, commemorating Guru Nanak Dev Ji's 550th Birthday. The intricacies of these sculptures reflect Savi's deep contemplation on history, culture, and spirituality.

Literary Contributions Beyond Poetry (2009-Present)

Beyond his poetic endeavours, Savi's literary contributions extend to translation. His translations of works from languages like Uzbek and Telugu into Punjabi showcase a linguistic diversity that enriches the tapestry of Punjabi literature.

Awards and Accolades (1990-Present)

Savi's contributions have not gone unnoticed. A recipient of the Gurmukh Singh Musafir Award (1990, 1994), Mohan Singh Mahir Award (1991), Sant Ram Udasi Puraskar (1990), Safdar Hashmi Award (2009), Punjab Sahit Akadmi Purskar (2009) and the prestigious National Sahitya Academy Award in 2023 for his poetry collection "Mann Di Chip," Savi's accolades affirm his position as a stalwart in the literary and artistic domains.

One Man Shows: Artistic Dialogues (1987-Present)

Savi's one-man shows are immersive experiences, providing viewers with an intimate dialogue with his creations. From the powerful "Desire" series to the thought-provoking "UDASIAN BABE NANAK DIAN," these exhibitions have unfolded across continents, offering glimpses into the intricate interplay between the artist and his diverse expressions.

Contributions to Literature and Artistic Community (2010-Present)

Savi actively engages with literary and artistic communities, participating in poetry festivals, presenting research papers, and making appearances on radio and television. His commitment to the promotion of literature and art is evident in his diverse contributions to national and international platforms.

Permanent Collections: A Legacy Preserved (1990-Present)

Savi's works have found a permanent home in prestigious collections worldwide, including Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjabi Academy, Delhi, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Gwendoline C. Harrison Indiana, USA,Dorothy Mc Mohan Indiana, USA, Devinder Chandan, U.K., Uktamoy Kholdrova, Uzbekistan, Indian Embassy in Afghanistan and private collections in India and abroad. These collections stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of his artistic brilliance.

Conclusion: A Living Artistic Legacy

Swarnjit Savi's journey is not merely a chronicle of artistic achievements; it is a testament to the boundless possibilities of human expression. His ability to seamlessly traverse multiple artistic disciplines has not only garnered acclaim but has also enriched the cultural fabric of the global artistic community. Swarnjit Savi stands as a living testament to the transformative power of art and literature, leaving an indelible mark on the world's cultural tapestry.