Channan Singh Jethuwalia
1877
– 1960
Professionally an engineer, he started writing at an advanced age. Channan Singh’s two poetry collections are Man Aaiyan and Aap Muhariyan.
Channan Singh Jethuwalia is a Punjabi poet of the second generation. He was born on May 5, 1877 AD, in the house of Bhai Kanhaiya Singh in the village of Jethuwal, Amritsar district. He received his primary education from Khalsa High School, Amritsar, and in 1901 AD, he began working in the engineering department. During his employment, Channan Singh had to reside in various cities such as Muzaffarnagar, Dera Ismail Khan, Sindh, Raipur, and others, which gave him considerable life experience. He retired in 1932 AD.
After retirement, he came into contact with Lala Dhani Ram Chatrik, Principal Teja Singh, Charan Singh Shaheed, and Dr. Mohan Singh Diwana. In this way, he began studying Punjabi poetry, which sparked his urge to write. His first poetry collection, Man Aiya, was published in 1941 AD. At that time, he was 65 years old. Following this, his second poetry collection, Aap Muharian, was published.
The hallmark of Channan Singh Jethuwalia's poetry is its sweetness and quality, marked by the intensity of expression. He conveyed profound ideas in just a few words or through subtle hints. Love and romanticism form the core of his poetry, yet he did not overlook the realities of his contemporary life, social conditions, political scenarios, and similar themes.