Karnail Singh Paras (also known as Karnail Singh Paras Ramuwalia) was a renowned Punjabi kavisar (folk poet) and poet who made significant contributions to Punjabi literature. He was also known as Bapu Karnail Singh and was the mentor and grandfather-in-law of Punjabi singer and actor Harbhajan Mann.
He was born on June 28, 1916, in the village of Mehraj in Firozpur district (now Bathinda district) of British Punjab. His father was Sardar Tara Singh, and his mother was Ram Kaur. Following his father’s death during childhood, he was sent to the village dera for education in Gurbani, where his teacher, recognizing his talent, gave him the name “Paras,” which became associated with him.
In 1938, he married Daljit Kaur, and they had four sons and two daughters. One of his sons, Balwant Singh Ramuwalia, was active in Punjabi politics and served as a Member of Parliament.
Karnail Singh Paras composed Punjabi folk tales in poetic verses, wove religious themes into kafis and rhymed couplets, and penned the biographies of patriotic martyrs in the kavisari style. His famous works include Kissa Baagi Subhash and the poem Dilli Challo, which inspire struggle and patriotism. His art was widely popularized through recordings. The “His Master’s Voice” company released his first four records, which included poems like “Kyun Phari Sipahian Ne,” “Bhaino Eh Hansan Di Jodi,” “Hai Auna-Jana Baniya,” and “Duniya Chahun Ku Dinan Da Mela.” His work Pehal Panj Band has been included in the Punjabi syllabi of various universities. In 1980-81, he was honored with the “Shiromani Kavisar” award by the Punjab Language Department, a governmental recognition of his artistic contributions.
Paras’s legacy was carried forward not only through his stage performances but also in the field of singing. Singers like Gursewak Mann and Harbhajan Mann were his disciples. Seven songs in Harbhajan Mann’s debut album Ishq De Mamle were written by Karnail Singh Paras, showcasing how his creativity shaped the next generation of Punjabi music.
During his lifetime, Paras also made significant social contributions. In his village, Ramuwalia, he established a library and a traveler’s rest house and contributed to the development of the local school. In recognition of his contributions, the village’s government school was named “Shiromani Kavisar Karnail Singh Government Senior Secondary Smart School.”
Karnail Singh Paras passed away on February 28, 2009. His life and creative journey elevated kavisari not only as a folk art form but also as a literary and academic subject. He continues to be remembered as a vibrant part of Punjabi folk culture and heritage.