Prof. Pritam Singh Rahi was one of the foremost poets in Punjabi literature. He was born on October 30, 1936 AD, in Barnala (Punjab) to his mother, Sant Kaur, and father, Lal Singh Rupal. His grandfather, Vaid Gurmukh Singh, was a renowned vaid (traditional healer) of his time, from whom he learned the intricacies of vaidyagiri (the art of traditional medicine).
Prof. Pritam Singh pursued his studies after the tenth grade through private means. In this regard, he earned his M.A. degrees in Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit, and English. Subsequently, Vikramshila University (Bhagalpur) awarded him a Ph.D. degree in recognition of his literary services. Professionally, he served as a lecturer at S.D. College, Barnala, for 26 years.
Prof. Pritam Singh began his literary creation with nazms (a form of Punjabi poetry). His first poetry collection, Karuna, was published in 1960 AD. Following this, he published eleven books of nazms, including Kachnar, Kanjkan, Kaaya de Rukh, Athra Ghoda, Udaas Palan di Dastaan, Parat dar Parat, Sukke Patte di Dastak, Sur Sugandh, Ik Kuknus Hor, and Aamin. He was a leading star of the Janvadi (progressive) movement, infusing his poetry with Marxist ideology to give voice to social injustices in Punjabi society, human suffering, and revolutionary ideas. Rahi's poetry portrays the pain of the modern human, the breaking of relationships, and social awareness. He also contributed to children's literature, criticism, and translation.
In 1952 AD, Prof. Rahi played a pivotal role in establishing the Punjabi Sahit Sabha in Barnala. His vaidkhana (clinic) became a hub for writers, where emerging poets were taught the craft of writing ghazals and nazms. This led to the formation of the Barnala School of Poetry. He edited the trimonthly magazine Muhandra and ventured into journalism.
Prof. Pritam Singh Rahi passed away on October 26, 2011. In his memory, the Prof. Pritam Singh Rahi Yadgari Janvadi Kavita Puraskar (Memorial Progressive Poetry Award) was established, which is given annually to new talents. Every year, literary events are held in Barnala to commemorate him, keeping his immortal legacy alive.