Sukhbir was a versatile writer of Punjabi literature who made significant contributions in the fields of poetry, novel, short story, essay, and translation. He was born on July 9, 1925, in the house of S. Mansha Singh. Sukhbir’s father was a religious-minded person, whose influence deeply shaped Sukhbir’s personality. He received his early education in his native village Birampur, and later his family moved to Mumbai, where he continued his studies. It was there that he was arrested during a student movement, after which his publisher began to publish his writings under the name “Sukhbir” instead of “Balbir.” Since then, “Sukhbir” became his pen name.
He pursued higher education in Punjabi at Khalsa College, Amritsar, where he completed his M.A. and earned a gold medal from the university. His literary life was enriched with a blend of social, romantic, and modernistic elements, which gave a new direction and dimension to Punjabi literature. Among his major poetry collections are Paira, Nain-Naksh, Akhan Wali Raat, Lafz te Leekan, Lahoo Libhre Pair, and Sirnawan Samundar. Sukhbir’s major contribution to Punjabi literature lies in his poetic portraits and essays written on eminent Punjabi authors. Besides this, he also worked extensively in the fields of novel, short story, and translation.
Sukhbir’s poetry was an excellent expression of modernity and human experience. Through a fine synthesis of symbolism and contemplation, he highlighted the subtle and fluid aspects of human life. His novels and short stories effectively portray the everyday life of Punjabi society, its social conflicts, and individual struggles with great emotional and intellectual depth.
On February 22, 2012, Sukhbir bid farewell to this world. He passed away due to heart disease. His son Navraj Singh later published Sukhbir’s unpublished writings, ensuring that his literary legacy continued to inspire generations to come.