Dr. Harpal Singh
Pannu


Dr. Harpal Singh Pannu, a Sikh scholar, presently working as Professor of the Department of religious
studies in Punjabi University, Patiala, was born on 20th June 1953 at Village Ghagga, Distt. Patiala. He
did his graduation in Arts with Honors from Mahindera College Patiala in 1972 with top position in the
university. He further added his Master’s in Punjabi literature and religious studies in which he again topped
in the university. After doing his M.Phil. in religious studies in 1980, he started his career as an Assistant
Professor in Khalsa College Patiala. He joined Punjabi University in 1983 and completed his Ph.D. in Sikh
studies from that very university. Starting an Associate Professor, S. Pannu has held the position of Head of
the Department of Religious Studies twice (6 years).He is now teaching M.A., M.Phil. classes and supervising
Ph.D. of such scholars. A good number of scholars have already got their M.Phi. and Ph.D. degree under
his supervision.He has also held various important positions like Founder Director of UGC centre for Guru Nanak Studies and for Buddhist Studies in Punjabi University, member Board of Directors, PSEB
Mohali and visiting Professor of various universities like Nalanda, Delhi, GNDU and university of Religious
Studies, Qom Iran.

He has written a number of books on Sikh concepts (e.g. Sikh Theory of Nature and Sikh
Theory of Time and Eternity in Punjabi), comparative religion (e.g. Ancient Indian Religion in Punjabi),
and other subjects including on poetry of Bhai Nand Lal comparing him with medieval Iran poets. S. Pannu
has been honoured with M.S. Randhawa Gian Purskar, Language Department, Patiala, 2010; Baba Banda
Singh Award by Academy of Sikh Religion and Culture, Patiala and Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha Award, BKS
Trust, Nabha. He is a Sikh role-model as with his rich knowledge and teaching experience regarding Sikhism
and other comparative religions he is inspiring a large number of persons to understand and appreciate
the uniqueness of this great religions in the right prospective. He lives in Patiala in the Punjabi University
Campus.