For more than four decades, Dr Dharam Singh has remained at the forefront of Punjabi literary research, combining academic scholarship with a deep commitment to preserving Punjab’s intellectual heritage. The former head of the School of Punjabi Studies at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) continues to contribute to academic discourse through his work on literature, language, history and culture.His recent appeal for the conservation of rare manuscripts of Guru Granth Sahib has once again highlighted his lifelong dedication to safeguarding invaluable sources of Punjab’s literary, linguistic and historical legacy.Dr Dharam Singh has authored 16 books, many of which are part of graduate and postgraduate curricula in universities across the region. Even at the age of 76, he remains actively engaged in research and is currently working on a book titled Pakistan Vich Punjabi Khoj (Punjabi Research in Pakistan). In recognition of his academic contributions, he has also been appointed as an external examiner for Punjabi research in universities in Pakistan.Speaking to The Tribune, Dr Dharam Singh emphasised the urgent need to identify, preserve and systematically study old manuscripts of Guru Granth Sahib. He said these manuscripts are not merely religious texts but rich repositories of literature, history, language and art.According to him, many manuscripts contain rare verse and prose compositions that provide valuable insights into the evolution of Punjabi literature and the Gurmukhi script. Their dated entries help historians establish timelines of Sikh literary traditions, while references to ancient place names offer important clues about Punjab’s historical geography.Dr Dharam Singh also highlighted their artistic significance. Intricate calligraphy, decorative borders and beautifully designed pages make many manuscripts important examples of visual and manuscript art. Variations in spellings and writing styles preserved in these texts provide crucial material for linguistic and palaeographic studies. He added that, as a student of literature, he views the value of manuscripts as extending far beyond their religious significance.Born on January 5, 1950, in Bhittewad village near Amritsar, Dr Dharam Singh studied at Khalsa College before joining GNDU in 1972. He became an Assistant Professor in 1976 and served the university for more than three decades before retiring in 2010. Widely regarded as one of Punjab’s leading scholars, he has authored and edited numerous books and research works on the Punjabi language, Sikh history and manuscript traditions.His contributions have earned him several honours, including the Punjabi Bhasha Ratna Puraskar. Even after retirement, he remains an influential voice in efforts to preserve Punjab’s literary and cultural heritage for future generations.