Hundreds of writers, intellectuals, lawyers, theatre and film artists, political and social activists, and employee union leaders gathered at Kisan Bhawan in Chandigarh on Thursday to pay homage to veteran Punjabi litterateur and social activist Ripudaman Singh Roop, who passed away recently at the age of 91.Roop, known for his fearless writings and unwavering commitment to the cause of the oppressed and marginalised sections of society, had a remarkable literary journey spanning over seven decades.Speakers at the memorial meeting described him as a steadfast tree that stood firm amid storms, always using his pen to highlight the rights and struggles of ordinary people without ever pandering to the ruling elite.During his long and productive career, Roop authored more than a dozen books across various genres, including poetry, short stories, novels, essays and travelogues.His notable works include poetry collections Rani Rut (1991) and Lal Garh (2019); short story collections Dil Di Agg (1979), Bahane-Bahane (1993), Opri Hawa (2007) and Poh Futale Tak (2020); novels Jhakkhran Vich Jhoolda Rukh (2013), Preeti (2022) and Teelha (2024); essay collection Banne-Channe (2009); and travelogue Panchhi-Jhaat.A particularly significant contribution was his editing and publication of Dhool Hethli Kavita (Poetry Beneath the Dust) in 2018 — a collection of poems by his father, Giani Ishar Singh Dard — nearly four decades after his father’s demise.Three more of Roop’s books — a prose collection, a volume of stories and poems, and a novella — are currently in the final stages of publication and are expected to reach readers soon.Body donation and family legacyIn line with his last wish, Roop’s family donated his body to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, for medical research.His elder brother, eminent litterateur Santokh Singh Dhir, had similarly donated his body to PGIMER in 2010.Like his brother, Roop remained committed to social causes throughout his life. As an employee leader, he actively championed the legitimate demands of workers, often leading from the front, courted arrest on several occasions, and fearlessly raised his voice on critical social issues.Speakers recalled Roop’s deep commitment to helping family members and relatives in need. They also noted that his legacy continues through his family.Besides his sons Sanjeevan Singh and Ranjeevan Singh, his granddaughters Rittoorag and Priyarag, and grandsons Rishmarag and Udayrag are actively involved in theatre and literary activities.Roop’s sons informed the gathering that the upcoming books are in advanced stages and will be released shortly. They also announced plans to produce a documentary film on his life titled “Main Reepa Boldan” (I, Reepa, Speak).The memorial meeting saw an outpouring of respect for a writer who lived a rich, meaningful life dedicated to literature and the service of the common man.