Revolutionary who dedicated his life to social change
Amolak Singh, the 70-year-old Cultural Wing Convener of Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall, Trustee at Desh Bhagat Yadgar Committee and co-founder of Punjab Lok Sabhyachark Manch (PLS Manch), has led a life devoted to social activism.
Known for his deep commitment to raising his voice against societal ills, Amolak Singh has lived the life of a ‘krantikari’ (revolutionary).
At just 20 years old, Amolak made a profound decision—he chose not to marry, dedicating his life to a higher cause: challenging the social evils of his time and raising awareness among the downtrodden. A thinker at heart, Amolak began observing the world around him from an early age. These experiences became the turning point in his life.
He recalls his mother’s pain when a commission agent seized their only cattle because they couldn’t repay a loan, and how his father, a marginal farmer, spent his entire life working to free the family from crippling debt. Amolak shared, “I was born in a village in Ludhiana. When I was in government primary school, my teacher Ajaib Singh Hans shared with us the financial struggles his family faced. His sisters would sell jute bags they decorated with peacocks, just so that Ajaib Singh could continue his studies.” After a brief pause, Amolak continued, “This made me reflect on the plight of women and the harsh reality of poverty.”
His experiences in high school further shaped his perspective. After winning a district-level prize for reciting a poem highlighting the plight of workers suffering in mills while owners made huge profits, he became more determined to speak up for the marginalized.
In 1970, Amolak joined GNE College in Ludhiana to pursue an engineering degree. However, in 1972, a major incident changed his life. “Students were protesting against inflation and blackmailing when they were attacked, and one student even lost his life. That incident left a deep impact on me, and I decided to devote myself completely to public service,” Amolak said.
Amolak Singh’s literary contributions have been significant, with over 36 books published, including several poetry collections. His notable works include Gadar Di Goonj, Pash- Sampooran Likhta, Lahu Luhan Punjab, Kithe hai raat da chann, and Chithiya vich vadda Pash.
On March 14, 1982, he founded Punjab Lok Sabhyachark Manch, a platform that organises an annual event bringing together drama teams, Sangeet Mandalis, thinkers, and intellectuals to raise awareness on various societal issues. “It’s a space for alternative culture, where our aim is to bring people out of the darkness of our system and enlighten them,” he said.
In 1991, during a performance of the play Anne Nishanchi (Blind Shooter) in Savewala village near Jaito, Amolak urged the audience to stay united across communities. The group was attacked by miscreants, a recurring challenge in his journey.
For the last 32 years, Amolak has been releasing an annual opera titled ‘Jhande de geet’ during the Mela Ghadarj Babeya Da, a major cultural event. The performance, involving 100-125 artists, continues to be a celebration of his revolutionary spirit and dedication to social change. Amolak Singh remains a beacon of hope and resilience for those who seek to challenge social injustices, and his life’s work continues to inspire many in the region.
Jalandhar