Chandigarh- A large number of writers, intellectuals, lawyers, theatre and film artists, political and social activists, and employee leaders attended the memorial function of noted Punjab writer and advocate Ripudaman Singh Roop, who passed away recently. The event washeld at Kisan Bhawan, Chandigarh.On this occasion, Sukhdev Singh Sirsa, National General Secretary of the Progressive Writers Association; Darshan Buttar, President of the Central Punjabi Writers Association; columnist Sham Singh (Ang-Sang); Deepak Sharma Charnarthal, President of Punjabi Writers Association, Chandigarh; former Deputy Mayor of Mohali Kuljit Singh Bedi; former Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu; Bar Council member Dayal Pratap Singh Randhawa; employee leader Gurmel Sidhu; playwright Davinder Daman; Justice Daya Chaudhary; social activist Davinder Jatana; theatre personality Dr. Sahib Singh; Edmonton MLA Jasbir Deol; poet Kulwinder Kaumal (Dubai); former CPI Secretary Bant Singh Brar; IPTA Punjab General Secretary Inderjit Roopowali; Chairperson of Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi Sukhi Brar; Surinder Preet Ghaniyan; Joint Secretary Dr. Kirandeep Kaur; and grandsons-in-law Ujjwal and Mohit Ved paid rich tributes to Roop.
The speakers described Roop as a steadfast tree that stood firm amid storms, always fighting for the rights and welfare of the common people. Throughout his life, he remained committed to the cause of employees and workers, actively leading struggles for their legitimate demands. He was imprisoned several times for these causes and fearlessly highlighted important social issues.
They noted that besides being a successful lawyer, Roop made significant contributions to Punjabi literature during his literary journey spanning more than seventy years. He authored over a dozen books across various literary genres.
The speakers also recalled that nearly four decades after the demise of his father, Giani Ishar Singh Dard, Roop edited and published his father's poetry collection, "Dhoor Hethli Kavita" ("Poetry Beneath the Dust").
In accordance with his last wish, Roop's body was donated by his family to PGIMER Chandigarh for medical research. His elder brother, the distinguished Punjabi litterateur Santokh Singh Dhir, had likewise donated his body to PGIMER in 2010. During the memorial function, the PGIMER administration specially honoured the family for donating Roop's body and eyes for medical and research purposes.
Among those who came to pay homage were relatives, friends, and admirers, as well as Justice Anoop Chitkara, Justice (Retd.) Jasbir Singh, Justice Harsimran Singh Sethi, Bhupinder Malik (General Secretary, Punjabi Writers Association, Chandigarh), Dinesh Gupta (Registrar Judicial, Punjab and Haryana High Court), Jagdip Sidhu, Pal Ajnabi, Jasbir Dhillon, Anita Sabdish, Narinder Nasreen, Karam Singh Dhanoa, Baldev Jhajj, Gurmel Maujewal, Balkar Sidhu (President, IPTA Chandigarh), Jaswant Daman, Rajinder Rozi, Baninder Banni, Satvinder Dhiman, Rabinder Rabbi, Surinder Rasoolpuri, Rana Sodhi, Avtar Kalsian, Ashok Bajheri, Ranjit Hans, Dr. Narendra Gupta, Advocate Ravinder Sampla, A.S. Pal, Babu Ram Diwana, Karnail Singh Somal, Narpinder Singh Rangi, Gaurav Jain, and Satbir Singh Dhanoa.
Members of Roop's family present on the occasion included his son-in-law and journalist Davinder Darshi, daughters-in-law Charanjit Kaur and Poonam, granddaughter-in-law Purva, granddaughters Rittu Raag and Priyarag Kaur, and grandsons Risham Raag and Udayrag.
Roop's elder son, Sanjeevan Singh, informed the gathering that three of Roop's books—comprising prose writings, stories and poems, and a novella—are currently in press and are expected to reach readers soon. He also announced plans to produce a documentary film on Roop's life titled "Main Reepa Boldan" ("I, Reepa, Speak").
The vote of thanks was delivered by his younger son, Ranjeevan Singh.