Punjabi University Institutes Principal Chhabil Das Yadgari Award

Punjabi University has officially instituted the Principal Chhabil Das Yadgari Award to honor the legacy of the prominent freedom fighter and educator. This new annual recognition celebrates contributions to the history of the Indian independence movement in Punjab, specifically focusing on the revolutionary activities and figures before 1947. The award highlights the enduring historical connection between academic institutions and the revolutionary legacy of figures like Bhagat Singh.

Principal Chhabil Das played a pivotal role in the intellectual development of revolutionary leaders, serving as a teacher and principal at the National College in Lahore. He was a co-founder of the Naujwan Bharat Sabha alongside Bhagat Singh, who attended the college in 1923. The recognition serves to preserve the scholarly legacy of Chhabil Das and his wife, Sita Devi, who were both deeply involved in the freedom struggle, with Sita Devi later serving as a Member of Parliament.

The endowment for the award was facilitated by Chhabil Das's granddaughter, Saba Dewan, and Professor Chaman Lal. Recipients will be honored annually on the birth anniversary of Bhagat Singh, receiving a ₹5,000 cash prize and a certificate of merit. Scholars focusing on revolutionary movements in Punjab are eligible, provided their research is documented in Gurmukhi or Shahmukhi script. This initiative underscores the university's commitment to documenting and celebrating the regional history of Punjab's independence struggle for future academic study and public memory.