Dr Surjit Patar, a well-known poet and president of the Sahit Akademi says, “We are sad over Jagraon’s death. He was one figure that was constant and consistent at all our functions. We will miss him.”

The Akademi has decided to release Jagraon’s book tomorrow, as decided. “This will be our homage to our friend who is no longer with us,” said Dr Patar.

Jagraon passed away at 3 am today. He had been battling with cancer since 2005.

In his last book, Jagraon writes, “While lying in the ICU at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute where I was under treatment, I could feel that death had come with full force to claim me. But when I looked into the eyes of death and laughed, it walked away.”

Kulwant Jagraon, a teacher by profession has six collections of poetry to his credit, and a gazal collection. PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Manjit Singh Kang has also mourned the poet’s demise.

In his condolence message, Dr Kang described Prof Jagraon as a persuasive writer who endeavoured to project the plight of the down-trodden. Dr Kang added Prof Jagraon was a strong promoter of the Punjabi culture and way of life.

Jagraon often took part as either as judge or a participant in the literary and cultural functions organized by PAU from time to time. Recalling his literary contributions, Dr Jagtar Singh Dhiman, Additional Director Communication, PAU said that Jagraon always endeavoured for the cause of women empowerment through his writings, and that he was a popular Punjabi poet in west Punjab. He said that Kulwant Jagraon’s poems were often aired on All India Radio, Radio Moscow, Pride of India Radio, Denmark.