Gurcharan Gill Mansoor's 100th Birthday

On Sunday, May 30, 2025, Surrey resonated with heartfelt tributes as the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary Punjabi and Urdu poet, late Gurcharan Singh Gill Mansoor, was commemorated. Having bid farewell to this world a mere one and a half years ago, his legacy continues to inspire. Organized by his family in collaboration with Ghazal Manch Surrey, a poignant event unfolded at Strawberry Hill Library, where loved ones and literary luminaries gathered to honor his extraordinary life. The air was filled with shared memories, profound reflections on his vibrant personality, and two stirring short videos that captured the essence of his journey.

The program opened with Davinder Gautam, Secretary of Ghazal Manch Surrey, extending a warm welcome to the assembled writers, poets, and dignitaries. In a moving address, he offered a glimpse into Gill Mansoor’s remarkable life, describing him as a beacon of kindness and a towering figure of integrity who always radiated positivity. “His teachings on the art of living continue to guide us,” Gautam remarked, setting a reflective tone for the evening.

Mansoor’s poet son, Dashmesh Gill Firoz, alongside his granddaughter Tarnnum Thind and grandson Shahbaaz Thind, painted a vivid portrait of his multifaceted character. They spoke of his infectious charm, elegant lifestyle, and the graceful way he connected with society. Beyond his renown as a masterful poet in both Urdu and Punjabi—having penned an astonishing 11,000 Urdu verses—Mansoor was a dedicated educator and sports coach. His family shared his timeless wisdom: “To love others, one must first love oneself,” a philosophy that resonated deeply with all present.

Poet Inderjit Dhami, a long-time associate in literary circles, captivated the audience with an eloquent recounting of Mansoor’s profound ideas, delivered with heartfelt finesse. The event saw an outpouring of tributes from esteemed figures, including Hindi litterateur Srinath Prasad Dwivedi, Mohan Gill, Rajwant Raj, Kavinder Chand, Amreek Palahi, Angrez Brar, Davinder Kaur Johal, Parminder Kaur Swaich, Sukhjit Kaur Hundal, Preet Manpreet, Hardam Singh Mann, Bikkar Khosa, Dr. Gurminder Sidhu, Narinder Bhagi, Dr. Raminder Kang, Surjit Singh Bath, Sunita Grewal, and Krishan Bector. They collectively emphasized that by embracing the grace and wisdom Mansoor imparted, we can weave a more beautiful and harmonious society.

The evening concluded with renowned poet Rajwant Raj expressing heartfelt gratitude on behalf of Ghazal Manch Surrey and Mansoor’s family to all who contributed to this memorable tribute, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations.