Late: Krishan Bhanot

Surrey, April 6, 2025 – A deep, reverent silence filled the air as the Ghazal Manch Surrey gathered at the Strawberry Hill Library to honor the memory of Krishan Bhanot, a name forever etched in the hearts of those who cherish Punjabi ghazals. This gathering was a tribute not just to a poet, but to a soul that touched countless lives with grace and wisdom.

While the event was dedicated to Krishan Bhanot, a one-minute silence was also held to honor other literary figures who had recently passed, including Harjeet Daudhria, Prem Prakash, Jarnail Singh Artist, Harjinder Singh Atwal, Amrit Maan, Manzoor Ejaz, and Kesar Singh Neer. Each had made a profound impact on Punjabi literature, leaving an irreplaceable void. The silence was filled with both sorrow and gratitude, as their words continue to resonate.

Rajwant Raj, one of his closest friends and the chief spokesperson of Ghazal Manch, spoke eloquently about Krishan Bhanot’s contributions. " “He was more than just a poet; he was a humble sage,” Raj said, reflecting on how Bhanot always saw himself as a “laborer of ghazals,” devoted to nurturing the next generation of talent with unwavering dedication. "His legacy is not just in his poetry, but in the many poets he mentored, the lives he touched with his guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support.

Dr. Randeep Malhotra’s soulful rendition of one of Bhanot’s ghazals enveloped the room, as if the very spirit of the poet had returned, lingering in every note. Literary and Community figures spoke of Bhanot’s kindness, patience, and love for humanity. Dr. Sadhu Singh, Dr. Prithipal Singh Sohi, Mohan Gill, Amarik Palahi, Angrez Singh Brar, Surjit Kalsi, Meenu Bawa, Preet Manpreet, Bindu Matharu, Balvir Dhillon, Amarjit Kaur Shant, Parminder Swaich, Sukhjit Kaur, Navjot Dhillon, Satish Gulati, Balvir Singh Sangha, Dr. Gurminder Sidhu, Mahinder Pal Singh Pal, Harkirat Kaur Chahal, Davinder Kaur Johal, Sukhnab Sajan, Sukhi Dhillon, Davinder Gautam, and Hardam Mann.

"He never let anger touch his heart," Dr. Sadhu Singh shared. "Like a saint, he lived with dignity and humility. His presence was a blessing, and his absence is a deep sorrow."

Preet Manpreet spoke with profound emotion, his voice breaking as he shared deeply personal experiences. Similarly, Sukhjit, her voice trembling, struggled to express the immense admiration she felt for her revered mentor.

Though Krishan Bhanot is no longer with us, his poetry, spirit, and teachings will remain forever. His ghazals will continue to bloom in Punjabi literature, their fragrance filling the air for generations. Bhanot also held a special place in the heart of Davinder, the General Secretary of Ghazal Manch, whose unwavering support for the family will never be forgotten.

In that room, on that day, Krishan Bhanot was not gone, he was alive in every verse, every tribute, and every heart that cherished him. His spirit will live on in the poetry of every student he mentored, woven into the very fabric of Punjabi ghazals for all time.