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Saintly Sinner
This book tells the story of “Kedar” a young man who through life’s sometimes cruel plays, ends up affecting and impacting on the world and happiness of “Panna Lal and his family. This book is set in 1930’s Punjab, before partition and was originally written in the Punjabi Language. Navdeep Suri has translated this Indian classic masterfully, preserving the sadness and poetry that flow through this exceptional work.
The Author, Nanak Singh has been described as the father of the Punjabi Novel
The Author, Nanak Singh has been described as the father of the Punjabi Novel
216 pages
First published January 1, 1940
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December 7, 2020
" ਪਵਿੱਤਰ ਪਾਪੀ " ਨਾਨਕ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਦਾ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਨਾਵਲ ਹੈ। ਇਹ ਨਾਵਲ ਸਾਲ ੧੯੨੭ ਵਿੱਚ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ। ਇਸਨੂੰ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਸਾਹਿਤ ਦਾ ਹੁਣ ਤੱਕ ਦਾ ਸਰਵਸ੍ਰੇਸ਼ਠ ਨਾਵਲ ਵੀ ਕਿਹਾ ਜਾ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ। ਇਹ ਇੱਕ ਛੋਟਾ ਨਾਵਲ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਵਿਚ ਰੋਮਾਂਚ, ਰੋਮਾਂਸ, emotions ਸਬ ਕੁੱਝ ਹੈ, ਤੇ ਦਰਦ ਤਾਂ ਅੰਤਾਂ ਦਾ ਹੈ। ਨਾਵਲ ਦੀ ਕਹਾਣੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਤੋਂ ਹੀ ਬੰਨ ਕੇ ਰੱਖਦੀ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਨਾਵਲ ਬਹੁਤ ਤੇਜ ਰਫਤਾਰ ਨਾਲ ਚਲਦਾ ਹੈ। ਇਸਦੀ ਕਹਾਣੀ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਇਸ ਲਈ ਵੀ ਪਸੰਦ ਆਵੇਗੀ, ਕਿਉਂ ਕੇ ਇਹ ਅਜਾਦੀ ਤੋਂ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਦੇ ਸਾਂਝੇ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਦੀ ਕਹਾਣੀ ਹੈ ।ਨਾਵਲ ਲਿਖਣ ਦੀ ਸ਼ੈਲੀ ਆਪਣੇ ਸਮੇਂ ਤੋਂ ੪੦-੫੦ ਸਾਲ ਅੱਗੇ ਦੀ ਜਾਪਦੀ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਨਾਵਲ ਤੇ ਇੱਕ ਫਿਲਮ ਵੀ ਬਣ ਚੁੱਕੀ ਹੈ।
ਕਹਾਣੀ ਕੁੱਝ ਇਸ ਤਰਾਂ ਹੈ।
ਪੰਨਾ ਲਾਲ ਰਾਵਲਪਿੰਡੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਇੱਕ ਘੜੀਆਂ ਦੀ ਦੁਕਾਨ ਤੇ ਲੇਖਾ- ਜੋਖਾ ਦਾ ਕੰਮ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ । ਉਸਦਾ ਮਾਲਿਕ ਉਸਦੇ ਕੰਮ ਤੋਂ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ ਨਾਖੁਸ਼ ਰਹਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ।ਪੰਨਾ ਲਾਲ ਦੀ ਆਰਥਿਕ ਹਾਲਤ ਵੀ ਠੀਕ ਨਹੀਂ ਅਤੇ ਉਸਨੂੰ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਆਪਣੀ ਵੱਡੀ ਕੁੜੀ ਵੀਨਾ ਦੇ ਵਿਆਹ ਦੀ ਫ਼ਿਕਰ ਲੱਗੀ ਰਹਿੰਦੀ ਹੈ।
ਇੱਕ ਦਿਨ ਦੁਕਾਨ ਮਾਲਿਕ ਉਸਦੀ ਜਗ੍ਹਾ ਤੇ ਇੱਕ ਨੌਜਵਾਨ ਮੁੰਡੇ (ਕੇਦਾਰ) ਨੂੰ ਰੱਖ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਜੋ ਉਸਤੋਂ ਵਧੀਆ ਕੰਮ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਪੰਨਾ ਲਾਲ ਕੇਦਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਇੱਕ ਚਿੱਠੀ ਦੇ ਕੇ ਲਾਪਤਾ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਉਸ ਚਿੱਠੀ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਓਹ ਉਸਦੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਤੇ ਆਉਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਆਰਥਿਕ ਸੰਕਟ ਲਈ ਕੇਦਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਜਿੰਮੇਵਾਰ ਠਹਿਰਾਉਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਕੇਦਾਰ ਉਸਦੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਨਾਲ ਝੂਠ ਬੋਲਦਾ ਹੈ ਕੇ ਪੰਨਾ ਲਾਲ ਦੁਕਾਨ ਦੇ ਕੰਮ ਲਈ ਬੰਬੇ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ। ਇਸਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਕੇਦਾਰ ਉਸਦੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਝੂਠ ਬੋਲਦਾ ਚਲਾ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਪਰ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਦੀ ਪੂਰੀ ਆਰਥਿਕ ਮਦਦ ਕਰਦਾ ਰਹਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਕੇਦਾਰ ਉਸਦੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਦੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਨੇੜੇ ਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ । ਪੰਨਾ ਲਾਲ ਦੀ ਪਤਨੀ ਨੂੰ ਓਹ ਮਾਂ ਕਹਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਪਰ ਬਾਅਦ ਵਿੱਚ ਉਸਨੂੰ ਪੰਨਾ ਲਾਲ ਦੀ ਵੱਡੀ ਕੁੜੀ ਨਾਲ ਪਿਆਰ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ l
ਫਿਰ ਓਹ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਆਪਣੇ ਪਿਆਰ ਦਾ ਇਜ਼ਹਾਰ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਕਿਓਂ ਓਹ ਖੁਦ ਨੂੰ ਪਾਪੀ ਸਮਝਣ ਲੱਗ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਕਿਵੇਂ ਇਸ ਗਮ ਨਾਲ ਓਹਦੀ ਸਿਹਤ ਵਿਗੜਦੀ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ, ਇਸ ਸਬ ਘਟਨਾਕ੍ਰਮ ਨੂੰ ਲੇਖਕ ਨੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਹੈ ਸ਼ਾਨਦਾਰ ਤਰੀਕੇ ਨਾਲ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਹੈ।
""ਨਾਵਲ ਦੀ ਸਬ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਡੀ ਖਾਸੀਅਤ ਹੈ, ਇੱਕ ਖ਼ਾਸ ਘਟਨਾ ਪ੍ਰਤੀ ਦੋ ਵੱਖ ਵੱਖ ਪਾਤਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਮਨੋ ਦਿਸ਼ਾ ਨੂੰ ਦਰਸਾਉਣਾ।"" ਜਿਵੇਂ, ਦਿਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੇਦਾਰ ਦੇ ਗੁੱਸੇ ਹੋਣ ਕਰਕੇ ਰਾਤ ਨੂੰ ਕੇਦਾਰ ਤੇ ਵੀਨਾ ਦੇ ਮਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਿਹੋ ਜਹੇ ਖਿਆਲ ਉਪਜਦੇ ਨੇ ਅਤੇ ਕਿਸ ਤਰਾਂ ਓਹ ਵੀਨਾ ਦੀ ਮਾਂ ਦੇ ਗੈਰਮਜੂਦਗੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਰਾਤ ਨੂੰ ਛੱਤ ਤੇ ਮਿਲਦੇ ਨੇ, ਇਸ ਸਬ ਦਾ ਚਿਤਰਣ ਬਹੁਤ ਹੀ ਸ਼ਾਨਦਾਰ ਢੰਗ ਨਾਲ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ। ਮੈਂ ਕਈ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਅਤੇ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਇੰਗਲਿਸ਼ ਨਾਵਲ ਪੜੇ ਨੇ, ਪਰ ਕਹਾਣੀ ਨੂੰ ਪੇਸ਼ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਇਹੋ ਜਿਹਾ ਤਰੀਕਾ ਕਿਤੇ ਵੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਦੇਖਿਆ।
ਕਿਹਾ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਆਪਣੇ ਸਮੇਂ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਨੇ ਵੱਡੀ ਗਿਣਤੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਇੱਕ ਪਾਠਕ ਵਰਗ ਪੈਦਾ ਕੀਤਾ। ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਸਾਹਿਤ ਪੜ੍ਹਨ ਦੇ ਚਾਹਵਾਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਨਾਵਲ ਜਰੂਰ ਪੜ੍ਹਨਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ।
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ਕਹਾਣੀ ਕੁੱਝ ਇਸ ਤਰਾਂ ਹੈ।
ਪੰਨਾ ਲਾਲ ਰਾਵਲਪਿੰਡੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਇੱਕ ਘੜੀਆਂ ਦੀ ਦੁਕਾਨ ਤੇ ਲੇਖਾ- ਜੋਖਾ ਦਾ ਕੰਮ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ । ਉਸਦਾ ਮਾਲਿਕ ਉਸਦੇ ਕੰਮ ਤੋਂ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ ਨਾਖੁਸ਼ ਰਹਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ।ਪੰਨਾ ਲਾਲ ਦੀ ਆਰਥਿਕ ਹਾਲਤ ਵੀ ਠੀਕ ਨਹੀਂ ਅਤੇ ਉਸਨੂੰ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਆਪਣੀ ਵੱਡੀ ਕੁੜੀ ਵੀਨਾ ਦੇ ਵਿਆਹ ਦੀ ਫ਼ਿਕਰ ਲੱਗੀ ਰਹਿੰਦੀ ਹੈ।
ਇੱਕ ਦਿਨ ਦੁਕਾਨ ਮਾਲਿਕ ਉਸਦੀ ਜਗ੍ਹਾ ਤੇ ਇੱਕ ਨੌਜਵਾਨ ਮੁੰਡੇ (ਕੇਦਾਰ) ਨੂੰ ਰੱਖ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਜੋ ਉਸਤੋਂ ਵਧੀਆ ਕੰਮ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਪੰਨਾ ਲਾਲ ਕੇਦਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਇੱਕ ਚਿੱਠੀ ਦੇ ਕੇ ਲਾਪਤਾ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਉਸ ਚਿੱਠੀ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਓਹ ਉਸਦੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਤੇ ਆਉਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਆਰਥਿਕ ਸੰਕਟ ਲਈ ਕੇਦਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਜਿੰਮੇਵਾਰ ਠਹਿਰਾਉਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਕੇਦਾਰ ਉਸਦੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਨਾਲ ਝੂਠ ਬੋਲਦਾ ਹੈ ਕੇ ਪੰਨਾ ਲਾਲ ਦੁਕਾਨ ਦੇ ਕੰਮ ਲਈ ਬੰਬੇ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ। ਇਸਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਕੇਦਾਰ ਉਸਦੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਝੂਠ ਬੋਲਦਾ ਚਲਾ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਪਰ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਦੀ ਪੂਰੀ ਆਰਥਿਕ ਮਦਦ ਕਰਦਾ ਰਹਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਕੇਦਾਰ ਉਸਦੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਦੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਨੇੜੇ ਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ । ਪੰਨਾ ਲਾਲ ਦੀ ਪਤਨੀ ਨੂੰ ਓਹ ਮਾਂ ਕਹਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਪਰ ਬਾਅਦ ਵਿੱਚ ਉਸਨੂੰ ਪੰਨਾ ਲਾਲ ਦੀ ਵੱਡੀ ਕੁੜੀ ਨਾਲ ਪਿਆਰ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ l
ਫਿਰ ਓਹ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਆਪਣੇ ਪਿਆਰ ਦਾ ਇਜ਼ਹਾਰ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਕਿਓਂ ਓਹ ਖੁਦ ਨੂੰ ਪਾਪੀ ਸਮਝਣ ਲੱਗ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਕਿਵੇਂ ਇਸ ਗਮ ਨਾਲ ਓਹਦੀ ਸਿਹਤ ਵਿਗੜਦੀ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ, ਇਸ ਸਬ ਘਟਨਾਕ੍ਰਮ ਨੂੰ ਲੇਖਕ ਨੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਹੈ ਸ਼ਾਨਦਾਰ ਤਰੀਕੇ ਨਾਲ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਹੈ।
""ਨਾਵਲ ਦੀ ਸਬ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਡੀ ਖਾਸੀਅਤ ਹੈ, ਇੱਕ ਖ਼ਾਸ ਘਟਨਾ ਪ੍ਰਤੀ ਦੋ ਵੱਖ ਵੱਖ ਪਾਤਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਮਨੋ ਦਿਸ਼ਾ ਨੂੰ ਦਰਸਾਉਣਾ।"" ਜਿਵੇਂ, ਦਿਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੇਦਾਰ ਦੇ ਗੁੱਸੇ ਹੋਣ ਕਰਕੇ ਰਾਤ ਨੂੰ ਕੇਦਾਰ ਤੇ ਵੀਨਾ ਦੇ ਮਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਿਹੋ ਜਹੇ ਖਿਆਲ ਉਪਜਦੇ ਨੇ ਅਤੇ ਕਿਸ ਤਰਾਂ ਓਹ ਵੀਨਾ ਦੀ ਮਾਂ ਦੇ ਗੈਰਮਜੂਦਗੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਰਾਤ ਨੂੰ ਛੱਤ ਤੇ ਮਿਲਦੇ ਨੇ, ਇਸ ਸਬ ਦਾ ਚਿਤਰਣ ਬਹੁਤ ਹੀ ਸ਼ਾਨਦਾਰ ਢੰਗ ਨਾਲ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ। ਮੈਂ ਕਈ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਅਤੇ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਇੰਗਲਿਸ਼ ਨਾਵਲ ਪੜੇ ਨੇ, ਪਰ ਕਹਾਣੀ ਨੂੰ ਪੇਸ਼ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਇਹੋ ਜਿਹਾ ਤਰੀਕਾ ਕਿਤੇ ਵੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਦੇਖਿਆ।
ਕਿਹਾ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਆਪਣੇ ਸਮੇਂ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਨੇ ਵੱਡੀ ਗਿਣਤੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਇੱਕ ਪਾਠਕ ਵਰਗ ਪੈਦਾ ਕੀਤਾ। ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਸਾਹਿਤ ਪੜ੍ਹਨ ਦੇ ਚਾਹਵਾਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਨਾਵਲ ਜਰੂਰ ਪੜ੍ਹਨਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ।
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 31, 2008
This is a sad tale of "Kedar" who strives to do the right thing,but karma just won't let his off that easy.
December 19, 2019
Nanak Singh was one of the prolific writers of Punjabi literature. He wrote nearly four dozen of books. Many of which have been translated into other languages. Chitta Lahu (White Blood) was translated into Russian by Natasha Tolstoy, granddaughter of Leo Tolstoy. Natasha visited Amritsar to personally give Nanak Singh the first copy of translation.
The watchmaker is a translation of Nanak Singh's classic Pavitra Paapi by Nanak Singh's grandson, Navdeep Suri. It's a story of Kedar who works for the redemption of a sin for which he finds himself guilty. During this process, he falls in love with a girl but doesn't get married due to his guilty conscience.
The translation is brilliant but it feels something is missing from the translation which might be present in the original work to make it classic. I wish I could read Gurmukhi to get closer to this kind of books.
The watchmaker is a translation of Nanak Singh's classic Pavitra Paapi by Nanak Singh's grandson, Navdeep Suri. It's a story of Kedar who works for the redemption of a sin for which he finds himself guilty. During this process, he falls in love with a girl but doesn't get married due to his guilty conscience.
The translation is brilliant but it feels something is missing from the translation which might be present in the original work to make it classic. I wish I could read Gurmukhi to get closer to this kind of books.
Read
April 5, 2013I have read the orginal Punjabi version, and It was my first Punjabi novel ( read that is). I enjoyed it, though I think there are better writers
July 2, 2013
Just finished reading 'THE WATCHMAKER' a moving tale of love, respect
and melancholy. The original work aptly titled 'pavitra paapi'
describes the life of a man who's taken the support of lies to do the
godliest deed of preserving the ruth. A must read.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13...
This book, a small 180 page paperback, caught my attention while
strolling in the Second Amdavad National Book Fair, and I decided to
buy it as soon as I read the description on the back cover.
" Kedar, orphaned and penniless, comes to Rawalpindi in search of a
job. He finds employment as a watchmaker,but discovers, to his horror,
that he has taken away Panna Lal's job, whose debts are mountins by
the day................"
on the very first day of this job, a deadly curse falls on his head
from the wrenched heart of this Pannalal who confesses in his letter
that he has not left him any option than to die.
With this letter opens the story of this marvelous Punjabi classic by
Nanak Singh. The novel, starting from a brief prologue in a first
person singular by the author keeps you rooted to the tale untill the
last page of the story. The way he has weaved the character of the
Watchmaker, and the way he has tried to portray the emotions of a man
orphaned and alone at too young an age.
The second most important character in this book Veena, the adolescent
daughter of Pannalal, who has taken a prime spot in the heart of this
young man, and who impresses the reader with her simple yet elegant
poise, is a beauty everyone would praise for. The way her emotions,
and her dilemma, and her sobs have been penned down in the novel, you
almost feel like entering the plot and patting her shoulder to ease
her pain. A young girl of barely 15 who till a few days ago was
happily playing in the rosy fantasies of a dreamlike marriage, finds
herself in a tight, tearful a situation where she learns that the Man
she's taken care of as a big brother, homes feelings for her, and
threatens to die for her.
Then there is Maya, the wife of that wretched man, who provides
shelter and food to the stranger who's taken away her husband,
harbours a motherly feeling for this young man Kedar,and showers all
her affection on him. Coming so close to replace the original mother
he has lost a few years ago.
The story is gripping from the start, and not a single word is wasted
carrying the unwanted frills other emo-writers would've invested upon.
Its plain, its easy, its smooth. Its words are not heavy, and the
lines are exactly the lines you'd have thought had you been in the
characters's place. The author has narrated it so beautifully you'll
not notice a single flaw in the simple storyline.
I'm suppersing my wish of writing too much in this review, lest I
disclose whole of the plot. So I end this post without probing
further. In case you're looking for a classic tale, carrying the
simple and measured tones of the 50's era of righteousness and honour,
this book is for you. I'm sure.
and melancholy. The original work aptly titled 'pavitra paapi'
describes the life of a man who's taken the support of lies to do the
godliest deed of preserving the ruth. A must read.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13...
This book, a small 180 page paperback, caught my attention while
strolling in the Second Amdavad National Book Fair, and I decided to
buy it as soon as I read the description on the back cover.
" Kedar, orphaned and penniless, comes to Rawalpindi in search of a
job. He finds employment as a watchmaker,but discovers, to his horror,
that he has taken away Panna Lal's job, whose debts are mountins by
the day................"
on the very first day of this job, a deadly curse falls on his head
from the wrenched heart of this Pannalal who confesses in his letter
that he has not left him any option than to die.
With this letter opens the story of this marvelous Punjabi classic by
Nanak Singh. The novel, starting from a brief prologue in a first
person singular by the author keeps you rooted to the tale untill the
last page of the story. The way he has weaved the character of the
Watchmaker, and the way he has tried to portray the emotions of a man
orphaned and alone at too young an age.
The second most important character in this book Veena, the adolescent
daughter of Pannalal, who has taken a prime spot in the heart of this
young man, and who impresses the reader with her simple yet elegant
poise, is a beauty everyone would praise for. The way her emotions,
and her dilemma, and her sobs have been penned down in the novel, you
almost feel like entering the plot and patting her shoulder to ease
her pain. A young girl of barely 15 who till a few days ago was
happily playing in the rosy fantasies of a dreamlike marriage, finds
herself in a tight, tearful a situation where she learns that the Man
she's taken care of as a big brother, homes feelings for her, and
threatens to die for her.
Then there is Maya, the wife of that wretched man, who provides
shelter and food to the stranger who's taken away her husband,
harbours a motherly feeling for this young man Kedar,and showers all
her affection on him. Coming so close to replace the original mother
he has lost a few years ago.
The story is gripping from the start, and not a single word is wasted
carrying the unwanted frills other emo-writers would've invested upon.
Its plain, its easy, its smooth. Its words are not heavy, and the
lines are exactly the lines you'd have thought had you been in the
characters's place. The author has narrated it so beautifully you'll
not notice a single flaw in the simple storyline.
I'm suppersing my wish of writing too much in this review, lest I
disclose whole of the plot. So I end this post without probing
further. In case you're looking for a classic tale, carrying the
simple and measured tones of the 50's era of righteousness and honour,
this book is for you. I'm sure.
January 19, 2022
This is a moving love story of a young man, who takes the job of an old man in a watch shop. The young man realizes that the young man he replaced had never reached his home and had disappeared. The young man starts supporting the family of old man secretly and falls in love with the daughter of the old man.
The young man never expresses his love and one day he leaves forever alone.
The young man never expresses his love and one day he leaves forever alone.
May 5, 2013
good book
September 1, 2019
Saintly Sinner (Pavitra Paapi) by Nanak Singh- The story is of Punjab, British India. Pannalal is employed in a clock repairing shop of Lala Atarchand situated in the main market. Kedarnath another clock repair worker comes from his village to the town. He is an acquaintance of Lala Amarchand. Amarchand removes Pannalal from service and employs Kedarnath in his place. Pannalal's family consists to two growing up daughters. Without a job, Pannalal is unable to run his family. He leaves a note for Lala Amarchand stating that he is responisble for the sad state of affairs in his family and leaves the house for an unknown destination informing his family that he is visiting a far off friend who will proivde him fiinancial support. Kedarnath reads the letter of Pannalal and is filled with guilt that he has led to the grave situation. Kedarnath lives in the house of Pannalal as a tenant. Thus, he meets the family of Pannalal, his wife Maya and two daughters Veena and Vidhya, helps them financially. Kedarnath finds that Pannalal has bethothed his elder daughter to marry son of Daulatram. This family members inform Pannalal's wife that they want that the marriage should be performed soon as they cannot wait any longer for Pannalal to return with the money and the marriage may be cancelled. Kedarnath is in love with Veena but he supress his love steals money from the Clock shop, gives it to Maya for the marriage of her daughter informing her that the money has been sent by Pannalal. Kedarnath leaves the town for another place where he works and pays back the stolen money to Lala Amarchand in instalments. Daulatram's family prove to be rogues and donot treat Veena properly. On knowing that his daughter Veena has been married to Daulatram's son, Pannalal returnes to the house of Veena's in laws and finds that except for her father in law all other members of the family treat Veena badly. He is saddened adn brings Veena back to his house. Kedarnath is working in Delhi and is financially well to do. Pannalal locates him and informs about his family situation. Kedarnath returns, meets Veena's husband, makes him realise his mistake of mistreating Veena. Veena goes back to her in laws house and lives happily. Kedarnath returns back to his work. The book has been converted into a movie of the same name Pavitra Paapi, which has been quite successful at the box office. It is quire a good read book for all.
August 6, 2025
I really like this Novel like it is one of the best novels that i have read. In this novel, there is character of Kedar which really reminds the tale of your life is not in your hands but in God’s hand. Why Panna Lal disappears when there is so much need of his to his family. I think, It is a story of courage which is shown only in Kedar’s character not in Panna Lal which is a coward. Whole life story of Kedar is a misery and a sin which he never did but still felt every second of his life because of Panna Lal.
Talking about his love story which never had happened. Its kind of painful love story. Veena also want to marry Kedar but because of Panna Lal (which seems to be dead but alive), he never approached to say Veena’s mother that he was in love with Veena.
Nanak Singh’s imagination and all the characters especially Kedar is outstanding and a misery character which i like the most.
I would say if you want to read the story which every moment binds you this is the novel. At first i feel boring but then i just skip my meal to read this masterpiece.
Talking about his love story which never had happened. Its kind of painful love story. Veena also want to marry Kedar but because of Panna Lal (which seems to be dead but alive), he never approached to say Veena’s mother that he was in love with Veena.
Nanak Singh’s imagination and all the characters especially Kedar is outstanding and a misery character which i like the most.
I would say if you want to read the story which every moment binds you this is the novel. At first i feel boring but then i just skip my meal to read this masterpiece.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2024
ਪਵਿੱਤਰ ਪਾਪੀ (1942) ਨਾਨਕ ਸਿੰਘ
In Nanak Singh's "Pavittar Papi," ( THE HOLY SINNER) we follow the story of Mr. Kamal, whose chance encounter with Panna Lal's family leads to a journey filled with themes of kindness, love, sacrifice and redemption. The story beautifully explores Mr. Kamal's inner conflict when he falls in love, offering a touching portrayal of human emotions and complexities of human heart. It's a heartfelt novel with a powerful message about the importance of compassion and selflessness. In today’s world , it is increasingly rare to find people who embody the virtues of selflessness and sacrifice.
In Nanak Singh's "Pavittar Papi," ( THE HOLY SINNER) we follow the story of Mr. Kamal, whose chance encounter with Panna Lal's family leads to a journey filled with themes of kindness, love, sacrifice and redemption. The story beautifully explores Mr. Kamal's inner conflict when he falls in love, offering a touching portrayal of human emotions and complexities of human heart. It's a heartfelt novel with a powerful message about the importance of compassion and selflessness. In today’s world , it is increasingly rare to find people who embody the virtues of selflessness and sacrifice.
October 9, 2017
If you have not read "Pavitar Paapi" then you have surely missed an illecebrous piece of writing skills. I am dazzled by the way in which he presents his characters and shows his own freedom using them as a means. Pavitar paapi has been translated into English under the name of "Saintly Sinner".
Natasha Tolstoy, grand-daughter of novelist Leo Tolstoy, translated Nanak Singh's novel Chitta Lahu into Russian. She visited Nanak Singh in Amritsar to present the first copy of the translated novel to him.
Natasha Tolstoy, grand-daughter of novelist Leo Tolstoy, translated Nanak Singh's novel Chitta Lahu into Russian. She visited Nanak Singh in Amritsar to present the first copy of the translated novel to him.
November 23, 2018
I don't know about my brother but now we all (my mum, dad and sis) read this fantastic book. I am glad I read it in Punjabi (my mothertongue) and it made more impact on me. Kidar was really a saintly sinner who did everything with a big heart for somebody's else family. This book is emotional though gonna make you learn the forgotten lessons on humanity. I am looking forward to read more from Nanak Singh. If his this book works as a part of syllabus at Delhi University, I am sure he has written some other jewels too. Sentimental yet so true to heart story!! Kinda made me cry :(
October 11, 2019
It was my first Punjabi novel. For the beginner its very good book to develop habit of reading. Nanak singh did amazing job. You will feel like connected with each character of book. Heart touching story. Now i am going for chita lahu by nanak singh for sure. 👌👌👌
May 26, 2025
Nanak Singh ji masterfully portrays the tragedy of unspoken love and the impact of emotional repression on relationships...this novel serves as a touching reminder of the importance of vulnerability and open communication in matters of the heart... a must read!
August 18, 2025
Pavitar Papi is a beautiful story that shows real human feelings in a rich cultural setting. It talks about sacrifice and struggle in society, and its message is still meaningful today. I really liked its plot and how beautifully it is written.
February 22, 2019
This is a very good book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2019
Bahut Vdiya book
September 17, 2019
it was good ....
October 3, 2019
Ggj
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
October 12, 2019How to read it
December 20, 2019
ਕੀ ਕਹਾਂ,ਬਈ ਜੀ ਕੋਈ ਕਸਰ ਈ ਨਹੀਂ ਛੱਡੀ ਲਿਖਣ ਚ ਕੋਈ,
ਕੁਜਕ ਗੱਲਾਂ ਹੁੰਦੀਆਂ ਨੇ ਜਿਹੜੀਆਂ ਦੱਸੀਈਆਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਜਾ ਸਕਦੀਆਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਸਮਜ ਕੇ ਹੀ ਪਤਾ ਲਗਦਾ ।
ਬੱਸ ਇਹ ਨਾਵਲ ਓਹਨਾ ਚੋ ਈ ਇਕ ਆ।
ਬਹੁਤ ਸੋਹਣਾ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਜੀ।
ਕੁਜਕ ਗੱਲਾਂ ਹੁੰਦੀਆਂ ਨੇ ਜਿਹੜੀਆਂ ਦੱਸੀਈਆਂ ਨਹੀਂ ਜਾ ਸਕਦੀਆਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਸਮਜ ਕੇ ਹੀ ਪਤਾ ਲਗਦਾ ।
ਬੱਸ ਇਹ ਨਾਵਲ ਓਹਨਾ ਚੋ ਈ ਇਕ ਆ।
ਬਹੁਤ ਸੋਹਣਾ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਜੀ।
Want to read
July 16, 2020How can i read this book?
I dont know
I dont know
November 1, 2020
Bahut vdia Noval. Mai bahut royea
July 21, 2022
Don’t want to label it. But I think its the best of his work.
September 22, 2022
Bakamaal,Khoob
I went speechless after reading this book what a story
Must read
I went speechless after reading this book what a story
Must read
July 22, 2023
Nice
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2024
It give voice to the silent human emotions
September 14, 2024
Very good book
June 23, 2025
When it comes to create a memorable character, Nanak Singh wins the heart.
March 24, 2017
this is my first novel i read ...m very thankfull to my a friend manpreet who give me this type of reading confidence
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews