category Regional, patiala , , tags Regional, patiala , , DW BUREAU PATIALA A large number of people from different walks of life paid tribute to Dr. Surjit Lee, a renowned thinker of Punjabi literature, folklore and culture who passed away recently. In the tribute ceremony held by his family at Palm Courts, apart from intellectuals, writers and students, leaders and activists of the struggling people s organisations of Punjab were present in large numbers. A 2-minute silence was observed to pay homage to his memory. First of all, his friend and thinker Dr. Parminder discussed the fundamental concerns of the research done by him in the field of folk culture and calling him a populist intellectual called him to understand the importance of his ideas. Eminent poet Surjit Patar, Gursharan Singh Lok Kala Salam Kafla convener Jaspal Jassi, revolutionary poet Darshan Khatkar, Progressive Writers Sangh leader Dr. Sukhdev Sirsa discussed the central place of workers and farmers in Surjit Lee s works. On behalf of Punjabi University s teachers organisation Democratic Teachers Front, Dr. Ranjit Singh Ghuman spoke about the importance of Dr Lee s role in the organisation. Dr. Joga Singh and Dharmender Singh recalled the way he showed for research in the field of language as his students and the warm relationship he had with his students. At the end of the tribute function, Amolak Singh from Salam Kafla announced that Salam Kafla will organize a tribute event in Patiala on June 11 where intellectual and social importance of Dr Lee s works will be discussed. Dr. Parminder shared the condolence messages sent by the intellectuals and eminent personalities from the country and abroad, including Vice Chancellor of Punjabi University Dr. Arvind. (editor dailyworld.in)