A very well known poet and scholar, Dr. Patar holds an M.A. and Ph.D. degree in Punjabi Literature, with a thesis on Transformation of  Folklore in Nanak Bani. Dr. Surjit Patar has to his credit many publications of his own poetry and has also scripted and presented many successful TV programmes on the history of Punjabi poetry. He received numerous awards for his contribution in the field of Punjabi poetry, including the Padma Shri, in the year 2012. Dr. Patar has travel extensively abroad, representing India in various international poetry festivals and conferences.