(This story was first published on 23 September 2017. It has been reposted from The Quint’s archives to mark the death anniversary of Ramdhari Singh Dinkar.)
Video Editor: Mohd Ibrahim
Born on 23 September 1908, Ramdhari Singh Dinkar is considered one of those rare poets who showed exceptional craft in his poetry. He weaved the magic of words in different genres masterfully.
Dinkar traversed the world of rebellion, anger, nationalism, love, and passion with equal ease. Despite being nominated to the Rajya Sabha, he never stopped himself from expressing himself though his poetry. He asked the then government some very disturbing questions.
The Quint brings you Dinkar's choicest poetry and stories from his life narrated by the noted poet Kumar Vishwas.
Dinkar is very close to Vishwas' heart. 'Mahakavi', a special TV series on Indian poets hosted by Vishwas, opened with an episode dedicated to Dinkar. This shows how inspirational a figure Dinkar is for Vishwas.
In the words of Vishwas, even in world literature there are very few gems like Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, who with their sheer volume of quality work, have left an impression.
Dinkar refused to go obsolete. His poetry becomes even more relevant in today's political times.
Some of his prominent work include:
Poetry:
- Renuka (1935)
- Hunkar (1938))
- Kurukshetra (1946)
- Rashmirathi (1952)
- Urvashi (1961)
Prose:
- Mitti ki Or (1946)
- Ardhanaarishwar (1952)
- Dharma, Naitikataa aur Vigyan (1959)
- Bhaaratiya Ekta (1971)
- Vivah ki Musibaten (1973)
Though Dinkar remained a poet at heart, he had written quite a few essay books. Some of his greatest work include Rashmirathi, Urvashi, Parashuram Ki Prateeksha, Kurukshetra, Mitti Ki Oar, and Sanskriti Ke Char Adhyaya.
He is hailed as 'Rashtrakavi', and completely deserves the epithet for his inspiring work.
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