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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Karna's dilemma, Parshuram's rage & Urvashi's love: 5 Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar' poems every Indian should read
(Written by Anushka Rajvedi) When passion, motivation and nationalism merged, it gave rise to the 'RashtraKavi' (National Poet) of India, Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar'. A revolutionary poet, Dinkar's poems resonated the powerful inner voice of the voiceless. Although he wrote during the British colonial era, his works are as relevant today as they were years ago. To read Dinkar is to delve through the rugged terrains of identity, ethics, morality, duty, desire, justice and freedom. By reimagining mythological heroes such as Karna, Yudhistra and Parshuram in the modern day, Dinkar took his readers on a journey of revolution that is rooted in tradition, which is not just an instance of literally brilliance but of themes that are relevant through all ages, rooted in emotions. For a reader who indulges in revolutionary nationalism, with philosophical perceptions that set a courageous tone, here are the 5 most celebrated and honoured mythological poems by Dinkar, that would stir up the soul of readers from every generation. 'जो ना झुका अब तक कभी, जो ना कभी डरा है; रण में, वह क्या झुकेगा, जो झुक गया क़लम से।' (He who never bowed, never feared in war—will he bow to the pen?) Honoured with the Jnanpith Award in 1972, Dinkar, through the lens of the 'tragic hero' Karna, recites the epic of the Mahabharata in a powerfully crafted conflict between the inner voice and society. While most view Karna in a negative light for supporting Duryodhana and the Kauravas, Dinkar portrays him as not just a character, but a symbol of dignity. Conflicted between the ideals of his life and his loyalty to Duryodhana, Dinkar depicts how individuals are often torn between being idealistic and practical. Rashmirathi is wrapped in themes such as caste, identity, morality, justice, loyalty and meritocracy. Known as his 'crowning literary achievement', Dinkar's Rashmirathi is filled with intensity and is rich in imagery. Through the internal conflict of Karna, Dinkar urges his readers to become that power that resonates with the voice of an underdog. 'शांति नहीं तब तक जब तक, सुख-भाग न नर का सम हो।' (There can be no peace until all humans share joy equally.) Churned between the choices of right and wrong, Dinkar reflects on the moral dilemma through a philosophical dialogue between Yudhistra and Krishna after the Mahabharata war. Looking at the bloodshed after the war, Yudhistira was disenchanted. Dinkar, through the dialogues of Krishna, explores the need and the outcome of a war. Kurukshetra highlights the ethical dilemma and the moral conflict that an individual gets stuck in as they live in a world torn apart by war and shrouded in injustice. Dinkar highlights the complexity of morality and values, prompting his readers to consider whether peace and justice can ever prevail in this world without violence. Parshuram ki Pratiksha 'नया दौर है, नया दौर है, नहीं माफ़ अब अपराध पुराना।' (It is a new age—old sins shall no longer be forgiven.) Set in a fierce revolutionary tone, Parshuram ki Pratiksha is a perfect example of mythology blended with morality. Mythological character Parshuram is said to be an avatar of the Hindu God Vishnu, who is a warrior-sage who is known for his courage and morality. A metaphor to motivate change in the modern world, Dinkar imagines the warrior-sage Parshuram awaiting the arrival of revolution. In a world where morality decomposes as time passes by, Dinkar ignites a revolutionary fire and urges the new generation to integrate and fight against injustice and corruption. Urvashi 'प्रेम केवल भाव नहीं, है शक्ति, जो नर को बनाती देव।' (Love is not just emotion—it is the power that makes man divine.) Honoured with the highest literary honour, the Jnanpith Award in 1972, Dinkar's Urvashi is a romantic eternal conflict between spiritual and physical love. When the elegance of myth delves into the depths of human emotions, it explores the true beauty of love that goes beyond the boundaries of physical and material love. The love story of a celestial nymph, Urvashi and the king Pururava is elegantly muffled in a lyrical and aesthetic mastery by Dinkar that reverberates the true essence of love in modern times. Renuka 'बेटे के हाथों मारी गयी माँ, फिर भी उठी दिव्य बना।' (The mother slain by her son rose again, more divine than ever.) 'Sacrifice', 'emotions' and 'duty' are terms that even today are often used to refer to one emotion- 'the love of a mother'. Dinkar, through this poem, talks about the maternal love of Renuka, who was killed by her son. Dinkar addresses the conflicts of obligations of duty and emotions, morality and authority and discipline and sacrifice, through the mythological story of Renuka and Parshuram. The warrior-sage Parshuram beheaded his mother Renuka on the command of his father. Dinkar binds his readers in the emotional journey that evokes the sacrifice of a mother who is often entangled in the predicament of 'Dharma', 'Discipline' and 'sacrifice.' (The writer is an intern with The Indian Express.)
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani's 'irritating' advice later became actor-writer Girish Karnad's best investment ever
Girish Karnad , a towering figure in Indian theatre, was a multifaceted personality — playwright, actor, writer, and activist — whose contribution to the cultural landscape of India remains unparalleled. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy that spanned literature, cinema, and public discourse. Widely celebrated for his artistic achievements, Karnad was also a Jnanpith Award recipient and a Rhodes Scholar, accolades that underscored his intellectual depth and creative prowess. However, beyond the stage and screen, Karnad had an interesting, lesser-known connection to India's IT boom through an early investment in Infosys. The was shared by Rollo Romig, the author of "I Am on the Hit List Murder and Myth-making in South India" while sharing the book excerpt on a news portal. During the company's formative years, Karnad was encouraged by Nandan Nilekani , one of Infosys ' co-founders and a distant relative, to invest in its shares. Both of them also hailed from Dharwad in Karnataka. Initially reluctant and disinterested in the world of finance and investment, Karnad was eventually persuaded to buy some shares for personal and familial reasons. What began as a reluctant gesture turned out to be a life-altering decision. 'I said, no, I don't want to buy shares, I'm not interested in investment,' Karnad told Rollo Romig. 'He (Nilekani) said, take it, take it. I got very irritated; I said to my wife, look, this Nandan Nilekani is irritating me. I told him I don't want shares, but he won't let go. And my wife gave a very typical small-town answer: she said, you know, he has such nice parents, they're such loving relatives to us, why don't you buy a few shares? So I bought it for family reasons. And suddenly within ten years it had become the miracle firm, and those shares paid for this house. That really pulled me up from being a lower-middle-class family man to a comfortable economic frame. I wish I'd invested more.' Infosys went public in June 1993 with shares priced at Rs. 95. Over the years, the company's valuation skyrocketed, and it issued multiple bonus shares, enriching early investors. Karnad's modest investment in Infosys eventually brought him considerable financial comfort. He once reflected that the returns from those shares were substantial enough to help him buy a house, significantly improving his financial standing and offering him a level of economic stability he hadn't experienced before. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mountain Gear for Extreme Conditions Trek Kit India Learn More Undo While Karnad benefited from the IT revolution in an unexpected way, he also remained deeply thoughtful about its broader social consequences. He observed how the rapid transformation of Bangalore into a tech hub had left many local residents feeling alienated. Despite these reservations, Karnad maintained a personal and professional connection with Nilekani. In 2014, he publicly supported Nilekani during his Lok Sabha election campaign, when the Infosys co-founder contested on a Congress party ticket. Karnad's journey into the world of drama began during his time at Oxford, where he penned his first play, Yayati . At just 26, he wrote Tughlaq , a powerful commentary on idealism and disillusionment, which went on to become one of the most significant works in Indian theatre. He later wrote numerous acclaimed plays in Kannada, cementing his place as a major literary force.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Gulzar receives Jnanpith Award at his residence
Gulzar, the celebrated poet-lyricist, was honored with the 58th Jnanpith Award at his Bandra residence due to health concerns preventing his attendance in New Delhi. Bharatiya Jnanpith members presented him with a citation plaque, a cash prize, and a bronze Vagdevi Saraswati replica. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Renowned poet-lyricist Gulzar on Thursday received the 58th Jnanpith Award , India's highest literary honour, at his residence in suburban Bandra. The 90-year-old lyricist was not able to attend the ceremony in New Delhi last week due to health-related was given a citation plaque, a cash prize of Rs. 11 lakh and a bronze replica of Vagdevi Saraswati by Bharatiya Jnanpith members including Trustee Mudit Jain, former secretary Dharmpal, and General Manager R N Tewari."We met Gulzar sahab at his residence today afternoon to honour him with the Jnanpith Award. Gulzar sahab's son-in-law Govind Sandhu, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, his wife Rekha, and a few literary writers were present on this occasion," Tewari the past, Gulzar has received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2002, the Padma Bhushan in 2004, Academy Award and Grammy Award for the song "Jai Ho" in 2008 for "Slumdog Millionaire", and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2013 for his contribution to the Indian film Singh Kalra, popularly known as Gulzar, is celebrated for his works in Hindi cinema and considered one of the finest Urdu poets of this era. He has also helmed critically acclaimed films like "Parichay", "Koshish", "Aandhi", "Maachis", and "Hu Tu Tu", among of his most notable songs are "Maine Tere Liye" in "Anand", "Dil Dhundhta Hai" in "Mausam", "Chhaiya Chhaiya" in "Dil Se..", and "Ay Hairathe Aashiqui" in "Guru".Instituted in 1961 by Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain and Rama Jain, the Bharatiya Jnanpith award has been given to noted litterateurs of Indian languages, including Firaq Gorakhpuri, Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar', Ashapoorna Devi, Mahadevi Varma, Girish Karnad, Nirmal Verma, and Damodar Mauzo.
India Gazette
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Swami Rambhadracharya receives Jnanpith Award, says struggle and dedication led to this recognition
New Delhi [India], May 17 (ANI):Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya was conferred the Jnanpith Award in New Delhi on Saturday, becoming the first saint to receive the honour. After the ceremony, he said the award recognises his decades-long contribution to Sanskrit literature. He also linked the achievement to his commitment to Sanatan Dharma and said the idea of a Hindu nation is rooted in Indian tradition. Speaking to ANI, he said,'The bigger the struggle, the bigger the success. I have struggled for a long time, so the success is also big. For the first time, a saint has been awarded the Jnanpith Award...' He said he has written 250 books, including 150 in Sanskrit. 'I have written four Sanskrit epics--Bhargava Raghavam, Song Ramayanam, Dashavatara Teertham, and Ramanandacharya Teertham. Kalidasa wrote two epics, which are sometimes counted as one and a half. I wrote a ten-thousand-page book based on 3,015 sutras, including 55,000 of my own verses.' Swami Rambhadracharya said he did not seek help or support for the award. On Friday, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the 58th Jnanpith Award on Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya during an event held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated Jagadguru Rambhadracharya. She also congratulated Gulzar, who could not attend the Award ceremony, for the Jnanpith Award. She wished that Gulzar soon become fully healthy and active and continue to contribute to art, literature, society, and the country. The President said that literature unites and awakens society. From the social awakening of the 19th century to our freedom struggle in the 20th century, poets and writers have played a great role in connecting people, added the release. Speaking about Rambhadracharya, the President said that he has set an inspiring example of excellence. She praised his multi-faceted contributions and said that despite being physically challenged, he has rendered extraordinary service to literature and society with his divine vision. She added that Rambhadracharya has contributed extensively in both the fields of literature and social service. expressed confidence that by taking inspiration from his glorious life, future generations will continue to move ahead on the right path in literary creation, society-building, and nation-building. (ANI)
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Swami Rambhadracharya receives Jnanpith Award, says struggle and dedication led to this recognition
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya was conferred the Jnanpith Award in New Delhi on Saturday, becoming the first saint to receive the honour. After the ceremony, he said the award recognises his decades-long contribution to Sanskrit also linked the achievement to his commitment to Sanatan Dharma and said the idea of a Hindu nation is rooted in Indian to ANI, he said,"The bigger the struggle, the bigger the success. I have struggled for a long time, so the success is also big. For the first time, a saint has been awarded the Jnanpith Award..."He said he has written 250 books, including 150 in Sanskrit. "I have written four Sanskrit epics--Bhargava Raghavam, Song Ramayanam, Dashavatara Teertham, and Ramanandacharya Teertham. Kalidasa wrote two epics, which are sometimes counted as one and a half. I wrote a ten-thousand-page book based on 3,015 sutras, including 55,000 of my own verses."Swami Rambhadracharya said he did not seek help or support for the Friday, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the 58th Jnanpith Award on Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya during an event held at Vigyan Bhavan in New on the occasion, the President congratulated Jagadguru Rambhadracharya. She also congratulated Gulzar, who could not attend the Award ceremony, for the Jnanpith wished that Gulzar soon become fully healthy and active and continue to contribute to art, literature, society, and the President said that literature unites and awakens society. From the social awakening of the 19th century to our freedom struggle in the 20th century, poets and writers have played a great role in connecting people, added the about Rambhadracharya, the President said that he has set an inspiring example of excellence. She praised his multi-faceted contributions and said that despite being physically challenged, he has rendered extraordinary service to literature and society with his divine added that Rambhadracharya has contributed extensively in both the fields of literature and social service. expressed confidence that by taking inspiration from his glorious life, future generations will continue to move ahead on the right path in literary creation, society-building, and nation-building.
