Namvar Singh (28 July 1926 – 19 February 2019) was an Indian literary critic, linguist, academician and theoretician.
Life and Career
Namvar Singh was born on 28 July 1926, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He completed his early education in Varanasi and then went on to study at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where he obtained a master’s degree in Hindi literature. Later, he pursued a Ph.D. in Hindi literature from the same university.
Singh’s career in academia and literary criticism was illustrious. He served as a professor at the Banaras Hindu University and later at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi. He was known for his insightful literary criticism and his deep understanding of Hindi literature. He wrote numerous essays and articles on various literary topics, which were widely appreciated for their depth and clarity.
Namvar Singh was also associated with various literary organizations and institutions, where he played an important role in promoting Hindi literature. He was a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award for his book “Kavita Ke Naye Pratiman” in 1971.
Namvar Singh passed away on February 19, 2019, at the age of 92.
Award and Legacy
Namvar Singh received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1971 for his book “Kavita Ke Naye Pratiman” (The New Standards of Poetry). This award is one of the most prestigious literary honors in India and is conferred by the Sahitya Akademi, India’s national academy of letters.
He was also honored with the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in 2010 for his contributions to literature and education.
The legacy of Namvar Singh is significant in the field of Hindi literature. He is remembered for his profound literary insights, rigorous scholarship, and contributions to literary criticism. His work has influenced generations of scholars and writers, and his ideas continue to shape discussions on Hindi literature.
As a literary critic, Namvar Singh played a crucial role in shaping the discourse around Hindi literature. He introduced new perspectives and methodologies in literary criticism, which expanded the horizons of the field. His writings on poetry, fiction, and drama are considered seminal works in Hindi literary criticism.
Namvar Singh’s legacy also extends to his contributions as an educator. He served as a professor at the Banaras Hindu University and later at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, where he inspired and mentored numerous students. His lectures and writings on literature and culture have left a lasting impact on the academic community.
In addition to his scholarly work, Namvar Singh was known for his commitment to social and cultural issues. He was a vocal advocate for the promotion of Hindi language and literature and was actively involved in various literary organizations and institutions.