Celebrating life and legacy of Giriraj Kishore
Giriraj Kishore (8 July 1937 – 9 February 2020) was an Indian writer, who was awarded the Padma Shri by the president of India in 2007.
Early Life And Education
Giriraj Kishore, an influential figure in Indian literature, was born on July 8, 1937, in Muzzafarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. He hailed from a family where his father was a zamindar. However, Kishore, driven by socialist principles, distanced himself from the zamindari system at a young age and embraced Gandhian philosophy. His educational journey saw him completing a master’s degree in social work from The Institute of Social Sciences in Agra. Kishore’s early life was marked by a strong inclination towards social issues, which later profoundly influenced his literary works. His commitment to social causes and education laid the foundation for a career that spanned over three decades in various government positions, including serving as the registrar of Kanpur University and the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur.
Career And Achievements
Giriraj Kishore illustrious career spanned several decades during which he made significant contributions to Hindi literature. Kishore’s notable works include ‘Pahla Girmitiya’ (The Girmitiya Saga), which earned him the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2007. His literary excellence was further recognized with the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1992 for his novel ‘Dhai Ghar’ and the Vyas Samman in 2000. Beyond his literary pursuits, Kishore served as the registrar of IIT Kanpur, reflecting his diverse talents and commitment to education. His life’s work and dedication to literature were honored with an honorary Ph.D. by Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University in 2002. Kishore’s legacy continues to inspire, as his writings shed light on social issues and the human condition, resonating with readers across generations.
Notable Events And Milestones
Giriraj Kishore journey began as a school teacher in Morena, where his dedication to Hindi literature, history, and political science caught the attention of influential leaders. His active participation in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement marked a significant milestone in his life, leading to his close association with the VHP. As he rose through the ranks to become the senior vice-president, Kishore became a central figure in the campaign for the Ram temple in Ayodhya, a movement that has left a lasting imprint on India’s socio-political landscape. Kishore’s contributions extended beyond his political activism; he was deeply involved in social causes, advocating for equality and justice. His decision to donate his body to medical science reflects his commitment to societal welfare. The legacy of Giriraj Kishore is multifaceted, encompassing his influence on cultural identity, religious politics, and social reform. His life’s work continues to resonate, shaping discussions and actions within society and culture, and highlighting the complex interplay between religion and politics in India’s history.
Awards And Honors
- Sahitya Akademi Award (1992): For his contributions to Indian literature, particularly for his novel.
- Vyas Samman (2000): Recognized for his work “Pahla Girmitiya”.
- Padma Shri (2007): One of India’s highest civilian awards, given for his distinguished contribution to literature.
- Honorary Ph.D. from Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (2002): Acknowledging his impact on literature and society.
- Emeritus Fellowship by the University Grants Commission, Government of India (1998-1999): For his continued contributions to the field of literature post-retirement.
- Fellowship at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla (1999-2001): To pursue further literary studies and research.
- Bir Singh Devjoo Samman: Awarded by the Madhya Pradesh Sahitya Kala Parishad for his novel “Parishisht”.
- Shatadal Samman: Conferred by the Bharatiya Bhasha Parishad for his novel “Dhai Ghar”.
- Bharatendu Samman: For his play “Chehre – Chehre Kis Ke Chehre”.
- Sahityabhusan Samman: A recognition of his literary achievements.
- Mahatma Gandhi Samman: For his contributions to literature that reflect the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.
These accolades reflect Giriraj Kishore’s stature as a significant figure in Indian literature, whose works have had a lasting impact on readers and writers alike.
Additional Resources
Books: Giriraj Kishore has authored several books, with notable works including “Pahla Girmitiya” and “Kasturba Gandhi: A Bio-fiction”. These books offer insights into his literary contributions and perspectives.
Documentaries: While specific documentaries on Giriraj Kishore may not be widely available, documentaries on the Vishva Hindu Parishad and the Ram Janmabhoomi movement may provide context on his role and influence within these movements.
Museums: The literature and history sections of Indian museums, especially those focusing on modern political movements, may have exhibits or archives related to Giriraj Kishore’s work and the organizations he was associated with.
Online Archives: Platforms like archive.org host a variety of texts and may contain works by or about Giriraj Kishore, such as “Rishta Aur Anya Kahaniyaan” which can be a valuable resource for researchers.
Academic Research: University libraries and online academic databases can be a rich source of information, providing access to theses, dissertations, and scholarly articles that examine Giriraj Kishore’s life, work, and his impact on Indian politics and society.
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