Ram Vilas Sharma (10 October 1912 – 30 May 2000) was a progressive literary critic, linguist, poet and thinker.
Life and Career
Ram Vilas Sharma was born on 10 October 1912, in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, India. Sharma’s early education took place in his hometown, and he later moved to Allahabad for higher studies.
Sharma completed his bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Allahabad University and went on to earn a master’s degree in English Literature from the same institution. He then pursued a Doctorate in English Literature from the University of London, where his thesis focused on the works of the poet John Milton.
After returning to India, Sharma began his career as a lecturer at Allahabad University. He later became a professor of Hindi Literature at the same university. Sharma was a prolific writer and poet, and his works are known for their depth, complexity, and profound philosophical insights.
Sharma’s literary career was marked by several notable achievements. He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1959 for his collection of poems titled “Bharat ke Pracheen Bhasha Parivar aur Hindi” (The Ancient Language Family of India and Hindi). This work explored the historical and linguistic roots of the Hindi language and its connection to other Indian languages.
In addition to his poetry, Sharma was also a respected literary critic. He wrote extensively on the works of renowned Hindi poets such as Maithili Sharan Gupt, Nirala, and Suryakant Tripathi ‘Nirala’. His critical essays are highly regarded for their insightful analysis and scholarly rigor.
Sharma’s contributions to Hindi literature were widely recognized, and he received numerous awards and honors throughout his career.
Sharma passed away on May 30, 2000, leaving behind a rich legacy of literary works that continue to inspire and influence generations of readers and writers.
Award and Legacy
Sharma received the Sahitya Akademi Award, in 1959 for his collection of poems titled “Bharat ke Pracheen Bhasha Parivar aur Hindi” (The Ancient Language Family of India and Hindi). This work explored the historical and linguistic roots of the Hindi language and its connection to other Indian languages. The Sahitya Akademi Award is considered one of the highest honors in Indian literature, and Sharma’s win further solidified his reputation as a leading figure in Hindi poetry.
In addition to the Sahitya Akademi Award, Sharma received numerous other awards and honors for his contributions to literature. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in 1976, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of literature.
Sharma’s legacy extends beyond his poetry. He was also a respected literary critic and wrote extensively on the works of other Hindi poets, such as Maithili Sharan Gupt, Nirala, and Suryakant Tripathi ‘Nirala’. His critical essays are highly regarded for their insightful analysis and scholarly rigor, and they continue to be studied and referenced by scholars and students of Hindi literature.