Makhanlal Chaturvedi

Makhanlal Chaturvedi was born on 4th April 1889. He was a writer, poet, journalist as well as a playwright. He was also a freedom fighter and was an active part of the Neo-romanticism movement of Hindi literature called Chhayavaaad.

He was born in a tiny, not well-known village called Babai in the Hoshangabad district in the state of Madhya Pradesh. He began teaching as a school teacher in schools when he was just sixteen years old. After that, he worked as the editor of journals which include Pratap, Prabha, and Karmaveer during British rule in India.

After India gained independence, people expected him to stand for a post in the newly formed Indian government, but he didn't. Instead, he continued to present his views against social injustices and evils through his speeches and writings.

He firmly and whole-heartedly believed in the principles of Mahatma Gandhi and expressed views in support of his ideas. He is known for his work in the literature which includes Taringini, Venu Lo Gunje Dhara, Him Kirtini, Charan, Sahitya Devata. He predominantly wrote in the Hindi language. He was also famous for his Hindi prose and poetry.

These include poems like Deep se Deep Jale Story soon >> Read More... , Kaisa Chhand Banaa Deti Hai, Pushp ki Abhilaashaa among many others. His contribution to Indian literature garnered massive applaud by readers around the country. He received the first-ever Sahitya Akademi Award in Hindi for his incredible work in HimTaringiniin the year 1955.

He was also honored with the prestigious Padma Bhushan, a civilian honor in the year 1963 This great connoisseur took his last breath on 30th January 1968, leaving behind an illustrious career of about fifty years. The annual Makhanlal Chaturvedi Samaroh organized by the Madhya Pradesh Sahitya Akademi is a tribute to Makhanlal Chaturvedi.

This ceremony began in 1987, just a year after the great man passed away. This event also includes the giving of an award called the Makhanlal Chaturvedi Puraskar. An Indian poet is awarded for achieving success and excellence in the poetic domain. To honor the incredible work and contribution of Makhanlal Chaturvedi, a university was named after him and called the Makhanlal Chaturvedi Rashtriya Patrakarita Avam Sanchar Vishwavidyalaya.

It is in the city of Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. It is more popularly known as the Makhanlal University and was established in the year 1992 by the Legislative Assembly of Madhya Pradesh and was the very first Indian university for mass communication and journalism.