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A Poetic Tribute to Mahakavi Gopaldas 'Neeraj': Honoring a Visionary Through Memory, Emotion, and Verse

On the 7th death anniversary of the legendary poet Gopaldas 'Neeraj', the Mahakavi Gopaldas Neeraj Foundation Trust, under the guidance of its patron Upendra Rai

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onoring a Visionary Through Memory, Emotion
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On the 7th death anniversary of the legendary poet Gopaldas 'Neeraj', the Mahakavi Gopaldas Neeraj Foundation Trust, under the guidance of its patron Upendra Rai, organized the ‘Nirantar Neeraj Samman Samaroh’ at the Press Club of India, New Delhi.

Leaving an indelible mark on Hindi poetry and the world of film lyrics, poet Gopaldas 'Neeraj' (Gopal Das) was remembered through a grand tribute. The ‘Nirantar Neeraj Samman Samaroh’ witnessed the gracious presence of former Union Minister Murli Manohar Joshi, along with several eminent litterateurs, artists, lyricists, and cultural icons from across the country.

The event commenced with a lamp-lighting ceremony, performed by Upendra Rai, Chairman of Bharat Express News Network and patron of the Mahakavi Gopaldas Neeraj Foundation Trust, and his wife, Dr. Rachna Rai. The purpose behind this initiative was clear — to pass on Neeraj Ji’s sensitive, thoughtful literary legacy to the younger generation.

“An Embodiment of Emotion”

In his speech, Upendra Rai described Neeraj Ji not merely as a poet but as an "embodiment of emotion."
He said, “Neeraj’s pen remains as alive today as it was during his lifetime. His creations evoke questions in the minds of readers — and provide answers too.”

The event was graced by renowned personalities such as lyricists Prasoon Joshi, Sameer Anjaan, film producer Boney Kapoor, actor Vineet Kumar Singh, and veteran politician Murli Manohar Joshi, among others. Each of them shared their personal experiences with Neeraj Ji, recalled his poetry, and acknowledged that he was not merely a craftsman of words but a true spokesman of the soul.

An Evening of Songs and Poems

The evening featured soulful poetry and musical renditions. Vineet Singh captivated the audience by singing Neeraj’s timeless songs, while poet Afzal mesmerized everyone with his piece, “Aaj hai raat Neeraj ki...”
Sanjay Garg, Secretary of the Hindi Academy, Delhi, and other distinguished guests also shared their thoughts. Neeraj Ji’s son, Shashank Prabhakar, read some of his father’s special compositions, making the event truly memorable.

What stood out in this tribute was that it wasn’t merely a remembrance ceremony. It became a powerful revival of literary awareness. The organizers announced that the ‘Nirantar Neeraj Samman Samaroh’ would now be held annually, ensuring that Neeraj Ji’s literary influence continues to inspire generations. The event was also live-streamed on social media, reaffirming that Neeraj Ji’s legacy transcends stages — it resonates in the digital era as well.

Gopaldas 'Neeraj': A Brief Introduction

Gopaldas Neeraj Selected Shayari - Amar Ujala Kavya - गोपाल दास नीरज के 10  चुनिंदा शेर

Poets like Gopaldas ‘Neeraj’ are born once in an era. He was born on January 4, 1925, in Puravali village, Etawah district. He was not only a master of words but a proclaimer of emotion. Songs like “Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe” (Prem Pujari), “Ae Bhai Zara Dekh Ke Chalo” (Mera Naam Joker), “Kaal Ka Pahiya Ghoome Re Bhaiya” (Chanda Aur Bijli),  “Karwaan Guzar Gaya”, “Phoolon Ke Rang Se”, “O Sajna…”, and “Bas Yahi Aparadh Main Har Baar Karta Hoon” — are not just popular tunes, but have become part of our collective cultural consciousness. This tribute event became a source of inspiration and devotion for the Hindi literary world.

Some of Neeraj’s major poetry collections include: ‘Dard Diya’, ‘Praan Geet’, ‘Asavari’, ‘Badar Baras Gayo’, ‘Do Geet’, ‘Nadi Kinare’, ‘Neeraj Ki Geetikaayein’, ‘Sangharsh’, ‘Vibhavari’, ‘Neeraj Ki Paati’, and many more. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1991, Padma Bhushan in 2007, and the Yash Bharti Award in 1994. Neeraj Ji passed away on July 19, 2018.

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1. Aansoo jab sammaanit honge, mujhko yaad kiya jaayega
Jahaan prem ka charcha hoga, mera naam liya jaayega.

2. Aaj ki raat tujhe aakhiri khat aur likh doon
Kaun jaane yeh diya subah tak jale na jale?
Bam-barood ke is daur mein maaloom nahin
Aisi rangeen hawa phir kabhi chale na chale.

3. Jeevan katna tha, kat gaya
Accha kata, bura kata
Yeh tum jaano
Main to yeh samajhta hoon
Kapda puraana ek fatna tha, fat gaya
Jeevan katna tha, kat gaya.

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