Harivansh Rai Bachchan — A Salute to the Immortal Poet of Hindi Literature on National Author’s Day!

On November 1, as India celebrates National Author’s Day, we remember those writers whose words have guided generations. Among them, one shining and immortal star of Hindi literature is Harivansh Rai Bachchan (1907–2003) — whose poetry remains as alive and relevant today as it was in his lifetime.
Born in a small village, Babupatti, near Allahabad (now Prayagraj) in Uttar Pradesh, Harivansh Rai “Bachchan” not only elevated Hindi poetry to new heights but also connected it deeply with the language and emotions of the common man. Fondly called “Bachchan” in childhood, he carried that name with him forever — and became immortal by it.

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From Teacher to Craftsman of Verse

Harivansh Rai Bachchan taught at Allahabad University and later served as a Hindi specialist in the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Belonging to a Kayastha family, he was among the leading poets of the Chhayavaad era — known for blending poetry with philosophy and reflections on life.

His most celebrated work, “Madhushala,” continues to enchant readers across generations. Along with Madhubala and Madhukalash, his works celebrate life, love, and the spirit of struggle.

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Other major works include Agneepath, Tera Haar, Nisha Nimantran (1938), Ekant Sangeet (1939), Satrangini, and Do Chattanen.
Bachchan also penned an extraordinary four-part autobiography — Kya Bhooloon Kya Yaad Karoon, Need Ka Nirman Phir, Basere Se Door, and Dashdwaar Se Sopan Tak — which stand not only as a record of his life but as a timeless treasure of Hindi prose.

Honors and Contributions

Harivansh Rai Bachchan received the Sahitya Akademi Award (1968) for his collection Do Chattanen and was honored with the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 1976. Alongside poetry, he made significant contributions to Hindi memoir writing and literary translations.

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Amitabh and a Father’s Philosophy

Bachchan’s life was not only that of a poet but also of a deeply sensitive father. Once, when a young Amitabh Bachchan was studying at Sherwood College, Nainital, he was set to perform as Prince Ferdinand in Shakespeare’s The Tempest. His parents had arrived to watch him perform, but the night before the play, Amitabh fell ill with a high fever and couldn’t go on stage.

Seeing his disappointment, Harivansh Rai Bachchan comforted his son with profound words: “Beta dekho — man ka ho to achha, aur man ka na ho to aur bhi achha.” (“My son, if things go as you wish, that’s good; but if they don’t, that’s even better.”)
In those lines lay not just a father’s affection but a deep philosophy of acceptance — that life is about embracing both success and struggle with grace.

An Eternal Legacy

Harivansh Rai Bachchan passed away on January 18, 2003, but his literature continues to live and breathe. His poems not only move readers emotionally but also offer them a way to understand and navigate life.
Bachchan’s works remind us of an era when poetry wasn’t merely written — it was lived. His life stands as proof that a writer doesn’t just write — he lives his words, and those words become his legacy.

Through his poems, autobiographies, and philosophy of life, Harivansh Rai Bachchan remains an enduring pillar and inspiration of Hindi literature.

Harivansh Rai Bachchan ki Suprasiddh Kavita – Madhushala aur Agneepath (Hinglish Mein)

Madhushala

Mridu bhavon ke anguron ki aaj bana laaya haala,
Priyatam, apne hi haathon se aaj pilaunga pyaala,
Pehle bhog laga loon tera fir prasaad jag paayega,
Sabse pehle tera swagat karti meri Madhushala.

Pathik bana main ghoom raha hoon, sabhi jagah milti haala,
Sabhi jagah mil jaata saaki, sabhi jagah milta pyaala,
Mujhe thaharne ka, he mitron, kasht nahin kuch bhi hota,
Mile na mandir, mile na masjid, mil jaati hai Madhushala.

Musalmaan aur Hindu hai do, ek magar unka pyaala,
Ek magar unka madiralay, ek magar unki haala,
Dono rehte ek na jab tak masjid mandir mein jaate,
Bair badhaate masjid mandir, mel karaati Madhushala.

Yam aayega lene jab, tab khoob chalunga pee haala,
Peeda, sankat, kasht narak ke kya samjhega matwaala,
Kroor, kathor, kuttil, kuvichaari, anyaayi yamraajon ke,
Dandon ki jab maar padegi, aad karegi Madhushala.

Agneepath

Vriksh hon bhale khade,
Hon ghane hon bade,
Ek patra chhaanh bhi,
Maang mat, maang mat, maang mat,
Agneepath, Agneepath, Agneepath.

Tu na thkega kabhi,
Tu na rukega kabhi,
Tu na mudega kabhi,
Kar shapath, kar shapath, kar shapath,
Agneepath, Agneepath, Agneepath.

Yeh mahaan drishya hai,
Chal raha manushya hai,
Ashru, shwet, rakt se,
Lathpath, lathpath, lathpath,
Agneepath, Agneepath, Agneepath.

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