Harishankar Parsai (1924 – 1995) was a famous Indian writer. He is known for his satirical and humorous writing style in Hindi literature. Through his Vanyaga (satire) poems, he depicted human values and nature, which shows his critical thinking and humorous way of describing simple things with deep meanings. He was a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award for his satire “Vikalang Shraddha Ka Daur”.
Contents
Wiki/Biography
Harishankar Parsai was born on Friday, 22 August 1924 (age 71 at death) in Zamani, Central Provinces and Berar, British India. His zodiac sign is Leo. He completed his schooling from Semester Global School, Allahabad. Later, he went to Nagpur University to obtain a Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry in Hindi. According to Harishankar Parsai, his life was full of great difficulties as his parents died when he was very young and he had to bear the responsibility of his four siblings. His aunt raised him and taught him to live fearlessly.
Physical Appearance
Hair Color: Salt and Pepper
Eye colour: black
Family
parents and siblings
His father’s name is Jumak Lalu Prasad and mother’s name is Champa Bai. According to him, he had four brothers and sisters.
Wife
There is not much information about his married life.
livelihood
In 1942, at the age of 18, Harishankar Parsai joined the government service in the forest department. He soon lost interest in his job and started writing sharp and accurate satire in Hindi. After India’s independence, he left his job and concentrated on writing. Soon, he started his first literary magazine named “Vasudha”. Despite its immense popularity, the publication suffered financial losses and Harishankar Parsai had to close the magazine. Later, Parsai started answering readers’ questions in a column titled “Ask Parsai Se” in the Hindi newspaper “Deshbandhu”. He answered questions related to entertainment, love, films and national, international and social issues. He used to write the fifth column in “Deshbandhu” titled “Listen in the new world, brothers” and “Nayi Kahani”. His works are included in Hindi books by NCERT, and “Premchand Ke Phate Shoe” is one of his famous satirical works.
‘Picture of Munshi Premchand (in torn shoes) with his wife’ on which Parsai wrote his famous satire
In one of his best satires, “A Sorted Man”, Parsai portrays a hero who is an extreme nationalist and believes in the superiority of the Aryan race and ancient Indian achievements. According to Parsai, avoiding questions that could cause pain leads to a happy existence and he strove for such happiness. He begins the essay in reference to his self-satisfaction by saying,
Many people ask me how I have come to be so clear-sighted, surprisingly simple and have a clear personality.” His answer is extremely simple: By avoiding questions that can cause pain, it is possible for a human being to live a happy existence, and I have always striven for such happiness.
award
- In 1982, Harishankar Parsai was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for his satire “Vikalang Shraddha Ka Daur”.
Harishankar Parsai’s ‘Disabled Shraddha’s era’
- He received the Sharad Joshi Award in 1992.
Death
Harishankar Parsai died on 10 August 1995 in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Facts/General Knowledge
- At one time, The Hindu newspaper considered Parsai’s art of writing satire in Hindi as revolutionary.
- In the early 2000s a television show titled “Parsai Kehte Hain” adapted several of his works into episodic stories broadcast on DD National.
A scene from the television show ‘Parsai Kehte Hain’
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn