Legendary poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan was born on November 27, 1907, at Babupatti in United Provinces during the British Raj.
Born as Shrivastava, he began using the pen name 'Bachchan' which means child. He taught at the English department in Allahabad University for many years.
Harivansh Rai is widely remembered for his work 'Madhushala', which is often recited by his son, megastar Amitabh Bachchan, at various occasions and events.
Weaving magic with his wise words, legendary poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan gave the world poems worth treasuring. In 1976, he received the Padma Bhushan for his service to Hindi literature.
Harivansh Rai Bachchan died on January 18, 2003, at the age of 95 as a result of respiratory ailments at Amitabh’s residence Prateeksha.
January 18, 2022, marks the 19th death anniversary of the illustrious poet, whose memories are etched deep in our hearts.
Here are some famous poems by the 'Padma Bhushan' laureate:
Madhushala
Madiralaya jane ko ghar se
Chalta hai peene wala
Kis path se jaun?
Asmanjas mein hai who bhola-bhaala
Alag-alag path batlaate sab,
Par main yah batlaata hun-
Raah pakad tu ek chala chal,
Paa jayega madhushala
Agnipath
Tu na thakega kabhi,
Tu na thamega kabhi,
Tu na mudega kabhi,
Kar shapath, kar shapath, kar shapath,
Agnipath, agnipath, agnipath
Ruke Na Tu
Dhanush utha, prahaar kar
Tu sabse pehla vaar kar
Agni si dhadhak-dhadhak
Hiran si sajag-sajag
Singh si dahaad kar
Shankh si pukaar kar
Ruke na tu, thake na tu
Jhuke na tu, thame na tu
Vishwa Sara So Raha Hai
Hain vicharte swaon sunder,
Kintu inka sang tajkar,
Vyom-vyaapi shoonyata ka
Kaun saathi ho raha hai?
Vishwa saara so raha hai
