Babu Gulabrai, a modern Hindi writer who transformed the literary scenario of his time, with his distinct style of writing and usage of the theme. January 17, marks the birth anniversary of this accomplished writer who wrote several literary essays, biographies, and satires.
Babu Gulabrai passed on 13th April 1963 at the age of 75.
Early life
Born on 17th January 1888 in Etawah, colonial India to Babu Bhawani Prasad and Gomati Devi. Babu Gulabrai had spent his early years at Manipuri.
He had a Master's degree in Philosophy from St. Johns College and also an LLB from Agra College.
His parents had a propensity towards religion which greatly influenced Babu Gulabrai and shaped his writing. His writings can be broadly divided into three types- philosophical, satire, and literary essays.
Writing Career
Babu Gulabrai wrote profusely in Hindi and later, he adopted the sanskritized mode of Hindi, as evidenced by his use of Sanskrit shlokas.
His literary style was known for its distinct and original approach, a fresh undertaking of a literary journey seldom found during his time. His works also had a patriotic tone, which moved him to write and embody a humanistic approach.
Famous books
His first two works were philosophical, Shanti Dharma and Maitri Dharma which mirrored Babu Gulabrai’s ideals and beliefs.
He has also been credited with documenting a history of Hindi literature, called Hindi Sahitya ka Subodh Itihaas.
His biographies, Meri Asafaltaein and Thalua Club were quite favourite with his readers due to his sense of humour and usage of satire in his works.
His literary magazine, Sahitya Sandesh also enriched the readers with various essays, stories, etc.
His writing career can be traced from 1913 and ending with the final years of his life. His last noted work was published in 1956, 7 years prior to his death.
Awards
In the final years of his life, Babu Gulabrai was awarded an honorary doctorate in 1957 by the then vice president of India, V.V. Giri.
In June 2002, the Government of India issued a 5 Rs postal stamp to commemorate his contribution to Hindi literature.
