Dr. Shivprasad Singh was a renowned Hindi literary figure. As a learned writer, his intellect, rationality, and exceptional talent stirred Hindi literature from the very beginning. Dr. Shivprasad Singh contributed to almost all prose genres of Hindi, including novels, short stories, essays, and criticism.
| Name | Shivprasad Singh |
| Birth | 19 August, 1928 |
| Place of birth | Village Jalalpur, Banaras, Uttar Pradesh |
| Father’s Name | Chandrika Prasad Singh |
| Education | M.A.,P.hd (Banaras Hindu University) |
| Profession | Author, Teacher |
| Significant works | “Neela Chand”, “KaramNasha ki Haar” |
| Awards | Vyas award(1922), Sahitya Academy Award (1990) |
| Death | 28 September,2008 |
Dr. Shivprasad Singh’s Biography
Early life
Shivprasad Singh, born into a zamindar (landlord) family, often spoke of the significant contributions of his grandmother, father, and mother to his upbringing. He retained an unblemished memory of his grandmother till the end of his life, and it was her influence that inspired his first story, ‘Dadi Ma’ (Grandmother), which brought a new dimension to Hindi short stories. ‘Dadi Ma’ is considered the inception of the new short story movement and is also credited as the first regional story.
Shivprasad and his regional writings
Shiv Prasad Singh was writing regional stories at a time when literary giants Premchand and regional novelist Phanishwar Nath Renu were not writing works related to regionalism. Dr. Shiv Prasad Singh used regionalism in his stories in a way that was distinct from Premchand and Renu. In a way, it was a middle path between the two, and this was the reason why his stories were able to attract readers more. It can be ironic that the one whose works were credited with starting a new literary trend did not associate himself with any movement.
Education
After completing his Intermediate from Uday Pratap College in 1949, Shiv Prasad ji obtained his B.A. from Banaras Hindu University in 1951 and his M.A. in Hindi with first class first in 1953. The gold medalist, Dr. Shiv Prasad Singh, presented a short thesis on ‘Kirtilata and Avhatth language’ for his M.A., which was praised by Rahul Sankrityayan and Dr. Hazari Prasad Dwivedi. Although he had been one of Dwivedi ji’s favorite disciples from the beginning, he received special affection from Dwivedi ji afterward. Under the guidance of Dwivedi ji, he completed research on the topic ‘Pre-Sur Braj language and its literature’, which was an excellent and original work of its kind.
Major Works
Novels:
- Alag-alag Vaitarani (Different Vaitarani)
- Gali Aage Mudti Hai (The Lane Turns Ahead)
- Neela Chand (Blue Moon)
- Sailush
- Hanoz Delhi Dur Ast (Delhi is Still Far)
- Aurat (Woman)
- Vaishvanar
Short Story Collections:
- Aar Paar Ki Mala (A Garland Across)
- Karmanasha Ki Haar (The Defeat of Karmanasha)
- Shakha Mrig (Branch Deer)
- Inhen Bhi Intzaar Hai (They Too Are Waiting)
- Murda Saray (Dead Inn)
- Rag Gujri (Rag Gujri)
- Bhedye (Wolves)
Essay Collections:
- Shikharon Ke Setu (Bridges of Peaks)
- Kasturi Mrig (Musk Deer)
- Chaturdik (All Around)
- Ripotarz
- Antariksh Ke Mehmaan (Guests of the Cosmos)
Play:
- Ghatian Gunjti Hain (Valleys Echo)
Criticism:
- Vidyapati
- Aadhunik Parivesh Aur Navalekhan (Modern Environment and New Writing)
- Aadhunik Parivesh Aur Astitvavad (Modern Environment and Existentialism)
Biography:
- Uttar Yogi Shri Aurobindo
Edited Work:
- Shanti Niketan Se Shivalik Tak (From Shanti Niketan to Shivalik)
Award:
- Sahitya Akademi Award – 1990
Death:
Dr. Shiv Prasad Singh passed away on the morning of September 28, 2008.
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