Vishnu Prabhakar Biography: Vishnu Prabhakar, a renowned Indian author, poet, and Padma Bhushan recipient, was born on January 29, 1912, in the Uttar Pradesh village of Mirapur, located in the Muzaffarnagar district.
During his lifetime, Prabhakar wrote a variety of works, including novels, plays, and collections of short stories. The incorporation of themes of patriotism, nationalism, and messages of social uplift is a distinguishing characteristic that sets his works apart from those of other authors.
Vishnu Prabhakar Biography: Death Anniversary
| Name: | Vishnu Prabhakar |
| Nationality: | Indian |
| Date of Birth: | January 29, 1912 |
| Place of Birth: | Mirpur |
| Died: | April 11, 2009 |
| Notable works: | Ardhanarishwar, Aawara Masiha |
| Gender: | Male |
| Profession: | Novelist, writer, journalist |
Vishnu Prabhakar Early Years and Career
In addition to his occupation, he pursued an interest in literature. In addition, he joined a Natak firm in Hissar. His literary career began in 1931 when his first story, Diwali, was published in the Hindi Milap.[3] His first drama, Hatya Ke Baad, was written in 1939. Eventually, he began writing as his sole occupation. He lived with his maternal uncle’s family until the age of twenty-seven. In 1938, he wed Sushila Prabhakar, who remained an inspiration for his writing until her demise in 1980.[4]
After Indian independence, he worked as a drama director at Akashvani, All India Radio, New Delhi, from September 1955 to March 1957. In 2005, he made headlines when he threatened to return his Padma Bhushan for alleged misconduct at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
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What made him known as ‘Prabhakar’?
He changed his name from “Vishnu” to “Vishnu Prabhakar”; his name was listed as “Vishnu Dayal” at the Mirapur primary school. In the Arya Samaj institution, he responded “Vaishya” when asked his Varna. The teacher wrote down his name as ‘Vishnu Gupta’. When he entered the government, his name was changed to Vishnu Dharmadutt because there were so many Guptas in the office and it caused confusion.
He continued to write under the pseudonym “Vishnu.” Once, an editor questioned, “Why do you have such a brief name?” Have you successfully completed any tests? Vishnu responded that he had passed the Hindi ‘Prabhakar’ examination. Consequently, the editor added Prabhakar to his name, making it “Vishnu Prabhakar.”
Prabhakar’s Awards
Hindi author Vishnu Prabhakar (21 June 1912 – 11 April 2009). He was the author of numerous short stories, novels, dramas, and travelogues. The works of Prabhakar contain elements of patriotism, nationalism, and social upliftment messages. He was the first recipient of the Sahitya Academy Award from Haryana.
He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1993, the Mahapandit Rahul Sankrityayan Award in 1995, and the Padma Bhushan (India’s third-highest civilian honour) in 2004.
Vishnu Prabhakar Facts
- He was best known for his biography of the Bengali poet Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, “Awara Maseeha,” and the Gandhi cap he donned until the end of his life. The poet had been sick for quite some time.
- His other notable works include Pankheen, Jane Anjane, Dhalti Raat, Swapnamayi, Nav Prabhat, and Doctor, in addition to “Ardhanarishwar,” which earned him the Sahitya Akademi award.
- From 1955 to 1957, following Indian independence, Prabhakar worked as a Drama director for All India Radio.
- In 2005, the poet made headlines when he allegedly threatened to return the Padma Bhushan for misconduct at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. “Ardhanarishvara” earned him the Padma Bhushan and the Sahitya Akademi awards. (The Androgynous God or Shiva).
- He passed away in New Delhi on April 11, 2009. Prabhakar determined that he would donate his body to the All India Institute of Medical Science.
