Girija Kumar Mathur

Girijakumar Mathur (गिरिजाकुमार माथुर ) (22 August 1918 - 10 January 1994) was a notable Indian writer of the Hindi language. He is noted for his translation of the popular English song "We Shall Overcome" into Hindi. His father, Devicharan Mathur, was a teacher in a local school and greatly admired music as well as literature. Girijakumar Mathur is considered one of the most important writers in Hindi due to his efforts to modernise Hindi literature and promote it through many of his works.

Early life

Girijakumar Mathur was born in Guna, Madhya Pradesh, on 22 August 1918. He was homeschooled by his father in History, Geography and English. After obtaining his primary education in Jhansi, he was awarded a degree of M.A (English) and L.L.B from Lucknow University. After practicing law for a few years, he started working in All India Radio and later Doordarshan.

Works

Girijakumar Mathur started his career in literature in 1934 in the Braj language.Greatly influenced by authors such as Makhanlal Chaturvedi and Balkrishna Sharma 'Navin', he published his first anthology, 'Manjir' in 1941. He was an important contributor to Hindi literature and used his works to spread moral messages through society. His notable works include:

• Nash aur Nirman
• Dhup ke Dhan
• Sheilapankh Chamkile
• Bhitri Nadi Ki Yatra (Anthology)
• Janm Kaid (Play)
• Nayi Kavita:Seemae aur Sambhavnae

Girijakumar Mathur was one of the seven eminent Hindi poets included in Taar Saptak, an anthology edited and published by Agyeya in 1943. Apart from poems, he wrote many plays, songs as well as essays. In 1991, he was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for his anthology, "Main Vakt ke Hun Samne" as well as the Vyas Samman in the same year. He is noted for his translation of the popular English song "We Shall Overcome" into Hindi.

Death

Girijakumar Mathur died on 10 January 1994, aged 75 in New Delhi.