New Delhi, August 9: Some individuals write literature, while others guide it, and a select few dedicate their entire lives to its service. Born on August 9, 1893, in Unwans village of Bhojpur district, Shivpujan Sahay belonged to the latter category of literary practitioners.
Initially named Bholanath, Sahay’s journey began after completing his 10th grade, starting as a copyist in a court in Banaras. His career evolved through teaching, independent journalism, and literary editing, ultimately leading him to serve the Hindi language. During the Non-Cooperation Movement, he resigned from his government job, choosing a path that transformed his profession into a mission for literature.
Sahay’s early life was tied to ordinary jobs and teaching. After passing his 10th-grade examination, he worked as a copyist in Banaras. He later transitioned into teaching. However, the ongoing Non-Cooperation Movement shifted his life’s direction. He resigned from his government position and became active in literary journalism, marking a significant turning point in his life. His personality evolved as he connected with various cities and publications, developing into a writer, editor, and literary worker.
In 1921, Sahay moved to Calcutta and took on the editorship of ‘Marwari Sudhar.’ By 1923, he was responsible for editing the magazine ‘Matwala.’ This period marked the expansion of his editorial career. Through various publications, he made literary journalism a crucial part of his work. In 1924, he relocated to Lucknow, where he joined the editorial team of the magazine ‘Madhuri.’ During this time, he also became a collaborator of the renowned writer Premchand, contributing to the editing of Premchand’s famous work ‘Rangbhoomi’ and other stories.
Sahay’s editorial work became a defining aspect of his literary life. Collaborating with significant creators like Premchand, he assisted in editing their works. After Lucknow, he returned to Calcutta in 1925, where he edited several short-lived magazines, including ‘Samanvay,’ ‘Mauji,’ ‘Golmaal,’ and ‘Upanyas Tarang.’ In 1926, he moved to Kashi and began working as an independent journalist.
In 1932, he joined the literary bi-monthly ‘Jagran,’ published from Kashi by Jayashankar Prasad and his circle of friends. Here, he once again had the opportunity to work alongside Premchand. His literary engagement in Varanasi extended beyond publications; he was an active member of the Nagari Pracharini Sabha and several other literary circles. Thus, Kashi became a crucial milestone in his literary journey, strengthening his connections with journalism, editing, and literary activities.
In 1935, Sahay moved with his family to Laheriya Sarai, Darbhanga, where he became involved in editing the magazine ‘Balak.’ By 1939, he was appointed as a Hindi professor at Rajendra College, Chapra. By this time, Sahay had embraced multiple roles: writer, editor, journalist, and teacher.
A significant chapter in Sahay’s life began in 1950 when he was appointed secretary of the Bihar Rashtrabhasha Parishad. During his tenure, he edited and published over 50 editions of Hindi reference works. He later became the director of the council. During this period, he compiled and edited a literary history titled ‘Hindi Sahitya aur Bihar,’ highlighting his commitment to the systematic preservation, editing, and publication of Hindi language and literature.
To remember Shivpujan Sahay solely as an editor would be to limit his literary persona. He was also well-known as a storyteller and novelist. His writings reflect various forms of prose literature. His notable works include ‘Dehati Duniya,’ ‘Mahila-Mahatva,’ ‘Vibhuti,’ ‘Ve Din Ve Log,’ ‘Bimb-Pratibimb,’ ‘Mera Jeevan,’ ‘Smritishesh,’ ‘Hindi Bhasha aur Sahitya,’ ‘Gram Sudhar,’ and ‘Mata Ka Aanchal.’ His literary contributions extend beyond his original works; he is also recognized for editing literary memorial editions.
Sahay’s editorial scope was extensive. He edited several important texts, including ‘Dwivedi Abhinandan Granth,’ ‘Jayanti Smarak Granth,’ ‘Anugrah Abhinandan Granth,’ ‘Rajendra Abhinandan Granth,’ ‘Hindi Sahitya aur Bihar,’ ‘Ayodhya Prasad Khatri Smarak Granth,’ ‘Bihar ki Mahilayein,’ ‘Atmakatha,’ and ‘Rangbhoomi.’ His active involvement in various magazines continued throughout his career, including ‘Marwari Sudhar,’ ‘Matwala,’ ‘Madhuri,’ ‘Samanvay,’ ‘Mauji,’ ‘Golmaal,’ ‘Jagran,’ ‘Balak,’ and ‘Himalaya.’
This extensive list reveals a unique aspect of his literary life; he was not just a creator but also an editor who shaped the literary environment and institutions. His works were systematically compiled and published later by his son, Mangal Murti, in 2011 under the title ‘Shivpujan Sahay Sahitya Samagra’ in ten volumes.
Sahay’s literary contributions have been recognized nationally. In 1960, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan. His memory and contributions were also commemorated through the issuance of a postage stamp. The life of Shivpujan Sahay reflects the journey of a literary personality who made significant contributions to the world of Hindi literature through various roles.
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P.S.K./A.B.M.
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