New Delhi, March 28: Bhawani Prasad Mishra is synonymous with effortless writing and a humble persona. He was a prominent figure among poets who actively participated in the national movement alongside literature. Known for his faith in Gandhism, Mishra’s poetry embodies the natural rhythm of Hindi literature. This simplicity resonates with Mahatma Gandhi’s spinning wheel, earning him the title of “the Gandhi of Poetry.”
Born on March 29, 1913, in Tigharia, Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh, Mishra had a unique ability to make any subject relatable. His poems, such as “Aangan Ka Paudha” and “Shaam Aur Door Dikhati Pahaad Ki Neeli Choti,” feel like extensions of family. His verses also convey a tender voice towards old age and death. He wrote about mature love, capturing the joys and sorrows of companionship.
In 1930, he penned a famous line: “Write as we speak, and only then will you be greater than us.” This reflects Mishra’s advocacy for simplicity, conversational language, and authenticity in literature.
“Bahut Pani Gir Raha Hai, Ghar Nazar Mein Tir Raha Hai…” captures the essence of home. The pain of displacement during his imprisonment resonates deeply in this poem, where memories of loved ones unfold. The concept of home is central to his emotional expression.
In an interview, actor Saurabh Shukla recalled how Mishra’s poem “Sannata” left a lasting impression on him during his theater days. He often recited its opening lines, which transported listeners to another world, highlighting the poem’s unique ability to evoke deep emotions.
“Yes, indeed, I sell songs; I sell various kinds of songs,” is another well-known line from Mishra’s poetry. This piece gained popularity in his first collection, “Geet-Farosh” (1956). Amitabh Bachchan once shared that whenever Mishra visited their home, they would eagerly request him to recite this poem.
Mishra’s commitment to Gandhism inspired him to express non-violence and tolerance creatively. Influenced by Gandhi from a young age, he opened a school and began teaching. He faced three years in prison in 1943 for his beliefs. At the age of 33, he started wearing khadi and edited Hindi volumes of Gandhi’s works. He compiled 500 poems infused with Gandhian philosophy in “Gandhi Panchashati.” His poetry’s natural rhythm parallels that of the spinning wheel, further solidifying his title as “the Gandhi of Poetry.”
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