New Delhi, July 15: This is the story of a literary figure who transformed writing into a tool for social and national awakening. Jagdish Chandra Mathur’s works resonate with the simplicity of rural life, the dignity of Indian culture, the spirit of the freedom movement, and the aspirations for social change. His life experiences deeply enriched his creations.
Born on July 16, 1917, in a village near Khurja in Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh, Mathur spent his childhood in a small town. This proximity to rural issues allowed him to closely observe the beauty of nature, the simplicity of village life, and the rich traditions of folk culture.
In a poignant essay, he wrote, “Beauty is my pursuit, but human effort transcends my aesthetic quest.” These words reflect his profound personality.
During Mathur’s childhood, India was still under British rule, and the freedom movement was gaining momentum. As a school student, he was deeply affected by these events, witnessing and understanding the struggles of his countrymen.
His parents significantly influenced his literary journey. His father, an idealistic teacher, aspired for his son and students to excel beyond him. This encouragement led Mathur to participate in school programs as early as the second or third grade.
After completing his education, Mathur entered government service while the British still ruled India. He witnessed the exploitation and oppression faced by the populace, which profoundly impacted him. Through his literature, he sought to awaken the public living in despair and inspire them to resist British oppression. This sentiment is vividly expressed in his works such as “Bhor Ka Tara,” “Vijay Ki Bela,” and “Konark.”
Mathur’s literary career began at the age of 12 in 1929 when he wrote the play “Murkheshwar Raja” for “Bal Sakha.” That same year, he also created the play “Lavkush.”
He contributed to the freedom struggle through his characters, reflecting the fight against oppression. During his government service, he realized he had become part of the oppressive system. The suffering of his fellow citizens deeply moved him, a sentiment he articulated in his 1937 one-act play “Bhor Ka Tara.”
To awaken the latent potential within him, Mathur turned to literary forms, particularly drama and one-act plays. He drew from history and mythology, using them as a backdrop to depict contemporary issues.
While his literary domain is vast, the forms he chose were somewhat limited. Mathur primarily focused on plays, one-act plays, essays, and sketches. His writings appeared in various magazines over time.
Remembering Jagdish Chandra Mathur is akin to recalling the revolution in communication media in India. Terms like “Akashvani” and “Doordarshan” are not just names; they embody the soul of Indian culture and identity. Mathur was a visionary writer who connected these concepts to Indian sensibilities.
As the country breathed the air of freedom, a new era of change and construction began. In this new phase, All India Radio also gained a new identity. Mathur played a pivotal role in renaming AIR to Akashvani and became its Director-General in 1954. He was instrumental in connecting numerous artists and writers with Akashvani. Later, when television was introduced in 1959, it was Mathur who named it Doordarshan.
Leave a Comment