Manglesh Dabral

Manglesh Dabral (16 May 1948 – 9 December 2020) was a distinguished Indian Hindi poet, journalist, and literary figure, recognized for his profound contributions to contemporary Hindi poetry. His works, marked by their simple yet evocative language, reflect deep emotional and social themes, often expressing his longing for his homeland in the hills of Uttarakhand and addressing the human condition, displacement, and alienation.

Early Life

Born in Kaphalpani, a village in the Princely State of Tehri Garhwal (now part of Uttarakhand), Manglesh Dabral spent his formative years in the scenic hills of northern India. He completed his education in Dehradun, a city in Uttarakhand, which played a pivotal role in shaping his worldview. His early experiences in the hills, surrounded by nature, deeply influenced the themes of his poetry.

Career

Dabral moved to Delhi in the late 1960s, where he began working for Hindi-language newspapers, including Hindi Patriot, Pratipaksh, and Aaspaas. He later moved to Bhopal and worked as an editor at Bharat Bhavan’s Purvagrah before taking up roles in prominent publications like Amrit Prabhat (Allahabad and Lucknow), Jansatta, and Sahara Samay. He was notably the editor of Jansatta’s Sunday magazine, Ravivari, and played a significant role in mentoring new Hindi writers.

Dabral was also an editorial consultant for the National Book Trust and edited the Hindi magazine Public Agenda. His versatility as both a journalist and poet earned him recognition as a key figure bridging literature and journalism in India.

Poetry and Prose

Dabral published several poetry collections, including Pahar Par Lalten (Lamp on the Hills), Ghar Ka Rasta (The Way Home), and Ham Jo Dekhte Hain (What We See), the latter of which won him the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 2000. His poetry is known for its simplicity, emotional depth, and subtle critique of society. Dabral also wrote prose works such as Lekhak Ki Roti (The Writer’s Bread) and Kavi Ka Akelapan (Loneliness of a Poet), which explore his reflections on the life of a writer and poet.

His works have been translated into several languages, including English, Russian, German, French, Spanish, and more, earning him recognition both within India and internationally. Dabral’s translations include Arundhati Roy’s The Ministry of Utmost Happiness into Hindi as Apar Khushi Ka Gharana.

Political and Social Views

Manglesh Dabral was an outspoken critic of political regimes, using his poetry and journalistic writings to voice dissent. He famously returned his Sahitya Akademi Award in 2015, joining a growing list of writers protesting the government’s handling of social and political issues. His poetry often reflected his concerns about the nation’s direction, and his final work, Naye Yug Men Shatru (Foes in the Modern World), was considered a poignant commentary on contemporary affairs.

Legacy

Dabral’s poetic style brought a new sensibility to Hindi literature. His understated, yet powerful language continues to resonate with readers. Hindi poet Asad Zaidi praised his ability to bring magic to Hindi poetry in a quiet, subtle manner. Dabral’s exploration of home, displacement, and longing for the hills gave voice to those who feel disconnected from their roots in modern society.

He was recognized as one of the foremost contemporary Hindi poets, and his works are widely regarded as crucial to understanding modern Indian poetry. Dabral’s journalism, too, made a lasting impact by providing a platform for marginalized voices.

Personal Life and Death

Manglesh Dabral was married and had a daughter and a son. He passed away on 9 December 2020, at the age of 72, due to complications from COVID-19. He was initially treated at a private hospital in Ghaziabad before being admitted to AIIMS, New Delhi, where his condition worsened.

Notable Works

• Poetry: Pahar Par Lalten (Lamp on the Hills), Ghar Ka Rasta (The Way Home), Ham Jo Dekhte Hain (What We See), Awaz Bhi Ek Jagah Hai (Voice Is Also a Place), Naye Yug Men Shatru (Foes in the Modern World)
• Prose: Lekhak Ki Roti (The Writer’s Bread), Kavi Ka Akelapan (Loneliness of a Poet), Ek Bar Iowa (Once Iowa)

Manglesh Dabral’s poetic and journalistic legacy endures, offering timeless reflections on human existence, societal struggles, and the beauty of the natural world. His work continues to inspire new generations of readers and writers alike.

FAQs about Manglesh Dabral

Who was Manglesh Dabral?
Manglesh Dabral (1948–2020) was a renowned Hindi poet, journalist, and editor, widely regarded for his contributions to contemporary Hindi poetry and literature. He was also known for his critical social commentary and activism, especially through his poetry and journalistic work.

What were some of Manglesh Dabral’s most famous works?
Some of his popular works include poetry collections such as Pahar Par Lalten (Lamp on the Hills), Ghar Ka Rasta (The Way Home), and Ham Jo Dekhte Hain (What We See). He also authored prose works like Kavi Ka Akelapan (Loneliness of a Poet) and Lekhak Ki Roti (The Writer’s Bread).

Did Manglesh Dabral receive any awards for his work?
Yes, Manglesh Dabral was honored with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 2000 for his poetry collection Ham Jo Dekhte Hain (What We See). He was also recognized for his contribution to Hindi literature and journalism.

What themes did Manglesh Dabral’s poetry explore?
Dabral’s poetry delved into themes of longing, displacement, home, and the struggle between the city and rural life, particularly his connection to the hills of Uttarakhand. His works also commented on social and political issues, often expressing dissent.

Was Manglesh Dabral involved in journalism?
Yes, Manglesh Dabral had an extensive career in journalism. He worked for several prominent Hindi-language newspapers, including Hindi Patriot, Jansatta, and Purvagrah. He was known for his role as the editor of Jansatta’s Sunday magazine, Ravivari, and for mentoring a generation of Hindi writers.

Why did Manglesh Dabral return his Sahitya Akademi Award?
In 2015, Dabral returned his Sahitya Akademi Award in protest against the Indian government’s handling of social and political issues, joining a larger movement where many writers returned their awards to express dissent over the growing climate of intolerance.

What was Manglesh Dabral’s connection to Uttarakhand?
Manglesh Dabral was born in Kaphalpani, a village in the Tehri Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. His connection to the hills of Uttarakhand was deeply reflected in his poetry, which often explored themes of home and displacement.

When did Manglesh Dabral pass away?
Manglesh Dabral passed away on 9 December 2020, at the age of 72, due to complications from COVID-19. He had been undergoing treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi, after being admitted from a private hospital in Ghaziabad.

What made Manglesh Dabral’s poetry unique?
Dabral’s poetry was known for its simplicity, emotional depth, and subtle critique of society. He was credited with bringing a new sensibility to Hindi poetry by using low-key and precise language to convey complex emotions and social issues. His works resonated with readers for their intimate portrayal of human experience.

Was Manglesh Dabral involved in translations?
Yes, Dabral also worked as a translator. He translated Arundhati Roy’s Booker Prize-winning novel The Ministry of Utmost Happiness into Hindi, under the title Apar Khushi Ka Gharana.

Manglesh Dabral was a highly influential figure in contemporary Hindi literature, known for his poignant poetry, journalistic work, and social activism. His writing reflected his deep connection to the hills of Uttarakhand, his longing for home, and his critique of social and political issues. Dabral’s poetry, marked by its simplicity, emotional depth, and subtle dissent, continues to resonate with readers, offering a profound insight into the complexities of human experience. His legacy, marked by his literary achievements and his role as a mentor to many Hindi writers, remains an enduring influence on Indian literature.