Kanwal Bharti
| Kanwal Bharti | |
|---|---|
| Born |
4 February 1953 Rampur, Uttar Pradesh |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Writer and columnist |
Kanwal Bharti (born 4 February 1953) is an Indian Dalit writer and columnist.[1]
Background and education
Kanwal Bharti, the son of a cobbler, was born and raised in the slums of the Rampur district of Uttar Pradesh.[2] At the age of 15, he started writing poetry and articles to highlight the sorry condition of Dalits. While pursuing his graduate studies, Bharti became a columnist for the Hindi weekly newspaper Sahkari Yuga. After struggling for years in poverty, his poetry was discovered and he shot to fame.
Career
His work has now been included in course books prescribed by Delhi University, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Allahabad University, Aligarh Muslim University and Lucknow University. His most notable works include two poems, Tab Tumhari Nishtha Kya Hogi and Shambook, besides a criticism titled Philosophy of Dalit Literature. Bharti has written 15 books.
Arrest
Bharti was arrested on 6 August 2013 for criticizing the stand of the Government of Uttar Pradesh in the Durga Nagpal case.[3][4] On 16 August 2013, the Supreme Court of India asked the Government of Uttar Pradesh to clarify their justification for Bharti's arrest.[5]
Award
Bharti is a recipient of the Dr Ambedkar National Award (1996) and the Bhim Ratna Award (2001) for his work.
References
- ↑ Religion and Identity in South Asia and Beyond: Essays in Honor of Patrick, Steven E. Lindquist(ed.), Anthem Press (USA), p. 362, ISBN 978-0-85728-790-8
- ↑ Omar Rashid (30 August 2013). "Education, not caste politics". The Hindu. Retrieved 2 October 2013.
- ↑ "Writer Kanwal Bharti arrested for Facebook post supporting Durga Nagpal". Biharprabha News. 6 August 2013. Retrieved 6 August 2013.
- ↑ "Dalit writer held for FB post criticising Akhilesh, Azam over Nagpal suspension". Financial Express. 7 August 2013. Retrieved 7 August 2013.
- ↑ "Supreme Court seeks explanation on arresting". Financial Express. 16 August 2013. Retrieved 16 August 2013.
External links
- Kanwal Bharti on Facebook