Legendary Hindi Poet Kunwar Narayan Passes Away at 90

Jnanpith awardee, Kunwar Narayan.

(Photo Altered by The Quint)

Eminent Hindi poet and Jnanpith awardee Kunwar Narayan passed away in New Delhi at his home on the morning of Wednesday, 15 November. He was 90.

According to sources in his family, Kunwar Narayan had been in a coma since 4 July after suffering brain haemorrhage.

A fine intellect, a critical and rigorous rasik of music, cinema, poetry and philosophy, and a civilised human being, Kunwar Narayan will be sorely missed for his unfailing generosity, calm, inspiring intellect and creative presence.

Ashok Vajpeyi, Hindi poet and Raza Foundation managing trustee

Born on 9 September 1927 in Uttar Pradesh's Faizabad, Kunwar Narayan was known for his poetry, stories and critiques.

Apart from his first poetry collection "Chakravyuh", which is considered a landmark in Hindi literature, his other works, including "Atmajayee", "Apne Samne", "Koi Dusra Nahi", and "In Dinon", put him at the forefront of the literary world.

Along with other famous poets, he also made it to "Tisra Saptak", a literary series, edited by poet and journalist Agyeya.

While he received positive response for "Akaaron Ke Aas Paas", a collection of stories, his collection of literary criticism, "Aaj aur Aaj se Pehle", is also considered among his best works.

The Hindi poet was honoured with Jnanpith Award in 2005 and Padma Bhushan in 2009.

He was also bestowed the Premchand Award, Kabir Samman, Vyaas Samman, Shalaka Samman, Tulsi Award, Hindustani Akademi Award for "Atmajayee" and Sahitya Akademi Award for "Koi Doosra Naheen" among others.