Gopal Das Neeraj is a renowned poet of India who has been living in hearts of over a million people via his poems. Aakanksha Unath explores the unknown facts from the life of this poet…
Chup Chup ashru bahane walo
Moti wyarth bahane walo
Kuch Sapno ke Mar jane se
Jivan nahi Mara Karta hai”
These lines are written by evergreen poet Gopal Das Neeraj.
Gopal Das Neeraj was a scribbler of verses. He was an Indian poet and author of Hindi Literature, whose 97th birth anniversary is being celebrated today.
He is remembered for his unmatchable poems.
Gopal Das Neeraj birth
Born in the village of Puranvali in Etawah district in UP on 4 January 1925, he lost his father when he was only 6. Financial difficulties compelled Neeraj Das to leave his mother too as he went Etawah to live with his aunt.
Gopal Das Neeraj birth education & struggle
After his education, he returned to his family and was looking for a meaningful employment.
He had interest in writing from the beginning but for making some handsome money, he had to work as a typist. He also worked as a wall painter for advertisements.
Gopal Das Neeraj first public event
Diverse life experiences and living through the emotional rollercoaster, moulded the poet within him. At the age of fourteen, Neeraj performed at his first public event. In 1942, he performed in a Kavi Samellan. There he received cash prize of Rs 5.
Neeraj is one of those rare Hindi poets who were equally well-versed in writing Urdu verses or Ghazals. He believed that any literature or poetry is alive not because of its wonderful arrangements or word play but because common people can easily remember and recite it.
He used the most simple and common words from the mixed language, referred to as Hindustani, with great effect to construct his poetry and lyrics.
Gopal Das Neeraj and Bollywood
He also made his entry in Hindi films where wrote lyrics for songs such as shokhiyon mein ghola jaye, dil aaj shayar hai, rangeela re, phoolon ke rang se, khilte hain gul yahan, aye bhai zara dekh ke chalo, likhe jo khat . This songs are mused by us today also.
Neeraj also said that he would live to a 100 but due to ill health he passed at the age of 93 on 19th July 2018.
Gopal Das donated his body after his death
After his death, he donated his body to medical institute AMU.
Today, he remembered between us for his humanity and his poems.
His poetry provides a healing touch to us and relaxes our souls too.