1960s :: Statue of Munshi Premchand In Lamhi, Varanasi
India today remembered Munshi Premchand, one of its greatest literary icons, on his 89th death anniversary, with tributes pouring in from readers, writers, and cultural institutions across the country.
Born as Dhanpat Rai Srivastava in 1880 in Lamhi village near Varanasi, Premchand is celebrated for his timeless works that portrayed the struggles of ordinary Indians with honesty and compassion. Over his prolific career, he authored more than 300 short stories and 14 novels, exploring themes of caste, poverty, social injustice, and women’s rights.
Locals, students, and literary enthusiasts gathered at his memorial in Lamhi, offering flowers and reading excerpts from his stories such as Godaan, Nirmala, and Kafan. The event served as a reminder of his enduring influence on Hindi and Urdu literature.
On social media, platforms like Rekhta and thousands of users paid homage to the writer, praising his multilingual legacy and his unwavering social conscience. Many voices also called for better preservation and promotion of his ancestral home, urging authorities to protect it as a symbol of India’s rich literary heritage.
Munshi Premchand remains a towering figure whose words continue to inspire empathy, equality, and reform — values that resonate even today.