It is necessary to remember the works of the great critic of Hindi literature, Dr. Namvar Singh, on his death anniversary. He died on 19 February 2019 at the age of 92, but his work like ‘Naye Paradiman of Poetry’ remains an inspiration even today. He took criticism to new heights.
Born on 28 July 1926 in Jeyanpur, Chandauli, the initial journey of Namvar Singh started with poetry. His first work was published in ‘Kshatriyamitra’ in 1941. After receiving higher education from Kashi Hindu University, he started teaching. A deep understanding of criticism developed in the company of Acharya Hazari Prasad Dwivedi.
His major works are the pillars of the Hindi world. The ‘New Paradigm of Poetry’ created the standards of modern poetry, for which it received the Sahitya Akademi Award. Analysis of shadowy beauty in ‘Chhayavad’, exploration of alternative currents in ‘Search of another tradition’, historical relations in ‘History and Criticism’, and reflection of his polemical style in ‘Debate and Dialogue’.
Apart from Hindi, Namvar, proficient in Urdu, Bengali and Sanskrit, edited ‘Janyug’ and ‘Alochana’. Contested elections on Communist ticket in 1959, then taught in Sagar, Jodhpur and JNU. Became the founder of Language Center in JNU.
Received many honors including Sahitya Akademi Fellowship. His progressive vision will continue to give new direction to Hindi literature.
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