Kavyanjali: The Life And Works Of Legendery Poet Gopal Das ‘Neeraj’

Today, a special program will be held at the Press Club of India in Delhi to commemorate the sixth death anniversary of renowned poet, lyricist, and writer Gopal Das ‘Neeraj’. The event, starting at 6:30 pm, is being organized by the Gopaldas Trust, Bharat Express, Hindi Academy, and Mahakavi Gopaldas Neeraj Foundation Trust.

Gopaldas ‘Neeraj’ was born on January 4, 1925, in Puravali village of Etawah district, Uttar Pradesh. After completing his high school education in Etah, he initially worked as a typist in the Etawah court and later found employment in a cinema hall. Alongside various odd jobs, he pursued his M.A. in Hindi Literature in 1953 and ventured into teaching.

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His popularity soared in Kavi Sammelans, leading to opportunities in Bombay where he began his career as a lyricist for films. He gain significant acclaim and  thrice nominate for the Filmfare Award. Eventually, he grew disenchanted with life in Bombay and returned to Aligarh.

Neeraj published his first poetry collection ‘Sangharsh’ in 1944. His extensive body of work includes collections such as Antardhwani, Vibhavari, Pranageet, Dard Diya Hai, Baadal Bars Gayo, Muktki, Do Geet, Neeraj Ki Paati, Geet Bhi Ageet Bhi, Asavari, Nadi Kinare, Caravan Guzar Gaya, Phir Deep Jalega, Tumhare Liye, among others.

Moreover, he received several accolades including the Vishwa Urdu Parishad Award and Yash Bharti. The Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri in 1991 and the Padma Bhushan in 2007. Recognizing his contributions, the Uttar Pradesh government appointed him as the Chairman of Bhasha Sansthan, elevating him to the status of a cabinet minister.