On November 1, as India celebrates National Author's Day, we remember those writers whose words have guided generations. Among them, one shining and immortal star of Hindi literature is Harivansh Rai Bachchan (1907-2003) - whose poetry remains as alive and relevant today as it was in his lifetime.

Born in a small village, Babupatti, near Allahabad (now Prayagraj) in Uttar Pradesh, Harivansh Rai 'Bachchan' not only elevated Hindi poetry to new heights but also connected it deeply with the language and emotions of the common man. Fondly called 'Bachchan' in childhood, he carried that name with him forever - and became immortal by it.

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From Teacher to Craftsman of Verse

Harivansh Rai Bachchan taught at Allahabad University and later served as a Hindi specialist in the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Belonging to a Kayastha family, he was among the leading poets of the Chhayavaad era - known for blending poetry with philosophy and reflections on life.

His most celebrated work, 'Madhushala,' continues to enchant readers across generations. Along with Madhubala and Madhukalash, his works celebrate life, love, and the spirit of struggle.

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Other major works include Agneepath, Tera Haar, Nisha Nimantran (1938), Ekant Sangeet (1939), Satrangini, and Do Chattanen.
Bachchan also penned an extraordinary four-part autobiography - Kya Bhooloon Kya Yaad Karoon, Need Ka Nirman Phir, Basere Se Door, and Dashdwaar Se Sopan Tak - which stand not only as a record of his life but as a timeless treasure of Hindi prose.

Honors and Contributions

Harivansh Rai Bachchan received the Sahitya Akademi Award (1968) for his collection Do Chattanen and was honored with the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 1976. Alongside poetry, he made significant contributions to Hindi memoir writing and literary translations.

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Amitabh and a Father's Philosophy

Bachchan's life was not only that of a poet but also of a deeply sensitive father. Once, when a young Amitabh Bachchan was studying at Sherwood College, Nainital, he was set to perform as Prince Ferdinand in Shakespeare's The Tempest. His parents had arrived to watch him perform, but the night before the play, Amitabh fell ill with a high fever and couldn't go on stage.