Kanhaiyalal Sethia

Kanhaiyalal Sethia Biography

Kanhaiyalal Sethia was an accomplished Indian poet associated with Hindi and Rajasthani languages. He was also known as a freedom fighter, social worker, reformer, philanthropist and environmentalist. A native of Rajasthan he passively supported making Rajasthani the mother tongue at union level. A noted poet, his patriotic love towards his mother tongue was clearly visible in his poems. His poems also reflected the silent change of rural Rajasthan, and included the elements of nature, universal humanism, philosophy, humility and devotion. Rajasthan’s anthem, Dharti Dhoran Ri was penned by Kanhaiyalal Sethia. He is a recipient of Padma Shri.

He was born on September 11, 1919 in Sujangarh of Churu District, Rajasthan to Chhagan Mal Sethia and Manohari Devi. He had two siblings – a brother and a sister. Ramaniyai ra soratha was his first collection of poems. It exhibited traditional style of didactic poetry rich in images and similes. Some of his popular Rajasthani poems include - Aghori kala, Leek Lakodia, Kakko Kod Ro, Minjhara, Kum kum, Lilatamsa, Dhara kuncham dhara majalam, Hemani, Mayada Ro Helo, Sabada, Satavani and Deeth. Many of his poems have attained cult status in Rajasthan. "Dharti Dhoran Ri" is recognized as the anthem song of Rajasthan.

Though known for his immense love towards his mother tongue Rajasthani, he has contributed 18 books in Hindi. National award winning documentary Land of the Sand Dunes was based on his popular song - Dharti Dhoran Ri, which is recognized as Rajasthan’s anthem. "Pathal 'R' Pithal" and "Kun Jameen Ro Dhani" – are also extremely popular Rajasthani songs written by Sethia. United States Library of Congress chose him as a literary genius of 20^th century. His work Lilatamsa earned him Sahitya Akademi Award. Sahithya Vascahpati by the Hindi Sahitya Sammelan and Sahitya Manishi by the Sahitya Academy, Udaipur are the major honours received by him, apart from Padma Shri.

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Updated: February 27, 2016