Amar Kant

Amar Kant Biography

Amar Kant is a noted writer of Hindi literature most popular for the work - Inhin Hathiyaron (Novel). This novel earned him Kendra Sahitya Academy Awards in 2007. His short stories like 'Hatiyare', 'Dopahar ka Bhojan' and 'Diptee Kalaktari' are added to syllabus of various universities. When Jnanpith awards for the year 2009 and 2010 were declared in 2011 by Jnanpith award winner Dr. Sitakant Mahapatra, Amar Kant too was selected. He was given Jnanpith for the year 2009 along with Sri Lal Sukla for his contributions to Hindi literature.

Amar Kant’s short stories are often compared with the great ‘Premchand’ and is certainly is credited to add something better in that tradition by his own individuality. Yet it’s very shocking to know that the prominent writer who conquered millions of hearts through his powerful works and whose books are studied by school and college days, is fighting against diseases and poverty during his 90’s. It’s a great shame to this country and literary world when the shocking news was revealed by this author himself that he has already sold many of his original manuscripts at throwaway prices to meet daily requirements of food and medicine.  He now even fears that he may be forced to sell his awards and medals in need of money as he is not able to meet even the monthly medical expenses of rupees 5000.

"I have sold my works to publishers, who have cheated me and have not paid the money. I am ready to sell all my awards, including the Sahitya Academy Award. I need money to survive," Kant says. Amar Kant is now fighting against penury. Now also he writes to earn a living. As he suffers from osteomyelitis — an infection of bones caused by bacteria, he is not able to hold pen and his son Aravind Bindu dictates his work. He is not willing to accept money as source of charity, but wants government to give him justice related to royalty issues.

A few of his works include – Aakash pakshi, Ek Dhani Vayakti Ka Bayan, Inhin Hathiyaron Se, Sukha Patta, Kale-Ujale din, Mittramilman Tatha Anya Kahaniyan , Sunnar Pandey Ki Patoh, Sukh Aur Dukh Ka Sath , Pratinidhi Kahaniyan : Amarkant , Gram sevika, Bich Ki Diwar and Desh Ke log.

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Updated: November 19, 2013