Girija Kumar Mathur

Girija Kumar Mathur Biography

Girija Kumar Mathur was a renowned poet and lyricist, best known for writing the famous inspirational poem, “Hum Honge Kamyaab”; actually a translation of the popular protest song – “We Shall Overcome” - key anthem of the African-American Civil Rights Movement. The song is quite popular among school-children and political activists since it was popularized through Doordarshan in the late 1970s or early 1980s, where Mathur served as deputy director-general of Doordarshan. It’s often seen as a patriotic as well as inspirational song.

Mathur was conferred the Vyas Samman by the K. K. Birla Foundation. He retired as deputy director-general of Doordarshan in 1978. He published his first collection of poems, Manjir in 1941. He was married and had three children. He passed away at the age of 73 on January 10, 1994. His book - “Mujhe Aur Abhi Kehna Hai” – tells everything about his poetic journey.

Girija Kumar Mathur was born on 22 August 1919 in Guna of Madhya Pradesh. During the years of struggle of Indian independence, he wrote several inspirational poems. His primary education was done at Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. He completed both MA English and LLB from Lucknow University. For a short period he practised law. Later he worked in Delhi station, All India Radio. Then he joined Doordarshan and served for long years till his retirement as deputy director-general in 1978.

Apart from his famous inspirational poem, “Hum honge Kamyab”, he has also published several books. Some of his noted poetic works are Nasha Aur Nirmaan, Dhoop[ Ke Dhaan, Shilapankh Chamkeele and Bheetari Nadi Ke Yaatra, apart from his play – Kavya Sangrah Janm Kaid and his critic work – Nayi Kavitha – Seemayein Aur Sambhavanayein.

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Updated: December 24, 2015