Harishankar Parsai

Writer, Satirist

Indian Jamani, Central Provinces and Berar, British India

Quick Info

ProfessionWriter, Satirist
NationalityIndian
Date of Birth22/08/1922
Age72 years (died on 10, Aug, 1995)
BirthplaceJamani, Central Provinces and Berar, British India
Date of Death10/08/1995

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Bio/Wiki

Harishankar Parsai was a renowned Hindi writer and noted satirist and humorist of modern Hindi literature, known for his simple and direct style.
He wrote vyangya (Hindi satire) articles that depicted human values and nature, reflecting his critical thinking and humorous approach to describing simple things with profound meanings.
He served as a pilot in World War II before pursuing writing full-time.
After India's independence, he quit his government job in the forest department and focused entirely on writing.

Physical Stats & More

Eye ColorBlack
Hair ColorSalt and Pepper

Educational Qualification(s)

Master's of arts in theology and ministry in Hindi (M.A.T.M.)Nagpur University
Bachelor's degreeHitkarini College, Jabalpur
Master's of Arts in Hindi (M.A.)Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University

Personal Life

He was born in Jamnia village near Itarsi in Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh.
He settled in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, where he spent much of his literary career.

Relationships & More

Marital StatusUnmarried

Family

FatherJumak Lalu Prasad
MotherChampa Bai
SiblingsHe had four siblings.

Career

DebutLiterary Magazine: 'Vasudha'
Awards
  • Sahitya Akademi Award (1982)
  • Sharad Joshi Award (1992)
Notable Works
  • Viklang Shraddha Ka Daur
  • Mujhe Amrita Chahiye
  • Sikka Badal Gaya
  • Premchand Ke Phate Joote
  • Tirichhi Rekhayein
  • Thithurta Hua Ganatantra
  • Nidhalle Ki Diary
  • Apni Apni Beemari
  • Inspector Matadeen on the Moon: Selected Satires
  • Pagdandiyon Ka Zamana
Career Start1947 (independent writing); 1942 (government job in forest department at age 18)
Literary MagazineVasudha (founded in Jabalpur; discontinued due to economic losses despite high popularity)

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Harishankar Parsai was a celebrated Indian writer known for his humorous and satirical style in Hindi literature.
2. He was honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1982 for his satirical work 'Viklaang Shraddha ka daur.'
3. After losing his parents at a young age, he took care of his four siblings.
4. He initiated the literary magazine 'Vasudha,' which eventually had to be discontinued due to financial difficulties.
5. In the Hindi newspaper 'Deshbandhu,' he engaged with readers through a column called 'Poochhiye Parsai Se.'
6. His writings are featured in Hindi textbooks by NCERT, with 'Premchand Ke Phate Joote' being a well-known satirical piece.
7. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1982 for his work 'Viklaang Shraddha Ka Daur.'
8. The TV show 'Parsai Kehate Hain' serialized many of his stories, broadcasted on DD National in the early 2000s.
9. One of his exceptional satires is the essay 'A Sorted Man.'
10. Harishankar Parsai believed that a content life stems from avoiding questions that bring emotional pain.
11. He started his career as a teacher before dedicating himself to writing.
12. His art of satire writing in Hindi was revolutionary and addressed hypocrisy, corruption, contradictions, and dishonesty in Indian society.
13. His satirical essays served as literature against exploitation and social injustice.
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