7

Feb

A Tribute Anup ji and his huge contribution to Hindi Satire

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Ram Kishore Upadhyay

Lucknow | Friday | 7 February 2025

The cruel hands of death have snatched from us a pillar of the literary world of Hindi satire and journalism, Shri Anup Srivastava, a man of many talents. His sudden demise has shocked not only me but his family, a large number of friends and litterateurs.

A person with glasses and a blue shirt AI-generated content may be incorrect. I vividly remember the day of the World Book Fair in 2015 when Lalit Lalitya, the editor of the National Book Trust, introduced me to Anup Srivastava. After that, my relationship with him grew stronger day by day. It is difficult to estimate my loss due to his departure - he had become my elder brother, mentor and guide. He was always ready to go anywhere with me. Recently in November, we both stayed together for three days in Jabalpur to receive the Kadambari Samman.

 

Article at a Glance
The sudden passing of Anup Srivastava, a prominent figure in Hindi satire and journalism, has left a profound void in the literary community. Known for his unwavering dedication to literature, Srivastava was a mentor and guide to many, including the author of the tribute.
He played a pivotal role in Hindi journalism for nearly 50 years, serving as editor of "Swatantra Bharat" and founding the satire magazine "Atthhas," which he published continuously for 25 years. Srivastava also established the Madhyam Sahitya Sansthan, contributing significantly to Hindi literature and nurturing numerous writers.
His commitment to the literary world was evident when he donated award prize money to support "Atthhas." Anup Srivastava's legacy as a skilled satirist and organizer of literary events will be cherished, and his influence will continue to inspire future generations. His loss is deeply felt among friends, family, and the literary community.

In our ten- year association, we organized many successful programmes of Atthaas across the country. He gave me the freedom to write editorials in the monthly 'Atthhas'. I have no hesitation in accepting that he has shaped me as a satirist.

For nearly 50 years Anup ji was associated with Hindi journalism. After working in several for many Hindi publications he settled with   Swatantra Bharat of Lucknow and eventually became its editor. He also served as editorial advisor of the Hindi thought journal Media Map and was the editor of the children's magazine 'Gilhari' of the Child Welfare Research Council.

He made a big contribution to Hindi literature, especially satire. He established Madhyam Sahitya Sansthan 63 years ago on the advice and guidance of literary stalwarts like Dr Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Dr Shiv mangal Singh Suman, Dr Vidya Niwas Mishra, Thakur Prasad Singh and Dr Chandradev Singh. He continued to serve as its General Secretary till the end. Madhyam Sahitya Sansthan is known not only in the country but also abroad due to its contribution to the cause of Hindi.

Anup ji has established a new record in the literary magazine by publishing the famous satire magazine 'Atthhas Hasya Vyangya Monthly' without a break for the last twenty-five years. Atthhas

The demise of Anup Shrivastav ji, the pillar of Hindi satire and journalism, is an irreparable loss. His life was a symbol of unwavering dedication towards literature, journalism and humour-satire. From a reputed magazine like "Atthhas" to thousands of literary events, he gave a new height to satirical writing. He was a true guide, mentor and source of inspiration. His contribution will always be remembered.

He has an unparalleled contribution to giving recognition at the international level. He kept avoiding taking any honour. In 2023, when Yuva Utkarsh Sahitya Manch gave him the Bharatendu Harishchandra Shikhar Award, he did not take a single penny in his account but deposited the prize money of eleven thousand rupees in the account of Atthhas magazine. This dedication of his to literature and Atthhas magazine is also a vivid example of his spirit. Not only this, he also made a record of giving 'Atthhas Shikhar' and 'Atthhas Yuva Samman' for forty-five years under the banner of Madhyam Sahitya Sansthan. Both these awards are considered the most prestigious awards in Hindi literature today. He has honoured more than sixty satire writers including Sharad Joshi, Manohar Shyam Joshi, Latif Ghonghi, Gopal Prasad Vyas, Dr Narendra Kohli, Ravindra Nath Tyagi, Dr Gyan Chaturvedi, Dr Prem Janamejay, Dr Harish Naval, Suryabala, Manik Verma, Subhash Chander, Balram and Suresh Kant so far. Along with this, he remained associated with regular writing for Dharmyug, Saptahik Hindustan, Dinman, Kadambini, and Sunday English fortnightly 'Probe'.

Anup ji was the coordinator of established events like Lucknow Festival, Kumbh Festival, Ganga Festival, and Mussoorie Festival and was the mastermind of more than ten thousand Kavi sammelans. Along with writing Kaanv Kaanv column for about thirty-six years, he has left an indelible mark on satire writing under pseudonyms like Ghagh Lucknowi Teerindaj, Baithe Thaale etc. On his recommendation, the Uttar Pradesh government organised the programmes of 'Atthhas' as a government programme for forty years continuously and all the litterateurs present were made state guests. I have also been a state guest at these events. This remarkable achievement is recorded with great respect in the account of Anup Shrivastava ji.

The creative journey of 82-year-old senior journalist, poet and writer Anup Shrivastava, who lived every moment of literature, never got tired, rather it continued till the end. His contribution to  Hindi literature, especially poetry and satire genre, is a source of inspiration for the young generation. The loss caused by his departure from the field of Hindi literature, especially satire writing, will be felt for a long time. Anup Srivastava will always be remembered as a skilled gardener of the nursery of satire. Anup Srivastava ji lived his life to the fullest and faced every struggle with a smile.

The demise of Anup Shrivastav ji, the pillar of Hindi satire and journalism, is an irreparable loss. His life was a symbol of unwavering dedication towards literature, journalism and humour-satire. From a reputed magazine like "Atthhas" to thousands of literary events, he gave a new height to satirical writing. He was a true guide, mentor and source of inspiration. His contribution will always be remembered. He will be sorely missed by his friends and well-wishers.

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