Bekal Utsahi

Bekal Utsahi
Bekal Utsahi in 2013
Born 1 June 1924
Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Died 3 December 2016(2016-12-03) (aged 92)[1]
New Delhi, India
Residence New Delhi, Balrampur
Nationality Indian
Occupation Poet, writer, politician
Organization Indian National Congress
Known for National Integration, Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb
Spouse(s) Begum Sughra Rose
Relatives Afroz Ahmad (son in law)
Website http://bekalutsahi.webs.com

Muhammad Shafi Ali Khan often referred to asBekal Utsahi (1928 – 3 December 2016) was a poet, writer and politician. He was a congressman close to Indira Gandhi and a Member of Parliament in the Upper House Rajya sabha. He received several national awards, including the Padma Shri and Yash Bharti.

Early life

Bekal Utsahi was a former member of Rajya Sabha. In 1976 he received the Padmashree Award in literature. During a visit to the Mazar of Hazrat Vaaris Ali Shah of Dewa Sharif in 1945 Shah Hafiz Pyare Miyan quoted, "Bedam Gaya Bekal aaya". After that incident Mohammad Shafi Khan changed his name as "Bekal Varsi". During the period of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1952 an interesting event happened, which resulted in the emergence of Utsahi. There was an election programme of congress party in Gonda at that time. Bekal Varsi welcomed Nehru with his poetry "Kisan Bharat Ka". Nehru was very much impressed and said, "Yeh hamara utsahi shayar hai". Finally he is known as Bekal Utsahi in the literary world.

Politics

Utsahi was actively involved with Indian National Congress and very close to Indira Gandhi. He was nominated by congress as a Member of Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, because of his contribution for national integration.[2] He was also Member of National Integration Council chaired by Prime Minister of India.[3]

Awards

Utsahi received the Padma Shri award in 1976. He received Yash Bharti Award from Uttar Pradesh Government.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Baikal Utsahi, poet, writer and politician, is no more. etemaaddaily.com (3 December 2016)
  2. ↑ List of Former Members of Rajya Sabha (Term Wise). Rajya Sabha Secretariat.
  3. ↑ Re-constitution of the National Integration Council. Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs (5 April 2010) . Retrieved on 3 December 2016.
  4. ↑ Akhilesh honours 56 achievers with Yash Bharti. Times of India (10 February 2015). Retrieved on 2016-12-03.
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