Delhi, 1 November (H.S.): Professor Ramdarash Mishra, a revered figure in Hindi literature and a recent recipient of the Padma Shri, passed away on Friday night at his residence in Dwarka, Delhi. Having completed his centenary year, the distinguished author breathed his last after a prolonged period of age-related ailments. His final rites are scheduled to be held at 11:00 AM today at the Manglapuri cremation ground in Palam, according to his family.

Born on August 15, 1924, in the village of Dumri in Gorakhpur, Prof. Mishra's illustrious literary journey spanned over eight decades. In recognition of his immense contributions to literature and education, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honor, in 2025. He was also the recipient of the prestigious Saraswati Samman in 2021 for his poetry collection Main to Yahan Hun and the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2015 for his collection Aag ki Hansi.

Prof. Mishra's academic and literary careers were deeply intertwined. After completing his early education in his native village, he pursued higher studies at Banaras Hindu University, where he earned his M.A. and Ph.D. He began his teaching career in 1956 at M.S. University, Baroda, and later taught at several colleges in Gujarat before joining Delhi University in 1964, making the city his permanent home.

A prolific writer across genres, Prof. Mishra began writing poetry around 1940, with his first collection, Path ke Geet, published in 1951. His vast body of work includes 32 poetry collections, 15 novels, and numerous short story collections, essays, and memoirs. His writings, celebrated for their deep connection to both rural and urban realities, have left an indelible mark on Hindi literature.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar