Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to celebrated Hindi-Urdu writer Munshi Premchand on his birth anniversary, saying his timeless literary works, rooted in realism and social equality, will continue to inspire generations.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister described Premchand as one of India’s greatest storytellers whose writings continue to resonate with readers.
“Through his timeless works, he gave powerful expression to human emotions, an expression that remains relevant to this day. He also made an invaluable contribution to bringing global recognition to the literary heritage of Kashi, the land of his birth and his life’s work. His immortal literature, rooted in realism and social equality, will forever remain a source of inspiration for the people of the country,” the Prime Minister said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid homage to Premchand, describing him as the “Katha Samrat” (Emperor of Storytelling). He said the celebrated author vividly portrayed social inequalities, exploitation and human suffering through his writings while also capturing the emotions and sensibilities of children with remarkable simplicity.
Shah said Premchand’s literature continues to serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for meaningful and socially conscious writing.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also remembered the literary icon, saying Premchand’s works reflected the realities, struggles and aspirations of Indian society and remain a powerful record of the country’s social and cultural life.
He said the author’s writings continue to inspire people with the values of equality, social justice and humanity.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also paid tribute, describing Premchand as a visionary writer who gave voice to the struggles and dignity of people on the margins of society.
She said his literary works would continue to inspire social awareness, compassion and patriotism.
Born in 1880, Munshi Premchand is regarded as one of the foremost writers of modern Indian literature. Writing in both Hindi and Urdu, he introduced realism and social consciousness into Indian fiction through novels, short stories and essays.
His literary oeuvre includes over 300 short stories, 14 novels and numerous essays, many of which portray the lives of peasants, labourers, women and marginalised communities against the backdrop of early twentieth-century India. His enduring works continue to occupy a central place in Indian literature and remain widely read across generations.
-ANI
