Eminent literateur Himanshu Joshi remembered. Speakers lauded his outstanding contribution in the field of literature.

Several intellectuals, scribes, writers, theatre activists, representatives of social organisations and people from regional films paid their rich tributes to the eminent literateur, author, journalist and thinker late Himanshu Joshi at Garhwal Bhawan precincts in a SMRITI SABHA organised by Garhwal Hiteshini Sabha, Delhi where all the speakers pledged to follow the ideals and principles of late Himanshu Joshi and contribute in pursuing his goals ahead by way of strengthening harmony in the society and preserving n promoting our national language hindi as well as the regional culture, ethos, heritage and languages of Garhwal, Kumaon n Jaunsar Bhabhar of Uttarakhand from where this great literateur primarily belonged.
All those present also paid their floral tributes to this great personality of his time.

Prominent amongst those who spoke on the ocassion were senior journalist and editior of Dainik Bhaskar Gyanendra Pandey, Film director Sushila Rawat, eminent writer and literateur Dr. Pankaj Bisht, Budakoti, writer Hema Uniyal, senior journalist Papnai, Hem Pant, theaterist Hari Semwal, GHS President Mohabbat Singh Rana, journalist Sushma Dhyani Jugran, Charu Tiwari, Dhirendra Pratap, theatrist Khushal Sigh Bisht, prominent actor n writer Hem Pant, Sanyogita and others.

Paying their richest tributes to late Himanshu Joshi, all the speakers praised him for being a great literateur, thinker, author and above all a great human being who despite of his incessant contribution to the society by way of his several authored prestigious books and myriad number of articles, dramas, poetries n research papers he never aspired to seek any publicity for becoming popular but rather preferrred to be modest in living and pursuing his intellectual goals.

His writings were near the truth n realities. he wrote the literature symbolysing ethics, principles and moral standards. He was a true inspirer who always wrote without claiming monetary benefits and established the most ethical journalistic and ethical norms in the society being an eminent writer n veteran journalist as well particularly during his protracted stint as the editor of the prestigious magazine Saaptahik Hindustan. He always promoted Hindi to the hilt and his writings n literature represented the cultural heritage and traditional values of Uttarakhand. Himanshu Joshi acknowleged national and international recognition through his exceptional and outstanding writing and literature from a scrap having taken birth in a small Village of Uttarakhand in 1955 n carving a niche for himself through his hard work, sincerety, intelligence, commitment, determination and zeal to be a big man one day.

The entire literature community feels a huge vaccum afyer his sad demise difficult to be filled ever said majority of the speakers. The meeting was ably conducted by Dr. Pawan Maithani.

It may be recalled that eminent literateur, author, veteran journalist, thinker, musician and above all a magnificient human being Himanshu Joshi breathed his last at the age of 83 after a prolonged illness though was still active in literary circles.

Born on 4th May 1935 in Uttarakhand, then the Kumaon hill region of undivided Uttar Pradesh , Josyudha village in district Almora, Himanshu Joshi had been an avid music lover having sought musical training under the able guidance of Ustad Ishtiyaq Hussain Khan of Rampur’s reputed Sahasyan Gharana.

He completed his mass communication from Jamia Millia Islamia finally entering the world of active journalism despite his immense taste for music, Ghazals and poetry.

For the very first time Himanshu Joshi joined the then prestigious publication of Hindustan Times” The Saptahik Hindustan as a journalist finally to lead it as the editor for a long time.

Eminent story writer and literature of repute Himanshu Joshi later on served as the editor of a literary hindi magazine called Vagarth published from Calcutta for a long stint.

Having visited abroad extensively to countries like US, Norway, Swedan, Denmark, Germany, France, Nepal, Britain, Mauritius, Trinindad, Surinam, Netherland, Thailand, Japan, Korea, Britan etc Himanshu Joshi has authored several plays, stories and novels prominent amongst those were: Aranya, Maha Sagar, Chaaya Mat Choona, Kagar ki Aag, Samy Saakshi hai, Tumhare Liye n Suraaj. His story collections viz. Manushya chinh, Jalte hue Daine, Gandhav, Is baar phir giri toh, nange paavon ke nishan, several infinite number of poems, interviews, travel descriptions, plays, radio talks and nine published books on children literature had been quite popular n useful in the children world.

About 35 research scholars have acknowleged doctorate on Himanshu Joshi’s works n literature. Recepient of several coveted awards and honours like Hindi Sahitya Samman, honoured by Hindi academy Delhi, Rajbhasha department Bihar, Hindi Sahitya Samman, Prayag ‘s Highest literary honour Vachaspati Samman, Dr. Himanshu Joshi had been felicitated in several foreign countries as well with several coveted awards.

His prominent books are : Himanshu Joshi ki Lokpriya Kahaniyan, Tumhare liye, Jalte Hue Daaine tatha anya Kahaniyan, Himanshu Joshi ki Yadgari Kahaniyan, Samy Ki Shila Par, Unknown Himalayas, Agla Yatharth, Kagar Ki Aag, Sagar tat ke shahar, Mahasagar, Mere Sakshaatkaar, Kaal Saakshi Aahe, Bhartiya Bhaashaaon ki shresht Kahaniyan, Yatrayein, Dus Pratinidi Kahaniya n Knowlege sharing and intellectual Property Management etc.

Three movies were made on Himanshu Joshi’s novels Tarpan, Suraj ki ore and Suraaj. Some TV and radio serials were also made on his novels like Tumhare liye etc.

In his sad demise, the nation has lost a legendary literaturer n journalist whose absense will be felt for decades to come. Uttarakhand Journalists Forum expreses its hearfelt tributes to this legendary literaturer and condolenses to the bereaved family. My heartfelt tributes to this iconic personality.
Sunil Negi, President, Uttarakhand Journalists Forum