Amrita Pritam
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Amrita Pritam
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Amrita Pritam
Biography
Formative Years
Amrita Pritam was born in 1919 in Gujranwala, Punjab, now in Pakistan, the only child of a school teacher and a poet. Her father was a pracharak -- a preacher of the Sikh faith. Amrita's mother died when she was eleven. Soon after, she and her father moved to Lahore. Confronting adult responsibilities, she began to write at an early age. Her first collection was published when she was only sixteen years old, the year she married Pritam Singh, an editor to whom she was engaged in early childhood.
Partition
Some one million Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs died from communal violence that followed the partition of India in 1947, and left Amrita Pritam, a Punjabi refugee at age 28, when she left Lahore and moved to New Delhi. Subsequently in 1948, while she was pregnant with her son, and travelling from Dehradun to Delhi, she expressed anguish on a piece of paper as the poem, "Ajj Aakhaan Waris Shah Nuu" ( I ask Waris Shah Today); this poem was to later immortalize her and become the most poignant reminder of the horrors of Partition. The poem addressed to the Sufi poet Waris Shah, author of the tragic saga of Heer and Ranjah, the Punjabi national epic:
Ajj Aakhan Waris Shah Nuu, Kiton Qabraan Wichon Bol,
Tey Ajj Kitaab-e-Ishq Da Koi Agla Warka Phol
Ikk Royi Sii Dhi Punjab Di, Tu Likh Likh Maarey Vain,
Ajj Lakhaan Dhiyan Rondiyan, Tenu Waris Shah Nuu Kain
Utth Dard Mandaan Diya Dardiya, Utth Tak Apna Punjab
Ajj Bailey Lashaan Bichiyan Tey Lahoo Di Bhari Chenab
Today, I call Waris Shah, "Speak from your grave"
And turn, today, the book of loves next affectionate page
Once, a daughter of Punjab cried and you wrote a wailing saga
Today, a million daughters, cry to you, Waris Shah
Rise! O narrator of the grieving; rise! look at your Punjab
Today, fields are lined with corpses, and blood fills the Chenab
Amrita Pritam worked until 1961 for All India Radio. After her divorce in 1960, her work became more clearly feminist. Many of her stories and poems drew on the unhappy experience of her marriage. A number of her works have been translated into English, French, Japanese and other languages from Punjabi and Urdu, including her autobiographical works Black Rose and Revenue Stamp (Raseedi Tikkat in Punjabi).
The first of Amrita Pritam's books to be filmed was Dharti Sagar te Sippiyan, as 'Kadambar' (1965), followed by 'Unah Di Kahani', as Daaku (Dacoit, 1976), directed by Basu Bhattacharya. Her novel Pinjar (The Skeleton, 1970) was made into an award winning Hindi movie by Chandra Prakash Dwivedi, because of its humanism: "Amritaji has portrayed the suffering of people of both the countries." Pinjar was shot in a border region of Rajasthan and in Punjab. She edited "Nagmani", a monthly literary magazine in Punjabi for several years, which she ran together with Imroz, for 33 years; though after Partition she wrote prolifically in Hindi as well .
Acclaim
The first woman recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1956 for Sunehray (Messages), Amrita Pritam received the Bhartiya Jnanpith, India's highest literary award, in 1982 for Kagaj te Canvas (Paper and Canvas). She received the Padma Shri (1969) and Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian award, in 2004. She received D.Litt. honorary degrees, from many universities including, Delhi University (1973), Jabalpur University (1973) and Vishwa Bharati (1987).
She also received International Vaptsarov Award from the Republic of Bulgaria (1979) and Degree of Officer dens, Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Officier) by the French Government (1987)
She was nominated as a member of Rajya Sabha 1986-92.
Personal Life
Amrita Pritam lived the last forty years of her life with the renowned artist, Imroz. She died in her sleep on 31st October 2005 at the age of 86 in New Delhi, after a long illness. She survived by her partner Imroz , daughter - Kandlla; son- Navraj; daughter-in-law- Alka and her grandchildren - Taurus ,Noor, Aman and Shilpi.
Her story cannot be completed without the name of Sahir Ludhianvi. She was involved with him when she asked her husband for divorce. But Sahir then had a new woman in his life. Amrita grew closer to Imroz, whom she had known for many years and they together for the rest of her life. Their life together is also subject of a book, "Amrita Imroz: A Love Story".
Works
In her career spanning over six decades, she penned 28 novels, 18 anthologies of prose, five short stories and 16 miscellaneous prose volumes.
Novels
Pinjar
Doctor Dev
Kore Kagaz, Unchas Din
Sagar aur Seepian
Rang ka Patta
Dilli ki Galiyan
Terahwan Suraj
Yaatri
Jilavatan (1968)
Autobiography
Rasidi Ticket (1976)
Shadows of Words (2004)
Short Stories
Kahaniyan jo Kahaniyan Nahi
Kahaniyon ke Angan mein
Poetry Anthologies
Amrit Lehran (1936)
Jinnda Jian (1939)
Trel Dhote Phul (1942)
O Gitan Valia (1942)
Badlam De Laali (1943)
Lok Pigr (1944)
Pagthar Giite (1946)
Punjabi Di Aawaaz (1952)
Sunehray (1955)
Ashoka Cheti (1957)
Kasturi (1957)
Nagmani (1964)
Ik Si Anita (1964)
Chak Nambar Chatti (1964)
Uninja Din (1979)
Kagaz Te Kanvas (1981)---Bharatiya Jnanpith Award
Chuni Huyee Kavitayen
Literary Journal
Nagmani
Excerpts
There was a pain
I inhaled it
Quietly
Like a cigarette
Left behind are a few songs
I have flickered off
Like ashes
From the cigarette.
Legacy
An audio album 'Amrita recited by Gulzar' was released by noted lyricist Gulzar, with poems of Amrita Pritam recited by him.
aloNe iN DaRk- Administrator
- Number of posts : 115
Registration date : 2008-09-01
Re: Amrita Pritam
Ajj Aakhan Waris Shah Nuu
Ajj Aakhan Waris Shah Nuu, Kiton Qabraan Wichon Bol,
Tey Ajj Kitaab-e-Ishq Daa Koi Agla Warka Phol
Ikk Royi Sii Dhi Punjab Di, Tu Likh Likh Maarey Wain,
Ajj Lakhaan Dhiyan Rondiyan, Tenu Waris Shah Nuu Kain
Uthh Dard-Mandaan Diya Dardiya, Utth Tak Apna Punjab
Ajj Bailey Lashaan Bichiyaan Tey Lahoo Di Bhari Chenab
Kisey Ne Panjaan Paaniyan Wich Diti Zahar Rala
Tey Unhan Paniyaan Dharat Nuu Dita Paani Laa
Iss Zarkhaiz Zameen Dey Loon Loon Phuttiya Zahar
Gitth Gitth Charhiyaan Laaliyan Fuut Fuut Charrhiya Kaher
Wey Waleesi Wha Phair, Wan Wan Wagi Jaa,
Ohney Har Ikk Waans Di Wanjli Diti Naag Bana
Pehla Dang Madaariyan, Mantar Gaye Guwaach,
Doojey Dang Di Lag Gayi, Janey Khaney Nuu Lag
Laagaan Keeley Lok Moonh, Bas Phir Dang Hi Dang,
Palo Palee Punjab Dey, Neeley Pay Gaye Ang
Galeyon Tutey Geet Phir, Takaleyon Tuti Tand,
Trinjanon Tutiyaan Saheliyan, Charakhrrey Ghuukar Band
Saney Saij Dey Beriyan, Luddan Ditiyaan Rohrr,
Saney Daliyan Peengh Ajj, Piplaan Diti Torr
Jithey Wajdi Si Phook Pyar Di, Wey Oh Wanjhli Gayi Guwaach
Raanjhey Dey Sab Weer Ajj, Bhul Gaye Ohdi Jaach
Dharti Tey Lahoo Warsiya, Qabraan Paiyan Chon,
Preet Diyan Shahzadiyan, Ajj Wich Mazaaraan Ron
Ajj Sabhey 'Qaido' Ban Gaye, Husn Ishq Dey Chor
Ajj Kithon Liyaiye Labh Ke Waris Shah Ikk Hor
Ajj Aakhan Waris Shah Nuu, Kiton Qabraan WichoN Bol,
Tey Ajj Kitaab-e-Ishq Da, Koi Agla Warka Phol ....!!
Translation
Today, I call Waris Shah, "Speak from inside your grave"
And turn, today, the book of loves next affectionate page
Once, one daughter of Punjab cried; you wrote a wailing saga
Today, a million daughters, cry to you, Waris Shah
Rise! O narrator of the grieving; rise! look at your Punjab
Today, fields are lined with corpses, and blood fills the Chenab
Someone has mixed poison in the five rivers' flow
Their deadly water is, now, irrigating our lands galore
This fertile land is sprouting, venom from every pore
The sky is turning red from endless cries of gore
The toxic forest wind, screams from inside its wake
Turning each flutes bamboo-shoot, into a deadly snake
With the first snake-bite; charmers lost their spell
The second bite turned all and sundry, into snakes, as well
Drinking from this deadly stream, filling the land with bane
Slowly, Punjabs limbs have turned black and blue, with pain
The street-songs have been silenced; cotton threads are snapped
Girls have left their playgroups; the spinning wheels are cracked
Our wedding beds are boats, their logs have cast away
Our hanging swing, the Pipal tree has broken in disarray
Lost is the flute, which once, blew sounds of the heart
Ranjhas brothers, today, no longer know this art
Blood rained on our shrines; drenching them to the core
Damsels of amour, today, sit crying at their door
Today everyone is, 'Qaido;' thieves of beauty and ardor
Where can we find, today, another Warish Shah, once more
Today, I call Waris Shah, "Speak from inside your grave"
And turn, today, the book of loves next affectionate page ....!!
Ajj Aakhan Waris Shah Nuu, Kiton Qabraan Wichon Bol,
Tey Ajj Kitaab-e-Ishq Daa Koi Agla Warka Phol
Ikk Royi Sii Dhi Punjab Di, Tu Likh Likh Maarey Wain,
Ajj Lakhaan Dhiyan Rondiyan, Tenu Waris Shah Nuu Kain
Uthh Dard-Mandaan Diya Dardiya, Utth Tak Apna Punjab
Ajj Bailey Lashaan Bichiyaan Tey Lahoo Di Bhari Chenab
Kisey Ne Panjaan Paaniyan Wich Diti Zahar Rala
Tey Unhan Paniyaan Dharat Nuu Dita Paani Laa
Iss Zarkhaiz Zameen Dey Loon Loon Phuttiya Zahar
Gitth Gitth Charhiyaan Laaliyan Fuut Fuut Charrhiya Kaher
Wey Waleesi Wha Phair, Wan Wan Wagi Jaa,
Ohney Har Ikk Waans Di Wanjli Diti Naag Bana
Pehla Dang Madaariyan, Mantar Gaye Guwaach,
Doojey Dang Di Lag Gayi, Janey Khaney Nuu Lag
Laagaan Keeley Lok Moonh, Bas Phir Dang Hi Dang,
Palo Palee Punjab Dey, Neeley Pay Gaye Ang
Galeyon Tutey Geet Phir, Takaleyon Tuti Tand,
Trinjanon Tutiyaan Saheliyan, Charakhrrey Ghuukar Band
Saney Saij Dey Beriyan, Luddan Ditiyaan Rohrr,
Saney Daliyan Peengh Ajj, Piplaan Diti Torr
Jithey Wajdi Si Phook Pyar Di, Wey Oh Wanjhli Gayi Guwaach
Raanjhey Dey Sab Weer Ajj, Bhul Gaye Ohdi Jaach
Dharti Tey Lahoo Warsiya, Qabraan Paiyan Chon,
Preet Diyan Shahzadiyan, Ajj Wich Mazaaraan Ron
Ajj Sabhey 'Qaido' Ban Gaye, Husn Ishq Dey Chor
Ajj Kithon Liyaiye Labh Ke Waris Shah Ikk Hor
Ajj Aakhan Waris Shah Nuu, Kiton Qabraan WichoN Bol,
Tey Ajj Kitaab-e-Ishq Da, Koi Agla Warka Phol ....!!
Translation
Today, I call Waris Shah, "Speak from inside your grave"
And turn, today, the book of loves next affectionate page
Once, one daughter of Punjab cried; you wrote a wailing saga
Today, a million daughters, cry to you, Waris Shah
Rise! O narrator of the grieving; rise! look at your Punjab
Today, fields are lined with corpses, and blood fills the Chenab
Someone has mixed poison in the five rivers' flow
Their deadly water is, now, irrigating our lands galore
This fertile land is sprouting, venom from every pore
The sky is turning red from endless cries of gore
The toxic forest wind, screams from inside its wake
Turning each flutes bamboo-shoot, into a deadly snake
With the first snake-bite; charmers lost their spell
The second bite turned all and sundry, into snakes, as well
Drinking from this deadly stream, filling the land with bane
Slowly, Punjabs limbs have turned black and blue, with pain
The street-songs have been silenced; cotton threads are snapped
Girls have left their playgroups; the spinning wheels are cracked
Our wedding beds are boats, their logs have cast away
Our hanging swing, the Pipal tree has broken in disarray
Lost is the flute, which once, blew sounds of the heart
Ranjhas brothers, today, no longer know this art
Blood rained on our shrines; drenching them to the core
Damsels of amour, today, sit crying at their door
Today everyone is, 'Qaido;' thieves of beauty and ardor
Where can we find, today, another Warish Shah, once more
Today, I call Waris Shah, "Speak from inside your grave"
And turn, today, the book of loves next affectionate page ....!!
Last edited by aloNe iN DaRk on Tue Sep 16, 2008 1:22 pm; edited 1 time in total
aloNe iN DaRk- Administrator
- Number of posts : 115
Registration date : 2008-09-01
Re: Amrita Pritam
"Main Tenu Fair Milaan Gi" (I will meet you yet again)
Main Tenu Fair Milaan Gi
Kithey? Kis Tarah? Pata Nai
Shayad Terey Takhayul Di Chinag Ban Ke
Terey Canvas Tey Utraan Gi
Ya Khowrey Terey Canvas Dey Utey
Ikk Rahasmayi Lakeer Ban Ke
Khamosh Tenu Tak Di Rawaan Gi
Yaa Khowrey Sooraj Di Loo Ban Ke
Terey Rangaan Wich Ghulaan Gi
Yaa Rangaan Diyan Bahwaan Wich Baith Ke
Terey Canvas Nuu Walaan Gi
Pata Nai Kiss Tarah? Kithey?
Par Tenu Zaroor Milaan Gi
Yaa Khowrey Ikk Chashma Bani Howaan Gi
Tey Jeevan Jharneyaan Da Paani Udd-da
Main Paani Diyaan Boondaan
Terey Pindey Tey Malaan Gi
Tey Ikk Thandak Jahi Ban Ke
Teri Chaati Dey Naal Lagaan Gi
Main Hor Kujh Nai Jaandi
Par Aena Jaandi
Ke Waqt Jo Vii Karey Ga
Aey Janam Mairey Naal Turey Ga
Aey Jism Mukda Hai
Tay Sab Kujh Muk Jaanda
Par Chaityaan Dey Dhaagey
Kaainaati Kana Dey Hundey
Main Onhaan Kana Nuu Chunaan Gi
Dhaageyaan Nuu Walaan Gi
Tey Tenu Main Fair Milaan Gi...!
Translation
I will meet you yet again
How and where? I know not.
Perhaps I will become a
figment of your imagination
and maybe, spreading myself
in a mysterious line
on your canvas,
I will keep gazing at you.
Perhaps I will become a ray
of sunshine, to be
embraced by your colours.
I will paint myself on your canvas
I know not how and where
but I will meet you for sure.
Maybe I will turn into a spring,
and rub the foaming
drops of water on your body,
and rest my coolness on
your burning chest.
I know nothing else
but that this life
will walk along with me.
When the body perishes,
all perishes;
but the threads of memory
are woven with enduring specks.
I will pick these particles,
weave the threads,
and I will meet you yet again.
Main Tenu Fair Milaan Gi
Kithey? Kis Tarah? Pata Nai
Shayad Terey Takhayul Di Chinag Ban Ke
Terey Canvas Tey Utraan Gi
Ya Khowrey Terey Canvas Dey Utey
Ikk Rahasmayi Lakeer Ban Ke
Khamosh Tenu Tak Di Rawaan Gi
Yaa Khowrey Sooraj Di Loo Ban Ke
Terey Rangaan Wich Ghulaan Gi
Yaa Rangaan Diyan Bahwaan Wich Baith Ke
Terey Canvas Nuu Walaan Gi
Pata Nai Kiss Tarah? Kithey?
Par Tenu Zaroor Milaan Gi
Yaa Khowrey Ikk Chashma Bani Howaan Gi
Tey Jeevan Jharneyaan Da Paani Udd-da
Main Paani Diyaan Boondaan
Terey Pindey Tey Malaan Gi
Tey Ikk Thandak Jahi Ban Ke
Teri Chaati Dey Naal Lagaan Gi
Main Hor Kujh Nai Jaandi
Par Aena Jaandi
Ke Waqt Jo Vii Karey Ga
Aey Janam Mairey Naal Turey Ga
Aey Jism Mukda Hai
Tay Sab Kujh Muk Jaanda
Par Chaityaan Dey Dhaagey
Kaainaati Kana Dey Hundey
Main Onhaan Kana Nuu Chunaan Gi
Dhaageyaan Nuu Walaan Gi
Tey Tenu Main Fair Milaan Gi...!
Translation
I will meet you yet again
How and where? I know not.
Perhaps I will become a
figment of your imagination
and maybe, spreading myself
in a mysterious line
on your canvas,
I will keep gazing at you.
Perhaps I will become a ray
of sunshine, to be
embraced by your colours.
I will paint myself on your canvas
I know not how and where
but I will meet you for sure.
Maybe I will turn into a spring,
and rub the foaming
drops of water on your body,
and rest my coolness on
your burning chest.
I know nothing else
but that this life
will walk along with me.
When the body perishes,
all perishes;
but the threads of memory
are woven with enduring specks.
I will pick these particles,
weave the threads,
and I will meet you yet again.
aloNe iN DaRk- Administrator
- Number of posts : 115
Registration date : 2008-09-01
Re: Amrita Pritam
GOOD MESSAGES.HEHEHE
Anika khan- New Member
- Number of posts : 3
Age : 31
Location : Lahore
Registration date : 2008-11-07
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