Amrita Pritam
Amrita Pritam was a prominent Indian poet, novelist, and essayist who made significant contributions to Indian literature. Her writing dealt with themes of love, loss, and the human condition, and she became a voice for women in India during a time when their voices were often silenced. This article will explore her early life, education, achievements, and legacy.
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Early Life of Amrita Pritam
Amrita Pritam, born on August 31, 1919, in Gujranwala, Punjab, under British India, was initially named Amrit Kaur. She was the only child of Raj Bibi, a school teacher, and Kartar Singh Hitkari, a poet and a scholar of the Braj Bhasha language. Her father was also the editor of a literary journal and a preacher of the Sikh faith. The demise of her mother when she was only eleven had a profound impact on her, pushing her towards writing at an early age. At the tender age of sixteen, she had her first anthology of poems, Amrit Lehran (“Immortal Waves”), published in 1936. This period also marked her marriage to Pritam Singh, resulting in her name change from Amrit Kaur to Amrita Pritam.
Professional Life
Amrita Pritam is a celebrated figure in Punjabi literature, with her literary contributions spanning across various genres – poetry, fiction, biographies, essays, and more. She is best known for her moving poem, Ajj aakhaan Waris Shah nu, written during the partition of India, and her iconic novel, Pinjar (“The Skeleton”). Her works have been translated into multiple languages and have inspired award-winning films. She also had a stint working at a radio station in Lahore before the partition of India. She contributed significantly to the Progressive Writers’ Movement, and her later works reflected a shift towards more feminist themes.
Personal Life of Amrita Pritam
Amrita Pritam married Pritam Singh in 1935, with whom she had two children. However, in 1960, she decided to leave her husband. It’s said that she harbored an unrequited love for poet Sahir Ludhianvi, a story she recounts in her autobiography, Rasidi Ticket (“Revenue Stamp”). When singer Sudha Malhotra entered Sahir’s life, Amrita found companionship with the artist and writer Inderjeet Imroz. The last forty years of her life were spent with Imroz, who often designed her book covers and made her the subject of his paintings. Their life together is captured in the book, Amrita Imroz: A Love Story. Amrita Pritam passed away in her sleep on October 31, 2005, after a long illness, leaving behind her partner Imroz, her children, and grandchildren.
Awards and Recognitions
Over her lifetime, Amrita Pritam received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to literature. She was the first woman to receive the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1956 for Sunehade. She was honored with one of India’s highest literary awards, the Bhartiya Jnanpith, in 1982 for Kagaz Te Canvas (“The Paper and the Canvas”). She received the Padma Shri in 1969, followed by the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in 2004. The same year, she was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship for lifetime achievement. She also held honorary degrees from several universities, including Delhi University and Vishwa Bharati.
Age
Amrita Pritam passed away on October 31, 2005. She was 86 years old at the time of her demise.
Parents’ Name and Family
Amrita Pritam was born to Raj Bibi and Kartar Singh Hitkari. She was their only child. After her marriage to Pritam Singh, she had two children, a son and a daughter.
FAQ
What are some notable poems by Amrita Pritam?
Amrita Pritam is renowned for her deeply emotional poetry, often centered on love, feminism, and the Partition of India. Her most famous poem, Ajj Aakhaan Waris Shah Nu (Today I Invoke Waris Shah), is a heartbreaking tribute to the victims of Partition. Another widely loved poem is Main Tenu Phir Milangi (I Will Meet You Yet Again), expressing eternal love and devotion, believed to be dedicated to her companion, Imroz. Her poetry, written in Punjabi and later translated into many languages, remains timeless, inspiring generations with its passionate, thought-provoking themes and lyrical beauty.
Which books did Amrita Pritam author?
Amrita Pritam authored over 100 books, including poetry collections, novels, short stories, and essays. One of her most significant novels is Pinjar (The Skeleton), which explores the suffering of women during Partition and was later adapted into a film. Her autobiography, Rasidi Ticket (The Revenue Stamp), provides insights into her life, struggles, and relationships. Other notable works include Sunehade (Messages), a poetry collection that won her the Sahitya Akademi Award. She also wrote Kagaz Te Canvas (Paper and Canvas), a novel that earned her the Bharatiya Jnanpith Award. Her literary contributions continue to be celebrated globally.
Who was Amrita Pritam’s husband?
Amrita Pritam was married to Pritam Singh, an editor, in 1936 at the age of 16. Their marriage was arranged, but it was not a happy one. As Amrita gained literary recognition and developed independent thought, she felt constrained in the relationship. She eventually separated from Pritam Singh in 1960. Later, she found love and companionship with artist Imroz, with whom she shared a deep and lifelong bond. Although they never married, Imroz remained by her side until her last days, illustrating an unconventional yet profound relationship that became an essential part of her poetic legacy.
Did Amrita Pritam have children?
Yes, Amrita Pritam had two children, a son named Navraj Kwatra and a daughter named Kandlla. Her son, Navraj, pursued a career in photography but tragically lost his life in 2012 under mysterious circumstances. Her daughter, Kandlla, has largely stayed away from the public eye. Despite her revolutionary literary work and bold personal choices, Amrita Pritam was also deeply devoted to her children. However, she rarely spoke about her family life, choosing instead to focus on her writing and her deep, emotional connections, particularly with artist Imroz, who remained a significant presence in her later years.
What awards did Amrita Pritam receive?
Amrita Pritam received numerous prestigious awards for her literary contributions. In 1956, she became the first woman to win the Sahitya Akademi Award for her poetry collection Sunehade (Messages). In 1981, she was honored with the Bharatiya Jnanpith Award for Kagaz Te Canvas. She received the Padma Shri in 1969 and later, the Padma Vibhushan in 2004, recognizing her lasting impact on Indian literature. She was also honored with France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 1987. These awards cemented her legacy as one of India’s most celebrated literary figures.
Did Amrita Pritam have a son?
Yes, Amrita Pritam had a son named Navraj Kwatra. He was a photographer and led a relatively private life. Tragically, in 2012, he was found murdered in Mumbai under mysterious circumstances. The incident was a significant shock to Amrita Pritam’s family and admirers. Though Amrita Pritam herself had passed away in 2005, the news of her son’s tragic end saddened those who cherished her legacy. Despite her fame, she kept her family life relatively private, focusing instead on her literary and personal journey, particularly her deep emotional connection with her lifelong companion, Imroz.
What was Amrita Pritam’s last poem?
Amrita Pritam’s last poem is widely believed to be Main Tenu Phir Milangi (I Will Meet You Yet Again), a deeply emotional and spiritual piece dedicated to her beloved companion, Imroz. The poem speaks of an eternal connection that transcends life and death, expressing her belief in love beyond physical existence. It remains one of her most celebrated works, resonating with readers who see it as a message of undying love. Many regard it as her poetic farewell, capturing the essence of her life’s philosophy—love, freedom, and the power of the written word.
Which novels did Amrita Pritam write?
Amrita Pritam wrote several influential novels, with Pinjar (The Skeleton) being the most famous. The novel, set during the Partition of India, tells the story of a woman’s resilience amid communal violence. It was later adapted into an acclaimed Bollywood film. Other notable novels include Kagaz Te Canvas (Paper and Canvas), which won the Jnanpith Award, Dharti Sagar Te Sippiyan, and Doctor Dev. Her novels often explored themes of love, loss, identity, and gender, making her a trailblazer in feminist and progressive literature. Her works continue to inspire generations of readers and writers.
