Kirat Babani


Kirat Choithram Babani AKA Kirat Babani,, was a writer, journalist and progressive activist of Sindhi language and nation. He had written several books and articles, remained editor in newspapers and magazines, won multiple awards from Government and non-governmental organizations. He died on 7 May 2015 in Mumbai, India.

Education

Kirat Babani had got matriculation certificate from Wills School Nawabshah, Bachelor of Arts from D. G College and Bachelor of Laws from Shahani Law College Karachi.

Ideology

Kirat Babani, doyen and one of the few living old guards of Sindhi nation, had made outstanding contributions in the field of literature, journalism and education.
Kirat was a man of many images. He believed that literature had a purpose. The writer need not be committed to creed, but he had a commitment to life and should portray the life as honestly as possible. Apart from his contributions to Sindhi literature, Kirat had rendered yeoman service to the Sindhi community. He had fought pitched battles against those, who wanted to change the script of Sindhi language adopting Devanagari. Also he led 16-year long struggle for recognition of Sindhi language and its inclusion to that effect in the Constitution of India.
Kirat had perhaps the longest innings of the August body, called Akhil Bharat Sindhi Boli Ain Sahit Sabha.
Associated with several literary and social organizations, Kirat Babani was disciplinarian and man of principles. He was outspoken, yet humble, soft, gentle and accommodating.

Struggles

Kirat Babani had visited Russia in 1981 at the invitation of Government. of Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia in 1983, which was sponsored by World Peace Council. He had also visited United States at the invitation of International Sindhi Conference.
Kirat was a Freedom fighter and was imprisoned for 11 months in 1942.
He was President of Akhil Bharat Sindhi Ain Sahit Sabha for record 18 years.
He was a member, Advisory Board of Sindhi Language, Sahitya Akademi, Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India.
He had a short stint in Labour & Students Union movement.

Publications

Kirat Babani had written 15 books, translated 2 novels and History of Marathi Literature. The most significant amongst them are:
1. Hooa Short Stories, 1956.
2. Sooree a saa kayo, Collection of 8 one Act Plays, 1972.
3. Jeki Ditho Ho Moon, Travelogue, 1981.
4. Abol Rani, Sindhi Folk Tales, 1982
5. Awheen Sab Nanga Ahiyo, Short Stories, 1987
6. Kujh Budhayum Kujh Likayum, Autobiography in 4 parts, 1993.
7. Likhyo Liyaka Paeen, Poetry, 2000.
8. Translation: Significant amongst three is History of Marathi Literature by Kusumawati Despande and M.V Rajadhyaksha.

Journalism

Editor Sindh Rises in English & Sindh Sujag in Sindhi, monthly political magazine since 1991.
In addition, Kirat had also compiled & edited Choond Sindhi Mazmoon, Choond Sindhi Lok Kahanyoon, 1991, which were published by Sahitya Akademi, Ministry of HRD, Government of India.

Awards

Kirat had received number of Awards/ Honours. Given here under are a few most significant ones:
1. Soviet Land Nehru Peace Award, 1980.
2. Award for Okha Dokha, 1982.
3. Award for Outstanding Literary Contribution, 1986
4. Award for Significant Literary Contributions, 1987
5. Award for Best Literary Work, 1992.

Death

He died on 7 May 2015 in Mumbai, India.