Today is the Iconic Garhwali poet, literateur, lyricist and author’s 18 th death anniversary, who walked barefooted during his entire life

2nd June 2022 is the 18 th death anniversary of an eminent barefooted walking Garhwali poet, writer, thinker and literateur originally hailing from a village of Chaundkot, Pauri Garhwal, highly revered in literary n poetic circles including by the commen masses of Uttarakhand as well who carved a niche for himself by the dint of his commitment, determination and dedication towards the promotion and preservation of the regional Garhwali culture n language throughout his life despite confronting immense poverty and scarcity.

On 2nd June, every year the Uttrakhandi literateurs, poets, writers and social activists remember him by organising seminars, talks and poetry sessions in Uttarakhand and various, states of India including Delhi.

A seminar to remember this legendary poet and author of several books of poetries and articles in Garhwali dialect is being held in Delhi’s Vinod Nagar n Dehradun.

A barefooted walking poet, having migrated to Delhi at the age of twenty in extreme poverty Kanahiya Lal Dandriyal worked initially in Birla Mills in 1953, 54 as a weaver earning a meagre salary for the sustenance of his family.

After working tirelessly till 1982, all hell broke down when the Mill was closed. He was literally on the road with no source of income, leading a disturbed life.

A fully shattered poet n author had no option but to sell tea door to door on his bycycle under scorching sun. He ofter walked barefooted and faced tremendous ups and downs fighting against all odds for the survival of his family changing jobs frequently, also working in a cloth shop.

The tremendous pain suffered by him made him a passionate poet and writer. He walked hours and hours barefooted to attend poetry sessions and meeting people, usually lost in himself, an embodiment of shattered man from within .

Being from extremely modest background having survived on scarcity always he could hardly seek education.

But despite all this, Kanhaiya Lal Dandriyal has something else stored for him as a shining Garhwali, poet, literateur and thinker in his destiny.

He rose to heights thereafter being recognised as a highly revered poet n author having to his credit several books in Garhwali dialect and later on known as a celebrated poet, but always in difficulties.

His first Book titled MANGTU KHAND KAAVYA was published in 1960 and thereafter Garhwali Poetry collection titled AANCHAL in 1978.

In 1990 he came out with his Garhwali mesmerising lyrics book titled “Kuedi”, meaning FOG. In 1998 his MAHAKAAVYA titled NAGRAJ Part (1) was published. In 1998 his new published work in the shape of another book based on his Journey experience ( of course barefooted too) came out with the Title : CHAANTO KA DHWEED, in 1998.

He continued with his hard work and in 1999 came out with the second edition of his Mahakaavya NAGRAG PART 2 followed by its 3 rd and 4 th parts in 2001. This renowned Garhwali poet was invited in umpteen Poetry conventions during his life time but what makes us surprised is the fact that this selfless poet of integrity always walked barefooted for hours to attend them, wearing simple attire ” Kurta Pyjama”, unpressed.

According to journalist Manoj Ishtwal even the legendary Uttarakhand singer n recipient of coveted Sangeet Natak Academy Award Narendra Singh Negi sung a song written by Kanaiyalal Dandriyal which was noticed lateron, after it becoming extremely popular.

This mesmerising song of the iconic Garhwali poet was taken from his poetry collection ANCHAL. The song was super duper hit.

This book Anchal because of this song written by Dandriyal became so popular thereafter that another edition of Anchal came into market on people’s demand but unfortunately it was too late then as the legendary Garhwali poet, lyricist, author, literateur and thinker was on his last death bed due to Dialysis after his kidneys became non functional.

He breathed his last on 2nd June 2004. Recipient of several awards and recognitions eminent poet Kanahiya Lal Dandriyal acknowledged eight awards n honours for his various books and writings including Garhwali poetries viz Garh Bharti Puruskar, Pandit Tikaram Gaur Puruskar, Pitambar Dutt Barthwal Puruskar, Pandit Adityaram Nawani Garhwali Bhasha, Samman Puruskar, Jai Shri Sammaan, Gad Ratn Puruskaar, Uttarakhand Gaurav and Sahitya Shiromani Samman Puruskaar etc. His several works like Garhwali Hindi Sabhdkosh, Khandkaavya ( Baagi Upnay Ladai,) , Udani Gann, ( Khand Kaavya), Kansaanikram ( Natak), Swambar, Bhweenchal, Aber ch Andher ni ( Dramas), Rudri ( Novel) could not be published but all dramas already played. Our richest tributes to the great icon of Uttarakhand.