Tributes to Kavi Pradeep, the great poet-singer and master of the patriotic songs, on his 104th birth anniversary today.

Tributes to Kavi Pradeep, the great poet-singer and master of the patriotic songs, on his 104th birth anniversary today.

Kavi Pradeep was a renowned poet and lyricist who is best known for his patriotic song ‘Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon’ written as a tribute to the soldiers who had died defending the country during the Sino-Indian War. He was conferred the title of Rashtra Kavi (National Poet) by the government of India and came to be known as Kavi Pradeep.

In a career spanning over five decades Pradeep wrote nearly 1700 songs, hymns and fiery, nationalistic poems including the lyrics for some 85 films, many of them box- office hits because of his contribution. But it was for his patriotic songs like “Door hato aye duniya waalon . . . Hindustan hamara hai”, that Pradeep was best known.

Kavi Pradeep was at his creative zenith when he wrote for the films Nastik (1954) and Jagriti (1954). He even lent his voice for the evergreen song “Dekh Tere Sansar Ki Halat Kya Ho Gayi Bhagwaan, Kitna Badal Gaya Insaan” from the film Nastik (1954). Jagriti is considered to be his best work and it includes hit songs such as Aao Bachcho Tumhein Dikhayen Jhanki Hindustan Ki, Is Mitti Se Tilak Karo, Yeh Dharti Hai Balidan Ki” (sung by himself), “Hum Laaye Hain Toofan Se Kishti Nikal Ke, Is Desh Ko Rakhna Mere Bachcho Sambhal Ke” and “De Dee Humein Azadi Bina Khadag Bina Dhal, Sabarmati Ke Sant Tu Ne Kar Diya Kamaal”.

His songs were so popular that fans would see his movies repeatedly just to listen to his soulful songs. Kavi Pradeep always believed in writing songs in simple words portraying a meaning fitting into the situation. The popularity of his songs was due to his down-to-earth lyrics and simple language that was well understood by everyone.