19 May,2024
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"Saheb, I don't have money to travel to Delhi, please send the award by post", the Padma Shri awardee.
Credit: Google Photos
Haldhar Nag was born in Ghens, Bargarh district, Odisha, faced financial hardships from a young age due to his father's death and had to support his family.
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Nag had to drop out of school in the third grade and worked as a local dishwasher and later as a cook for over 10 years to make ends meet.
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He is usually barefoot and does not wear any shoes. Because he often wore a white vest and dhoti to attend events, was called "The Vest Poet".
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Known for his Sambalpuri style of writing, Nag's poetry focuses on themes like social reformation and human dignity.
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Despite his modest means, Nag's literary prowess earned him the prestigious Padma Shri award, India's fourth-highest civilian honor.
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The BBC made a documentary film about Nag's life and literary contributions, highlighting his journey from adversity to acclaim.
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Nag's poetry has become a subject of research for doctoral scholars, and Sambalpur University compiled his works in a book titled "Haldar Granthabali-2."
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Despite receiving national recognition, Nag continues to lead a simple life, earning a livelihood through his shop and selling Raag Chanaa (spicy chickpeas) on the streets.
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Haldhar Nag - whose name was never prefixed with 'Shri', the owner of 3 pairs of clothes, one broken rubber slipper, and a deposit of Rs 732, is a Padma Shri today.
Credit: Google Photos