Padma Bhushan Awardee Gopaldas Neeraj Dies at 93

Veteran poet and lyricist Padma Bhushan awardee Gopaldas Saxena popularly known as Niraj or Neeraj died on 19^th July due to the lung infection. He was 93 years old.

Born on January 1925 in Puravali in Uttar Pradesh, he was known for his composition Kavi Sammelan. He penned evergreen songs like Karvaan Guzar Gyay(Nai Umar Ki Nai Fasal1965) Dil Aaj Shayar Hai ,Phoolon ke Rang se (Prem Pujari), E Bhai Zara Dekh ke (Mera Naam Joker), and Mera Mann Tera Pyasa (Gambler).

He was a professor of Hindi by occupation and was often compared with late Shahryar, another quality poet. He wrote in both Hindi and Urdu.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on the death of Gopaldas Saxena as “Saddened by the demise of noted poet and lyricist Shri Gopaldas ‘Neeraj.’ Shri Neeraj’s unique style connected him with people from all walks of life, across generations. His works are unforgettable gems, which will live on and inspire many. Condolences to his admirers”

Saxena was survived by a daughter and three daughters. His daughter Kundanika Sharma said that family will go to Aligarh on Friday in order to fulfill her father ’s last wish of donating his body.