Suryakant Tripathi

Suryakant Tripathi (21 February 1899 – 15 October 1961) was an Indian poet, writer, composer, and sketch artist who wrote in Hindi. He is considered one of the four major pillars of the Chhayavad period in Hindi literature. He is renowned with the epithet Mahāprāṇ and his pen name Nirālā.

He possessed a mastery of traditional poetic meters, with many of his compositions adhering to these forms. Additionally, he revolutionised Hindi poetry by pioneering the use of free verse, becoming the first Hindi poet to do so. He demonstrated to readers that poetry could retain its poetic essence and rhythm even without rhyming lines.

He experienced a tumultuous life, marred by family losses and societal hardships. His writings, marked by a deep affinity with nature and a critique of social injustices, established him as a prominent figure in Chhayavadi and subsequent poetic movements, connecting traditional and contemporary themes. His dedication to social reform and literary creativity highlights his significant impact on modern Hindi literature.