Bawa Balwant

Mangal Sen (1915–1972) was a Punjabi writer, poet and essayist in East Punjab, India. He wrote first under the name Balwant Rai, but is most famous for his poetry under his pen name Bawa Balwant. He started writing poetry in Urdu but later switched to his mother tongue of Punjabi. Balwant is credited with helping start the progressive movement in Punjabi poetry.

Early life

Mangal Sen was born in August 1915 village of Neshta in the Indian Punjab. is near Wagah border and now falls under the Amritsar district was one of his close friends.

Literary works

Greatly influenced by Mohammad Iqbal, he started writing Urdu poetry and later switched over to his mother tongue, Punjabi. His first book in Urdu, Sher-E-Hind, was banned by the British administration. His poetic collections include Amar Geet, Maha Nach, Jwalamukhi, Sugand-Sameer and Bandergah. He published one essay collection, Kis Taraan De Naach.

Legacy

He died due to the heat of June in 1972 in New Delhi. Today, except his literal works, nothing belonging to him is traceable. Neshta, the Punjab's most ancient village lies neglected with his house ruined. His two sisters are unknown. Nobody knows where they live.