Daya Prakash Sinha

Daya Prakash Sinha (2 May 1935 – 7 November 2025), also known as D. P. Sinha, was an Indian IAS officer, who served as the national convener for BJP Cultural Cell and vice-president of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). He was also a director, writer, dramatist and playwright, known for his Hindi plays such as Samraat Ashok, Seedhiyan, Katha Ek Kans Ki, Itihas Chakra and Rakt Abhishek. He was a recipient of Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in the Republic of India. His theatrical works have been published and staged for 50 years and translated into many languages. After earning a master's degree, he continued to study for government exams. He couldn't clear the UPSC examination and joined PCS in 1952. Where he was promoted to IAS for Uttar Pradesh. In 1993, he retired as a director of cultural affairs. During his four-decade-long tenure, he held many cultural positions and promoted performing arts in India. He also served as the chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi, Uttar Pradesh from 1986 to 1988.

Theatrical literature Sinha developed an interest in theatre from a young age. He started his performing arts career as an actor in a Laxminarayan Lal's play, Taj Mahal ke aanso. Soon he debuted in playwriting and composed thirteen plays, including Mere Bhai Mere, Itihaas Chakra, Man Ke Bhanvar, Panchtantra, and Dushman, many of which were staged by theatrical directors.

Death Sinha died on 7 November 2025, at the age of 90.

Awards Sahitya Academy Award 2021 for Samraat Ashok. Padma Shri for his contributions in the field of Arts Sangeet Natak Akademi Award Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Award Chaman Lal Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement in theatre

Selected books Saadar Aapka – Dusman Urf Sainya Magan Pahalwani Mein - Samrat Ashok – Hasya Ekanki – Itihas – Man Ke Bhanwar – Seeriyaa – Oh America! –