Sant Ram Deswal
A Hindi and Haryanvi writer and folklorist from a Jhajjar farming family, who also led a village to full literacy, honoured with the Padma Shri in 2025.
Sant Ram Deswal grew up in a farming family where no one could read. He became one of Haryana’s leading writers on its language and folk traditions. In 2025 he was named for the Padma Shri in the field of literature and education, from Haryana [1].
From Kherka Gujjar
Deswal was born on 24 April 1955 in Kherka Gujjar, a village in Jhajjar district [2]. He earned postgraduate degrees in Hindi and English, a law degree, a journalism diploma, and an MPhil and PhD in Hindi literature [2].
Writer and folklorist
Over fifty years he has written more than two dozen books, including eight collections of lalit nibandh, the personal essay, and has written widely on Haryanvi literature and folk traditions [2]. He is also a regular newspaper columnist [2].
Service
As a National Service Scheme programme officer, twice named the best in his role, he ran camps against dowry, female infanticide, untouchability and illiteracy [2]. Under his leadership, the village of Jagdishpur in Sonipat district achieved full literacy [2].
His honours include Haryana’s Mahakavi Surdas lifetime award (2018) [2].
Sources
- [1] Padma Awards 2025: list of awardees — Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Accessed 11 October 2026.
- [2] Padma Awards 2025: citation for Sant Ram Deswal — Padma Awards, Government of India. Accessed 12 October 2026.
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