Mortal remains of poet Kedarnath Singh consigned to flames

The mortal remains of eminent Hindi poet and writer Kedarnath Singh were consigned to flames here today.

The last rites were performed at the Lodhi Road crematorium at 4 pm, Singh's student Madan Rai said.

Rai said many personalities from politics and the literature world were present to bid their final adieu to the poet.

Singh died following a prolonged illness at Delhi's AIIMS yesterday. He was 83.

In June 2014, Singh was chosen for the prestigious Jnanpith award (for 2013).

Singh, who also wrote essays and short stories, was born on July 7, 1934 in Chakia village in Balia, Uttar Pradesh.

"Abhi bilkul Abhi" and "Yahan se Dekho" are among his prominent works.

After working as a Hindi teacher in Gorakhpur, Singh went to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi, where he served as a professor as well as the head of the department of Hindi language at the Indian Languages Centre. He had retired as a professor of the university.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condoled Singh's demise.

"The chief minister said Kedarnath Singh had given a new speed and direction to contemporary poetry. His contributions in the literary world will always be remembered," an official statement from the CM's office stated.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik also condoled the death of the eminent Hindi poet.

In his condolence message, Naik said, "Kedarnath Singh had enriched Hindi literature through his works. His literature was for the masses (jan-sahitya), which will always be remembered. His death is an irreparable loss for Hindi literature.