PM Modi pays tribute to Ramdhari Singh Dinkar on birth anniversary
Synopsis
On Ramdhari Singh Dinkar's birth anniversary, PM Modi, Nitin Gadkari, and UP CM Yogi Adityanath paid tribute to the 'Rashtrakavi' on X, calling his fiery verse a perennial source of national pride. Born on 23 September 1908, the Jnanpith Award-winning poet continues to resonate across India's cultural and political landscape — a rare figure who unites the literary and the national.
Key Takeaways
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Ramdhari Singh Dinkar on his birth anniversary, 23 September 2026 , via a post on X.
Modi praised Dinkar's fiery poetry for continuing to inspire 'valour, vigour, and self-respect' among Indians.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also posted tributes on X, calling Dinkar the 'greatest poet and writer' and 'pinnacle figure of Hindi literature' respectively.
Dinkar, born on 23 September 1908 , earned the title 'Rashtrakavi' (National Poet) and received the Jnanpith Award for Urvashi , the Sahitya Akademi Award , and the Padma Bhushan .
He served as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha and passed away on 24 April 1974 .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, 23 September paid tribute to celebrated Hindi poet and national icon Ramdhari Singh Dinkar on his birth anniversary, honouring his towering contribution to Hindi literature and his enduring imprint on India's national consciousness.
Modi's Tribute on X
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi offered his 'deepest respects a hundredfold' to the poet, describing Dinkar's verse as fiery and deeply rooted in themes of public awakening and national pride. Modi said Dinkar's poetry continues to instil 'valour, vigour, and self-respect' in Indians across generations. He further noted that Dinkar's literary output not only enriched the Hindi language but also stoked devotion to the motherland, adding that the poet's 'towering personality and timeless creations' would guide Indians for generations to come.
Other Leaders Join the Remembrance
The tribute was not limited to the Prime Minister. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also took to X to pay his respects, describing Dinkar as 'the greatest poet and writer' and extending 'humble salutations' to the Padma Bhushan awardee on his birth anniversary.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called Dinkar the 'pinnacle figure of Hindi literature' and paid homage through a post on X. Adityanath highlighted Dinkar's 'impartial and fearless pen' as an instrument that awakened national pride and energised public consciousness. He added that the poet's body of work would continue to reinforce India's cultural traditions and values.
Who Was Ramdhari Singh Dinkar
Born on 23 September 1908, Ramdhari Singh Dinkar rose to become one of the foremost voices in modern Hindi literature. A poet, essayist, patriot, and academic, he earned the reverential title of 'Rashtrakavi' — National Poet — for the nationalist spirit and powerful expression that defined his literary corpus. He passed away on 24 April 1974.
Dinkar's literary achievements were recognised through some of India's highest honours. He received the prestigious Jnanpith Award for his celebrated work Urvashi, as well as the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Bhushan from the Government of India. Beyond the literary sphere, Dinkar served as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha, bridging the worlds of letters and public life.
Legacy and Enduring Relevance
Dinkar's poetry and prose remain firmly associated with themes of nationalism, courage, social consciousness, and cultural identity. His works continue to command a prominent place in Hindi literary discourse, taught in classrooms and recited at public events across India. Notably, this year's birth anniversary tributes from across the political spectrum underscore how Dinkar's legacy transcends partisan boundaries, remaining a unifying cultural reference point for the nation.
Point of View
But the real question is whether the poet's radical social consciousness — as much a thread in his work as nationalism — is getting equal acknowledgement. Dinkar wrote fearlessly about inequality and the dignity of the marginalised; reducing his legacy solely to 'valour and vigour' risks flattening a complex, multi-dimensional literary figure into a political symbol. The fact that politicians across ideological lines quote him says less about consensus and more about how potent his imagery remains as rhetorical currency. A fuller celebration of Dinkar would engage with the uncomfortable edges of his work, not just the lines that play well at public events.
NationPress
23 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ramdhari Singh Dinkar?
Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, born on 23 September 1908, was one of the most celebrated poets and essayists of modern Hindi literature. He earned the title 'Rashtrakavi' (National Poet) for his nationalist, socially conscious verse and passed away on 24 April 1974.
Why is PM Modi paying tribute to Dinkar today?
23 September marks the birth anniversary of Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a tribute on X honouring the poet's contribution to Hindi literature and national consciousness. Leaders including Nitin Gadkari and Yogi Adityanath also paid their respects on the occasion.
What awards did Ramdhari Singh Dinkar receive?
Dinkar received the Jnanpith Award — India's highest literary honour — for his celebrated work Urvashi. He was also honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India.
What themes define Dinkar's poetry?
Dinkar's poetry is widely associated with nationalism, courage, public awakening, social consciousness, and cultural identity. His verse was characterised by powerful expression and a fearless, impartial tone that resonated deeply with readers.
Did Ramdhari Singh Dinkar hold any public office?
Yes, beyond his literary career, Dinkar served as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of Parliament, combining his literary influence with active participation in public life.
