Mulk Raj Anand, the founding father of Indian English literature, passed away on 11 October 2004 at the age of 99. Anand was born in Peshawar, now in Pakistan, in 1905 and went on to become one of the most influential writers of his time.
Anand was a pioneer in many ways. He was one of the first Indian writers to write in English, and he was one of the first to bring the Indian experience to the English-speaking world. He wrote novels, short stories, plays, and essays that explored the lives of the Indian people and their struggles in a colonial society.
Anand’s works are known for their realism and humanism. He wrote about the everyday lives of ordinary people, and his works often focused on social issues such as poverty, caste discrimination, and gender inequality. He was also a vocal critic of British colonialism and its effects on Indian society.
Anand’s most famous works include his novels Untouchable (1935), Coolie (1936), and The Village (1939). His short stories, such as “The Lost Child” and “The Barber’s Trade Union”, are also well-known. Anand’s works have been translated into many languages and have been adapted into films and plays.
Anand was also a noted scholar and critic. He wrote extensively on Indian art, literature, and culture, and he was a strong advocate of Indian independence. He was also a member of the Indian People’s Theatre Association, which was a major force in the Indian theatre movement.
Anand’s legacy will continue to live on through his works. He was a pioneer in Indian English literature, and his works have inspired generations of writers. He will be remembered as the father of Indian English literature, and his works will continue to be read and enjoyed for many years to come.