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| | |title=Dr. Avnish Rahi – Indian Lyricist and Literary Icon |
| | |description=Dr. Avnish Rahi is a renowned Indian lyricist, poet, and author known for his socially conscious poetry, musical epics, and decades of contribution to Indian literature and music. |
| | |image=Avnish_Rahi_Main.jpg |
| | |keywords=Dr. Avnish Rahi, Indian lyricist, Hindi poet, social poet, musical epic, Knowlepedia biography}} |
| {{Infobox person | | {{Infobox person |
| | name = Dr. Avnish Rahi | | | name = Dr. Avnish Rahi |
| | image = Avnish_Rahi_Main.jpg | | | image = Avnish_Rahi_Main.jpg |
| | caption = Dr. Avnish Rahi receiving literary award | | | image_caption = Dr. Avnish Rahi receiving a national literary award |
| | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1974|07|11}} | | | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1974|07|11}} |
| | birth_place = Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India | | | birth_place = Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| | occupation = Lyricist, Poet, Author, Lecturer | | | nationality = Indian |
| | nationality = Indian | | | education = MA in Hindi Literature |
| | known_for = Social poetry, Epic compositions, Bollywood lyrics | | | occupation = Lyricist, Poet, Author, Lecturer |
| | organization = Heeralal Barah Saini Inter College, Aligarh | | | years_active = 1984–present |
| | years_active = 1984–present | | | known_for = Social poetry, Epic compositions, Ambedkar-themed works |
| | website = [https://www.youtube.com/@dravnishrahi Official YouTube Channel] | | | notable_works = ''Suno Bheem Kahani'', ''Bheem Charitmanas'', ''Zakhmi Kalam'', ''Mera Masiha - Mera Qaatil'' |
| | | awards = Bharat Vibhushan, Sahitya Shiromani, Geet Gandharv, Chandbardai Geet Rishi Rajasthan Award, etc. |
| | | website = [https://www.youtube.com/@dravnishrahi YouTube Channel] |
| }} | | }} |
| == Introduction ==
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| Dr. Avnish Rahi is a celebrated Indian lyricist, poet, and author known for his socially conscious writing and epic literary contributions. Born in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, he began his literary journey at the tender age of 10, deeply moved by the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. That incident sparked the creation of his first poem—marking the beginning of a lifelong devotion to writing for humanity.
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| Over the past four decades, Dr. Rahi has emerged as a prominent voice in Indian literature and music, known for challenging social inequality, unemployment, poverty, and exploitation through his words. Often referred to as a *Jan-Kavi* (People’s Poet), his creations transcend praise and politics, focusing instead on truth, justice, and compassion.
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| In addition to writing hundreds of songs featured in mainstream music labels, Dr. Rahi is also a full-time lecturer at Heeralal Barah Saini Inter College in Aligarh. His literary contributions include dozens of poetry collections and co-authored epic works. Many of his compositions have been rendered by prominent Bollywood playback singers.
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| == Early Life and Background ==
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| Dr. Avnish Rahi was born on 11 July 1974 in a modest family in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. From an early age, he displayed a deep sensitivity toward national and social events. At the age of just 10, he penned his first poem in response to the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi—an incident that left a deep emotional impact on him. This moment marked the genesis of his journey as a socially conscious writer.
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| His literary talent blossomed early. At the age of 14, his first poetry collection titled '''"Bhakton Ki Pukaar"''' (Call of the Devotees) was published by Narayan Das Booksellers, Hathras. By the time he turned 15, he released his first musical album titled '''"Kaali Chunari"''' through Rahul Cassettes, Dibai, Bulandshahr.
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| Since then, Dr. Rahi has embarked on a prolific and uninterrupted literary journey spanning over 40 years, writing with an unwavering focus on social justice, human values, and cultural integrity.
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| == Literary Contributions and Style ==
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| Dr. Avnish Rahi is widely recognized for his fearless and purpose-driven literary voice. Unlike traditional court poets, he never sought validation through praise or proximity to power. His poetry speaks directly to the people — boldly addressing the burning issues of hunger, poverty, unemployment, social inequality, corruption, and moral decline.
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| He has authored over a dozen poetry collections, each filled with emotional depth, realism, and cultural insight. His work is characterized by sharp metaphors, folk imagery, and powerful reflections on the human condition. His compositions often blend classical poetic forms with contemporary themes, giving them both artistic value and social relevance.
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| Some of his most acclaimed poetry collections include:
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| * Raahi Ki Kaljayee Rachnayein (Timeless Creations of Rahi)
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| * Kalam Ki Vedna (Agony of the Pen)
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| * Mera Masiha – Mera Qaatil (My Saviour – My Killer)
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| * Jeevan Gyanpunj (The Essence of Life)
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| * Zakhmi Kalam – Siskate Naghme (Wounded Pen – Sighing Songs)
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| * Un Dino 1992 (Those Days 1992)
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| * Kavita Ke Rang – Shabdon Ke Sang (The Colors of Poetry – With Words)
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| He is regarded as a people’s poet not only because of his themes, but also due to his refusal to compromise his message. Dr. Rahi believes poetry is not just art — it is a responsibility to awaken, heal, and inspire.
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| == Musical Career and Film Work ==
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| Dr. Avnish Rahi has made significant contributions to the Indian music industry, particularly in devotional, motivational, and socially themed songwriting. He has penned hundreds of songs that have been released by some of the country’s most well-known music labels including T-Series, Venus, Tips, Lara, Sisodia, Nargis, Sai Records, and JVL.
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| His lyrics have been brought to life by legendary Bollywood playback singers such as Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Anuradha Paudwal, Anup Jalota, Sadhana Sargam, Ravindra Jain, Shahid Mallya, Tripti Shakya, Shabab Sabri, Khushboo Jain, and Damodar Rao.
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| His work extends beyond albums into full-length musical films and feature films. Notable musical projects include:
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| * "Suno Bheem Kahani" — a musical film on the life of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, released by T-Series
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| * "Dr. Ambedkar Jeevan Gatha" — an epic biography in musical form
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| * Lyrics for mainstream Hindi feature films including "Mission Our", "Pyaar Toh Hamesha Rahega", and "Rashtramata Savitribai Phule"
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| These projects have not only received wide acclaim but also played a role in promoting messages of equality, education, and social harmony. His ability to blend meaningful poetry with mainstream melodies has made him a unique voice in Indian lyricism.
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| == Epic Poetry and Collaborative Works ==
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| In addition to his lyrical and poetic endeavors, Dr. Avnish Rahi has made landmark contributions to epic literature. Along with his father, the eminent Hindi poet Mahakavi Amarsingh Rahi, he co-authored three significant epic compositions that celebrate social reformers and philosophical wisdom.
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| These three epics are:
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| * Bheem Charitmanas – based on the life and ideals of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
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| * Budh Gyan Mahasagar – dedicated to the teachings of Gautam Buddha
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| * Manyavar Kanshiram Charitmanas – narrating the struggles and legacy of Kanshi Ram
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| Each of these epic works is divided into seven sections (kands), written in diverse Indian poetic forms such as Doha, Chaupai, Chhand, Savaiya, Lavani, Chaubola, Samvaad, Bahr-e-Tabeel, Aalha, and Radheyshyam. These compositions merge classical structures with contemporary social thought, making them literary monuments of modern Dalit literature.
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| The official release of these epics took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan and was graced by the then-President of India, Dr. Pranab Mukherjee; the then-Vice President, Dr. Hamid Ansari; and former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. Their launch marked an unprecedented moment in Indian literary history — recognizing socially conscious epics at the national level.
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| == Awards and Honors ==
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| Dr. Avnish Rahi has been honored with numerous awards in recognition of his outstanding contributions to literature, music, education, and social awareness. These accolades reflect the depth, diversity, and impact of his creative and cultural legacy across India and beyond.
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| Some of the major honors and recognitions include:
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| * Sahitya Shiromani Shabd Samman
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| * Geet-Gandharv Sahitya Samman
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| * Chandbardai Geet Rishi Rajasthan Award
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| * Bharat Vibhushan National Award
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| * Ozone Ratna Samman
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| * Aligarh Ratna
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| * Dr. Ambedkar Fellowship Award
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| * Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman
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| * Samyak Sahitya Ratna Samman
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| * Lifetime Achievement Award (Nepal)
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| * International Achievers Award (Nepal)
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| * Indian Triratna Samman
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| * Best Editor of the Year – 2024
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| * Dr. Ambedkar Human Rights Award
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| * Sarawati Putra Samman
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| * Honorary Doctorate (Vidyavachaspati) – 2024 by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Hindi Vidyapeeth
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| * Gold Medal by former Delhi CM Smt. Sheila Dikshit
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| His awards have been presented by several dignitaries including Members of Parliament, cultural organizations, and even sitting governors such as the Hon’ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla.
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| These honors recognize not just his literary skill but his role as a cultural ambassador of equality, education, and human dignity.
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