Dr. Avnish Rahi

Dr. Avnish Rahi

File:Avnish Rahi Main.jpg
Dr. Avnish Rahi
Born	11 July 1974 (age 51) Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
Nationality	Indian
Education	M.A. in Hindi Literature
Alma mater
Occupation	Lyricist, Poet, Author, Lecturer
Years active	1984–present
Known for	Social poetry, Epic compositions, Songs on Ambedkar and social justice
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, International Achievers Award – Nepal, etc.
Spouse(s)
Parents
Religion
Website	YouTube Channel

Dr. Avnish Rahi (born 11 July 1974) is an Indian lyricist, poet, and author, known for his socially driven poetry and epic literary works based on themes of justice, equality, and reform. His writing career began in childhood, and he is recognized as one of India's youngest published poets, having released his first collection at the age of 14 and his debut music album at 15.

Over four decades, Rahi has composed hundreds of songs for leading Indian music companies such as T-Series, Venus, and Tips. His work has been performed by eminent singers including Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan, and Anuradha Paudwal.

He is best known for his epic poetic works like Bheem Charitmanas and Suno Bheem Kahani and is widely regarded as a people’s poet whose verses give voice to the struggles of India’s marginalized communities.

Early Life and Background

Dr. Avnish Rahi was born on 11 July 1974 in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, into a modest family background. Deeply moved by the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984, he composed his first poem at the age of 10 — a work that marked the beginning of his literary journey.

At 14, he published his first poetry collection, titled Bhakton Ki Pukaar, through Narayan Das Booksellers, Hathras. A year later, at 15, his debut music album Kaali Chunari was released by Rahul Cassette, Dibai (Bulandshahr). These early milestones established Rahi as one of the youngest lyricists in the country.

Despite early recognition, he remained grounded and continued his education in Hindi literature, later earning a Master’s degree. His upbringing in Aligarh and his commitment to social issues shaped much of the poetry and music that followed in later years.

Literary Contributions

Dr. Rahi’s literary journey is defined by his fearless commitment to social justice, equality, and the voice of the common people. He is known for choosing truth over flattery, often rejecting the idea of being a court poet or writing for political appeasement.

His poetry frequently addresses pressing issues like poverty, unemployment, caste discrimination, and societal inequality. Rather than glorifying power, his verses emphasize dignity, rights, and resistance — earning him the title of a “jan-kavi” (people’s poet).

Over the decades, he has published numerous poetry collections that reflect deep emotional intensity and moral conviction. Some of his most recognized works include:

• Kalam Ki Vedna
• Mera Masiha – Mera Qaatil
• Jeevan Gyanpunj
• Zakhmi Kalam – Siskate Naghme
• Un Dino 1992
• Kavita Ke Rang – Shabdon Ke Sang

These books are known for blending lyrical beauty with raw social commentary, often written in both traditional Hindi poetic forms and modern free verse.

Musical Career

Dr. Avnish Rahi has made an indelible mark in the Indian music industry as a lyricist, with a career spanning over four decades. His songs reflect social consciousness, cultural depth, and emotional resonance. Many of his lyrical works have been released by top music labels like T-Series, Venus, Tips, Sai Records, Lara, Sisodia, and JVL.

His lyrics have been brought to life by some of the most iconic voices of Indian playback singing, including:

• Kumar Sanu
• Udit Narayan
• Alka Yagnik
• Anuradha Paudwal
• Anup Jalota
• Sadhana Sargam
• Shahid Mallya
• Trupti Shakya
• Shabab Sabri
• Khushboo Jain
• Damodar Rao

Rahi’s compositions often blend classical Indian poetic traditions with contemporary musical rhythms, making them relatable across generations.

Musical Films

In addition to albums, he has contributed significantly to musical films centered on social reform and historical figures. His most impactful musical films include:

• Suno Bheem Kahani – A tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, released by T-Series, which gained massive online viewership and critical acclaim.
• Dr. Ambedkar Jeevan Gatha – A dramatized lyrical narrative that captures key moments of Ambedkar's life and ideology.

These works not only received public appreciation but also became valuable tools for education and awareness in schools and social movements.

Current Work

Dr. Rahi continues to write for mainstream cinema. He is presently contributing lyrics to several Hindi feature films, including:

• Mission Our
• Pyar To Hamesha Rahega
• Rashtramata Savitribai Phule

His ability to weave messages of social upliftment into commercial music distinguishes him as a unique figure in Indian songwriting.

Epic Poetry and Joint Works

Dr. Rahi is celebrated for his monumental contributions to Hindi epic poetry, particularly through his collaboration with his father, Mahakavi Amarsingh Rahi. Together, they have co-authored three landmark poetic epics focused on social revolution and equality:

• Bheem Charitmanas
• Buddh Gyan Mahasagar
• Manyavar Kanshiram Charitmanas

Each epic is composed in seven sections (सप्त कांड) and blends multiple Indian poetic styles, including Doha, Chaupai, Savaiya, Lavani, Chobola, Aalha, Radheshyam, and Behr-e-Taveel.

These literary works are more than biographies — they serve as poetic chronicles of socio-political awakening and Dalit assertion in modern India.

National Recognition

All three epics were launched in grand literary ceremonies held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. The releases were presided over by prominent Indian leaders, including:

• Dr. Pranab Mukherjee (Former President of India)
• Dr. Hamid Ansari (Former Vice President)
• Dr. Manmohan Singh (Former Prime Minister)

Their endorsements added historical significance to these texts, cementing their place in modern Indian literary heritage.

These epic compositions are regarded as milestones in Hindi literature for promoting **Bahujan icons** and showcasing Indian poetic traditions in a revolutionary format.

Awards and Honours

Dr. Avnish Rahi has been honoured with over two dozen prestigious awards at the regional, national, and international levels for his contributions to literature, education, and social reform. His recognitions span poetry, lyrics, epic writing, and public service.

Some of his most notable awards include:

• Bharat Vibhushan – Conferred by Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Shri Ram Niwas Goel for national literary excellence.
• Vidyavachaspati Honorary Doctorate (2024) – Awarded by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Hindi Vidyapeeth for his distinguished contribution to education and cultural promotion.
• International Achievers Award – Nepal (2024) – Given by Nepal Cultural and Film Center for international literary impact.
• Sahitya Shiromani Shabd Samman – Presented by actress Bhagyashree at a national literary event.
• Geet Gandharv Sahitya Samman – For excellence in poetic composition.
• Chandbardai Geet Rishi Rajasthan Award (2024) – Given in memory of the first Hindi epic poet Chandbardai by Rajasthan Deputy CM.

Additional recognitions include:

• Ozone Ratna Award
• Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman
• Aligarh Ratna
• Saraswati Putra Samman
• Bheem Ratna
• Best Editor of the Year – 2024
• Dr. Ambedkar Human Rights Award
• Indian Triratna Samman
• Samyak Sahitya Ratan Samman
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Nepal

These awards reflect his multifaceted impact in literature, music, education, and activism, placing him among India’s most honored literary voices.

Public Image and Legacy

Dr. Avnish Rahi is widely recognized as a "jan-kavi" — a people’s poet — whose voice has echoed the struggles, dreams, and resilience of India’s marginalized and working-class communities. His refusal to align with political agendas and his steadfast dedication to social themes have earned him both grassroots admiration and institutional respect.

His works — especially his musical epics and socially conscious songs — are used in educational forums, political discourses, and cultural discussions across India. His poems have been recited in classrooms, featured in media debates, and adapted into performances that highlight Ambedkarite and egalitarian values.

On digital platforms, his official YouTube channel Dr. Avnish Rahi hosts dramatized renditions of his poetry and songs, many of which feature him personally in lead narration or acting roles. These videos have gained thousands of views and are shared widely across social media by literature and music lovers.

His legacy lies not just in the volume of his creations, but in his commitment to literature as a tool for awakening — blending art with activism, and storytelling with social truth.