SR Harnot's Stories Create Waves in Indian Literature. But not enough to wake up the state government..

SHIMLA: The popularity and recognition of Hindi writer SR Harnot, based in Himachal Pradesh, is soaring in the world of Hindi literature.

But state government  remains as indifferent and unconcerned to recognise Harnot,  who can be called  as one of  the leading writers in Hindi literature in India.   

His work has gained widespread acclaim, with numerous MPhil and PhD theses being written on his literature.

Currently, 13 of his short stories are part of BA and MA syllabuses across various universities in India.

Harnot’s short stories capture the essence of life in Himachal Pradesh, reflecting its social, political, religious, and cultural landscapes.

His narratives address socio-economic disparities, ecological issues, political flaws, class and caste biases, individual selfishness, and evolving human relationships in contemporary India.

Despite their regional focus, his stories have universal appeal.

He said he observed how caste discrimination in society, indifference towards the environment, unplanned development causing reckless mountain mining and deforestation in the Himalayas are changing human society and environment.

"You can see the growing rifts in relationships, and neglect of the rights of farmers, laborers, and women—these issues have inspired me", Harnot said.

This year alone, five of Harnot’s stories have been included in university courses: “Nadi Gayab Hai” at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, “Cats Chat” at Mumbai University, “Bhagadevi ka Chaighar” at Kolkata University, and “Aabhi” at Gurukashi University in Punjab.

His story “Maa Padhati Hai” has been featured in the mother-centric anthology “Rishton Ki Khidkiyan” by NCERT Delhi.

Previously, Harnot’s stories have been part of the curriculum at Kerala University, Central University of Punjab, Central University of Dharamshala, Gautam Buddha University in Noida, Jain University in Bangalore, and Bangalore Nagar University.

Last year, his popular short story “Jeenkaathi” was included in the MA syllabus at Himachal University, while the English translations of “Aabhi” and “Lal Hota Darakht” were introduced in BA courses.

In Kerala, his story “M.dot.com” is studied in the Plus Two curriculum.

All these universities offer online courses that highlight Harnot’s work alongside other renowned Indian writers.

For Himachal Pradesh, this recognition is a source of pride and a significant honor for Harnot.

Harnot is the first author from Himachal Pradesh to have over twenty MPhil theses written on his work.

To date, seven scholars have been awarded PhDs on his literature, with nine more PhD projects ongoing in various universities.

His stories and novels have been included in numerous PhD theses across various subjects.

Despite his literary achievements, the Himachal Pradesh government has not awarded Harnot any major honors, such as the Himachal Gaurav, Rajya, or Shikhar Samman, which are annually given to writers.

When asked about this, Harnot humbly remarked that having his stories included in university curricula and being the subject of so many MPhil and PhD theses is the greatest honor he could receive.

About SR Harnot

He comes from a very poor farming family. His village, located in Chanaog panchayat, Sunni tehsil, Shimla district, is a very backward area, and it remains so even today.

Until 1990, there were no basic amenities available to the general public there. This village is just 50 kilometers from Shimla. He completed high school from Halag, which is a 14-kilometer walk from his village.

He wanted to do something for his backward panchayat and for his family as well.

He struggled to provide basic amenities for the villagers and the panchayat, which steered him towards social activism.

He couldn't attend college. After high school, he worked as a laborer in Shimla and then secured a government job as a clerk.

However, he wanted to do something different. So, he continued his studies while working, and during this time, he developed an interest in writing.

He observed and experienced Himachal and its people's lives deeply.

He witnessed many inconsistencies, exploitation, superstitions, and the struggles of women, farmers, and common people.

He saw poor villagers trapped in the clutches of moneylenders. Simultaneously, he was captivated by the beauty, art, folk life, and culture of Himachal. His life has been full of struggles.

All these experiences led him towards social service, literary writing, and literary activism.