Singh, Mohan, better known as \’Divana\’, is a versatile writer, a research scholar, a critic, a linguist, a short story writer, an essayist, a dramatist, a poet, a free thinker and literary giant, who, apart from Punjabi, writes in English, Hindi and Urdu also. He started his career at Lahore by editing a cultural fortnightly in English, The Message of Hindustan (1918), in which appeared his original interpretations of Vedanta. He obtained a post-graduate degree in English (1924), and was awarded Doctorate in 1931 by the Calcutta University for his research work \’Characteristics and Tendencies of Modern Urdu Poetry\’. A rare distinction of D. Litt (1932) is also to his credit for his research in the history of Punjabi literature.
He had been a journalist, a school teacher, an accountant, a translator, before getting the lecturership in S.D. College at Kanpur (1925-28), and then at the Punjab University (1928), where he subsequently held Punjabi Chair. After his retirement from this Institute in 1959, he joined as Director, Vrindavan Institute. In the field of poetry, he is better known for his Masti (Beatitude 1949), containing 700 creative quatrains.
His main works include Poetry ”Dhup chhan (Light and shade, 1929), Nil dhara (The blue stream, 1931), Jagat tamasha (The world-play, 1941), Nirankari sakhian (Biographical episodes of Guru Nanak, 1942), Patjhad (Autumn, 1944), Som ras (Manna Dew, 1953), Ras bharian (Raspberries., 1956). Sufi Literature (ed.): Bulhe Shah (50 Lafis, 1939), Sufian da kalam (Poetry of the sufis), Kafian Shah Hussain (1952), Kalam Shah Hussain (Poetry of Shah Hussain), Hir Vans Shah. Short Stories: Devinder batisi (Thirty-two stories for Devinder, his wife, 1940), Rang tamashe (Pleasures of life, 1951), Prandi (The Hair-lace, 1955), Barian (The windows). Essays: Jitendar sahit sarovar (Jitendar literature reservoir).
Plays: Pankhdian (The petals, 1928). Research: Punjabi bhagti kav (Punjabi devotional poetry), Jap bhakha vigyan (Jap ”a linguistic study), Adhunik Punjabi poetry (Modern Punjabi poetry). In English: A History of Punjabi Literature, Kabir and Bhakti Movement, Gorakhnath and Medieval Hindu Mysticism, Mysticism of Time in Rigveda, Secrets of Spiritual Life, New Light on Sri Krishna and Gita, Characteristics and Tendencies of Modern Urdu Poetry. In Hindi: Sada Gulab (Stories), Svaravali (Problem plays), Nama Deva (Research). In Urdu: Poems: Kaifiyat, Doshiza, Nai duniya. Essays: Chutkian.
References :
1. Amarjit Singh, Punjabi sahit da itihas ”Qissa kal, Amritsar, 1981.
2. Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature, 6 Vols., Delhi, 1995.
3. Ramdev, Jaginder Singh (ed.), Punjabi Likhari Kosh, Jullundur, 1964.
4. Sekhon, S.S. and K.S. Duggal, A History of Punjabi Literature, Delhi, 1992.
5. Singh, N.K., Encyclopaedia of Indian Biography, Delhi, 2000.
Mohan Singh, widely known by his pen name “Divana,” stands as a towering figure in multilingual literature, whose prolific output and scholarly pursuits have left an indelible mark on the literary landscapes of Punjabi, English, Hindi, and Urdu. His works—ranging from poetry and prose to dramatic literature and critical essays—serve as a bridge that unites distinct linguistic cultures, enriching not only South Asian literary traditions but also fostering a cross-cultural dialogue that resonates internationally .
A Multilingual Maestro
Mohan Singh’s literary journey began in Lahore, where he edited the cultural fortnightly The Message of Hindustan in English as early as 1918. This early venture into multilingual expression set the stage for a career that evolved far beyond the confines of a single language or genre. His academic achievements—earning a postgraduate degree in English by 1924 and a Doctorate in 1931 for his pioneering research on modern Urdu poetry—underscored a scholarly curiosity and a deep commitment to exploring the nuances of language, literature, and culture. By writing with equal fluency in Punjabi, English, Hindi, and Urdu, he not only captured the unique expressions of each tongue but also demonstrated how linguistic diversity can be a source of immense creative strength.
Literary Contributions Across Genres
Mohan Singh’s impact on multilingual literature is evident through his vast body of work. In Punjabi, his poetic collections such as Dhup Chhan (Light and Shade), Nil Dhara (The Blue Stream), and Jagat Tamasha (The World-Play) reflect a deep connection to regional aesthetics, while his essays and research, including his celebrated work A History of Punjabi Literature, helped frame the narrative of modern Punjabi literary evolution. His engagement with Urdu—exemplified by his research on the “Characteristics and Tendencies of Modern Urdu Poetry”—and his critical writings in English further highlight his ability to traverse and integrate diverse literary traditions. This cross-pollination of ideas not only enriched each individual language but also expanded the thematic and stylistic horizons of South Asian literature.
A Legacy of Translation and Cultural Synthesis
Beyond his original compositions, Mohan Singh’s work in translation played a crucial role in making classical and modern texts accessible to wider audiences. His efforts in translating not only bridged cultural and linguistic divides but also inspired subsequent generations of writers and scholars to embrace a more global and inclusive literary perspective. By drawing on both Western literary influences—such as the Romantic poets—and indigenous traditions, Mohan Singh demonstrated that the interplay of different cultural voices can yield a more comprehensive, enriched understanding of human experience.
Enduring Influence on Contemporary Literature
The multilingual legacy of Mohan Singh continues to resonate today. His scholarly investigations and creative endeavors have paved the way for a more interconnected literary culture in which the exchange of ideas across languages is celebrated rather than constrained by linguistic barriers. The way he seamlessly wove together diverse linguistic strands offers a lasting lesson on the universal nature of literary expression—an inspiration for modern writers who strive to capture complex identities in an increasingly globalized world.
