Doyen of Hindi poetry Gopal Das Neeraj passes away at 93

Gopal Das Neeraj

Poetry legend Gopal Das Neeraj passed away at the AIIMS trauma centre on Thursday. He was 93. A Padma Bhushan awardee, Neeraj had suffered a head injury in a fall at home in Agra and was undergoing treatment at a hospital there, said Dr Rajesh Malhotra, chief of the AIIMS trauma centre."

"He was shifted to the trauma centre on Wednesday night in a critical condition. He had kidney failure, infection all over his body and a head injury. He passed away yesterday at around 7.30pm," he said.

Neeraj's family was by his side during his last hours. The poet, who also wrote songs for Bollywood films, was awarded the Padma Shri in 1991 and Padma Bhushan in 2007. Paying tribute to the poet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called his work "unforgettable gems".

He wrote, "Saddened by the demise of noted poet and lyricist Shri Gopaldas 'Neeraj.' Shri Neeraj's unique style connected him with people from all walks of life, across generations. His works are unforgettable gems, which will live on and inspire many. Condolences to his admirers."

Pankaj Udhas tweeted, "Karvan Guzar Gaya Ghubar Dekhte Rahe... Saddened to learn about the passing away of legendary poet Gopal Das Neeraj his unique style of writing will always be missed apart from his literary work he wrote some outstanding songs for Hindi films a big loss (sic)."

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