Sant Ram Deswal

Sant Ram Deswal (born 24 April 1955) is an Indian educator, writer, editor, orator and journalist, primarily known for his contributions to Hindi literature and Haryanvi folk literature. In 2025, he was conferred the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, for his work in literature and education.^[1][2]

Sant Ram Deswal
Dr. Sant Ram Deswal
Born	(1955-04-24) April 24, 1955 (age 70) Jhajjar, Haryana, India
Occupation(s)	Retired Professor, Writer, Editor, Journalist
Known for	Hindi Literature, Haryanvi Folk Literature
Spouse	Dr. Rajkala Deswal
Awards	Padma Shri

Early life and education

Dr. Sant Ram Deswal 'Somya' was born in Khedka Gurjar village of Jhajjar district, Haryana on 24 April 1955.^[3] He is the son of Shri. Sada Ram Deswal and Smt. Darka Devi. He holds multiple advanced degrees and certifications. He has earned a Ph.D. and M.Phil. in Hindi, along with M.A. degrees in both Hindi and English from Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak. He also holds an LL.B. (Bachelor of Law), a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication, a Postgraduate Diploma in English-Hindi Translation and a Certificate Course in the French language.

Career

Deswal worked as a Professor of Hindi at Chhotu Ram Arya College in Sonipat, after which he shifted his focus entirely to writing and editing. He is pursuing a D.Litt. in Hindi from Agra University and works as a Hindi expert and consultant for both government and private sectors. As a full-time author, he continues his independent literary pursuits while also offering free legal services as an advocate at the District Court, Sonipat.In addition, he serves as an educational consultant and manages various literary, cultural, and social initiatives and holds the position of Associate Editor at Jagat Mahan magazine. He delivers extension lectures at various institutions and has contributed over 100 radio talks on All India Radio, along with several programs on Doordarshan.

Research

Deswal has guided 14 M.Phil. scholars and supervised 4 Ph.D. scholars in the field of Hindi literature. He has presented 20 research papers at national seminars and published 10 research papers in academic journals. Six research works have been completed on his works at various universities, which have contributed to the publication of the book titled - "Dr. Sant Ram Deswal ke Lalit Lok Nibandh."^[4]

Books

As an author, his work spans across various genres like poetry, navgeet, gazal, folklore, folk literature, lalit nibandh, travelogue, memoirs, biography, etc. and more than 2 dozen books ^[5][6] have been published till date under various categories:

Lalit Nibandh:

• Sanskriti Ki Khoj, ISBN 978-93-84254-69-9
• Hansa, Boliye Mere Ram ISBN 978-93-84254-50-6
• Ikkeesvin Sadi Ke Lalit Nibandh ISBN 978-93-84249-44-1
• Sanskriti Darpan ISBN 978-93-84254-15-5
• Lok Path ISBN 978-81-931359-8-3
• Sanskriti: Swaroop Evam Bhumandalikaran ISBN 978-81-904301-5-9
• Aangan Mein Mor Nacha, Kisne Dekha ISBN 81-7043-611-7
• Lok Alok

Haryana Ka Lok Sahitya Aur Sanskriti (Haryanvi Folk Literature & Culture):^[7][8]

• Haryana Ki Sanskriti Evam Kala ISBN 978-81-905647-1-7
• Haryana Ke Lok Sahitya Mein Kadka Vidha ISBN 978-93-84259-50-1
• Haryana Ka Lok Sahitya: Asphut Vidhayen ISBN 978-93-94627-20-8
• Janakavi Fauji Mehr Singh Granthavali, ISBN 978-93-84254-28-5
• Haryana Ki Sanskriti Ke Pratimaan

Bhartiya Sanskriti (Indian Culture):

• Bhartiya Sanskriti Ki Avdharna, ISBN 978-93-84259-70-9

Kavya (Poetry):

Hindi Kavya:

• Zindagi Aur Bata ISBN 978-93-94627-63-5
• Prem Na Haat Bikaye
• Pat Katha Badalti Rehti Hai
• Manzil Ki Aur

Haryanvi Kavya:

• Kankrit Ke Jungle Mein ISBN 978-93-94627-09-3
• Ankahe Dard ISBN 81-88796-239-3

Jeevni (Biography):

• Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Ki Jeevni ISBN 978-93-94627-57-4

Sansmaran (Memoir):

• Smritiyon Ke Sopan ISBN 978-93-84254-45-2

Yatra Vitrant (Travelogue):

• Safar Jari Hai ISBN 978-81-951797-5-6

Samiksha Granth (Criticism):

• Hindi Lalit Nibandh: Swaroop Evam Mulyankan

Anuvaad (Translation):

• Acchha Bhojan (Hindi to Haryanvi), ISBN 978-81-237-9664-2
• Haddi Tootan Pe (Hindi to Haryanvi) ISBN 978-81-237-9669-7

Journalism and editorial work

Deswal has been a columnist for leading national newspapers, including Dainik Tribune, Jansatta, Navbharat Times and Dainik Haribhoomi. He has also authored hundreds of articles in various newspapers and magazines on literature, culture, society and public discourse.He has served as the guest editor for Harigandha, a journal of the Haryana Sahitya Akademi, and has edited several literary magazines.^[9]

Awards and recognition

Deswal has received various awards for his contributions to literature, education, journalism and social service. In 2025, he was honored with the Padma Shri Award in the field of Literature and Education.

His other awards include the following:

• Mahakavi Surdas Ajeevan Sahitya Sadhna Samman (2018) – awarded by the Haryana Sahitya Akademi with ₹5 lakh.^[10]
• Jan Kavi Mehr Singh Samman (2014)- awarded by the Haryana Sahitya Akademi with ₹2lakh.
• Best Book Award for Lok Alok (2005) from the Haryana Sahitya Academy
• Best Book Award for Ankahe Dard (2010) from the Haryana Sahitya Academy
• Folklore Translation Consolation Award by the Sahitya Academy, Delhi
• Bal Mukund Gupta Sahitya Samman
• Sarvottam Patrakarita Samman
• Sarvottam Shikshak Samman
• Lok Sahitya Shiromani Samman
• Hindi Sahastrabdi Samman
• Sonepat Ratna Samman
• Kavya Kalash Samman
• Panchvati Samman
• Appreciation Certificates from Government of India, Governor of Haryana, and the Higher Education Department, Haryana.^[11][12]

Personal life

Currently, he resides at Sonipat, Haryana.He is married to Dr. Rajkala Deswal, a retired Hindi Professor and a contributor to Hindi literature and Haryanvi folk literature.