Prof. Balwant Gargi
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Eminent Writers |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | May 31, 2017 |
| Denomination | Rs. 10 |
| Quantity | 301,590 |
| Perforation | 13¾ x 13¼ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Sh. Brahm Prakash |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 3164 Yvert et Tellier IN 2855 Stanley Gibbons IN 3317 |
| Themes | Authors | Famous people | Literary People (Poets and Writers) | Literature | Men |
A Pioneer of Modern Punjabi Theatre
Balwant Gargi (4 December 1916 – 22 April 2003) was a renowned playwright, theatre director, novelist, teacher, and a leading voice in modern Indian drama. Born in Bathinda, Punjab, he became one of the most influential figures in Punjabi and Hindi playwriting.
Early Life and Education
Gargi pursued higher education at Government College Lahore, earning his B.A. in English and M.A. in Political Science from Forman Christian College. His academic journey and vibrant college years laid the foundation for his creative literary career.
Founder of Modern Punjabi Theatre
He served as the Founder Professor and Director of the Department of Indian Theatre at Panjab University, Chandigarh (established in 1972).
His globe-spanning travels enriched his artistic understanding—especially his engagement with Irish theatre, which deepened his appreciation of dramatists like Henrik Ibsen and J. M. Synge, influencing his realistic yet expressive character portrayals.
Creative Excellence Across Genres
Gargi explored:
- Social realities
- Mythology
- History
- Folklore
His dramatic range extended from intense realism to symbolic and mythical storytelling. His Hindi short stories and one-act plays remain milestones in Indian dramatic literature.
Televised works such as “Rangila Chuha” on Doordarshan earned him nationwide acclaim.
His well-known literary work “The Naked Triangle” introduced new narrative themes and gained him international attention.
Recognition and Prestigious Awards
Balwant Gargi earned extraordinary literary honours, including:
- Sahitya Akademi Award (1962) for Rang Manch
- Padma Shri
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (Punjabi playwriting)
- Soviet Land Nehru Award
He is among the few Indian writers to receive both the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — a rare distinction.
Legacy
A chronicler of modernism and a revolutionary theatre educator, Gargi shaped generations of theatre practitioners. His work continues to inspire contemporary playwrights and performers across India.
First Day Cover
