Mohan Bulchand Lala
Mohan Bulchand Lala, known as Mohan Kalpana, was born on 22 November 1930 in Kotri, Sind [Pakistan], and later settled in Ulhasnagar. Despite limited formal education, he became one of the foremost post-Independence Sindhi fiction writers and a key figure of the second generation, alongside Guno Samtaney and Lal Pushp.
His work balanced realism, romanticism, and progressive thought, making a lasting impact on post-Partition Sindhi literature. He wrote over 200 short stories and several novels, most notably Jalavatni, which poignantly reflects his nostalgia for Sindh, and he was also known as a poet and literary critic.
Key Facts
- Birth Date: 22-11-1930
- Place of Birth: Kotri, Sind (Pakistan)
- Academic Attainments: Matric
- Permanent Address: Ulhasnagar, Thane, India.
Significant Literary Achievements / Contributions
Mohan had written 25 books. Most of them were novels. A few most significant are given below:
- Anja Raat Baki Ahee [Night is still there], 1955, report on Goan freedom struggle.
- Surga Jee Golha [Search for heaven], 1958, children’s novel.
- Chandini Ain Zahar [Moonlight and poison], 1967, nine stories.
- Farishtan Jee Duniya [The world of angels], 1967, nine stories.
- Maau [Mother], 1979, Novel.
- Uha Shaam [That evening], 1981, seven stories.
Recognition By Way Of Awards / Honours
Mohan received a prestigeous Sahitya Akademi Award for his Book Uha Shaam in 1984. We have not been able to trace the record of other awards / honours.
He expired on 19th June 1992.
Finale
Mohan Kalpana Was one of the fore most writer of fiction in the post independence era of India. He was one of the tri murti of sindhi fiction in the Second generation who tried to be distinct from the first generation of sindhi writers. They tried to profess the from progressive School of thought. The other two were Guno Samtaney and Lal Pushp. They differed among themselves also in thought and style.
Kalpana was struggling between the realistic & romantic school of thought even bordering on the progressive school. Kalpana had given quite a lot to post partition sindhi literature. He has written over 200 short stories, some of which are artistic, outstanding & world class.
He wrote many novels, of which one needs special mention and that was 'Jalavatni' and in the novel he has portrayed nostaligic memories of sindh from where he was forced to Leave due to partition of the country. He was also a poet, and critic of a sort.