Prabhu Jotumal Chugani
Prabhu Jotumal Chugani, known as Prabhu ‘Wafa’, was born on 19 September 1915 in Larkana, Sind. A Bombay University graduate and retired Central Government officer, he has written seven books of poetry, with his poem “Khushbu” translated into Russian and published in an international poetry collection in 1999.
A senior Sindhi poet, Prabhu Wafa is celebrated for his lyrical and philosophical depth inspired by Sufi thought. He wrote in many poetic forms and introduced Panjkadas, a unique five-line verse, earning praise from poet Hari Dilgir and recognition for both his literary excellence and patriotism.
Key Facts
- Birth Date: 19-9-1915
- Place of Birth: Larkana, Sind (Pakistan)
- Academic Attainments: Graduate from Bombay University
- Permanent Address: Mumbai, India.
- Occupation: Retired Central Govt. Officer
Significant Literary Achievements / Contributions
- Parwaaz [Flight], Geet, Ghazal, Nazm, Rubaaees, Poetry, 1962.
- Surkh Gulaab, Suraha Khwaab [Red Roses, Fragrant Dreams], Panjakadas, a new form of poetry of five lines, 1980.
- Maan Azal Ji Unj Aahyaan [I am an Eternal Thirst], Geet, Gazal, Nazm, Bait, Poetry, 1990.
- Tun Saagar Maan Lehr [You are the ocean, I Am Mere Ripple], Geet, Gazal, Nazam & Shridhanjallis, Poetry, 1993.
- Aaina Ain Aksa [Mirrors & Images], Mini poems of three lines [Haiko], 1994.
Recognition By Way Of Awards / Honours
Prabhu Wafa has received among others the following Awards:
- Sahitya Akademi award for Surkkh Gulaab Suraha Khwaab, 1981, [At New Delhi by Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India].
- Gaurav Puraskar for significant literary contributions, 1990 [At Mumbai by Govt. of Maharashtra].
- Award for total contributions to Sindhi literature, 1992 [At Mumbai by Maharashtra State Sindhi Sahitya Academy].
- Award for significant literary contributions, 1998 [At Mumbai by Priyadarshani Academy].
- Iswari Bai Buxani Award, 1993 [At Pune by Ishwaribai Foundation].
Additional Information
- Shri Prabhu ‘Wafa’ has written 7 books on poetry.
- One of the poem Khushbu from his book Surkh Gulaab, Suraha Khwaab was translated in Russian language and published in ‘Indian Poetry of 20th Century Collection', 1999.
Finale
Prabhu Wafa is one of the senior poets of Sindhi community. He is known not only as lyrical poet, but also as a ‘thinker’. Imbued with ‘Sufi’ thoughts, he is a citizen of the world. Prabhu Wafa is a poet of outstanding calibre. He has composed Ghazal, Geet, Bait, Vaaee, Rubaaee and Haiku etc. He is the first Sindhi poet who composed Panjkadas, a poem of five lines, a new form, which has sweetness of Ghazal and depth of Rubaaee. Our another major poet, Hari Dilgir has applauded his poem, The Cukkoo and has compared him with world-renowned poets, like Shelly & Wordsworth on the same topic. Wafa is also known as patriot & loves his country.