Bekal Utsahi
| Bekal Utsahi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
Mohammed Shafi Khan 1928 Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh |
| Residence | New Delhi, Balrampur |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Poet, writer, politician |
| Organization | Indian National Congress |
| Known for | National Integration, Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb |
| Religion | Islam |
| Spouse(s) | Begum Sughra Rose |
| Children | 4 Daughters, 1 son |
| Relatives | Afroz Ahmad |
| Website | http://bekalutsahi.webs.com |
Bekal Utsahi was born in Balrampur in 1928. He is a poet, writer and politician. He is a congress man and close to Indira Gandhi, also former Member of Parliament in the Upper House Rajya sabha. He has many national awards, the Padma Shri, Yash Bharti, and others.
Early life
Mohd Shafi Khan, also known as Bekal Utsahi, is a former member of Rajya Sabha. In 1976 he got Padmashree Award in the field of literature. During a visit to the Mazar of Hazrat Vaaris Ali Shah of Dewa Sharif in 1945 Shah Hafiz Pyari Miyan quoted, "Bedam Gaya Bekal aaya". After that incident Mohammad Shafi Khan changed his name as "Bekal Varsi". During the period of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1952 an interesting event happened, which resulted in the emergence of Utsahi. There was an election programme of congress party in Gonda at that time. Bekal Varsi welcomed Nehru with his poetry "Kisan Bharat Ka". Nehru was very much impressed and said, "Yeh hamara utsahi shayar hai". Finally he is known as Bekal Utsahi in the literary world.
Politics
Utsahi was actively involved with Indian National Congress and very close to Indira Gandhi. He was nominated by congress as a Member of Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, because of his contribution for national integration.[1] He is also Member of National Integration Council chaired by Prime Minister of India.[2] Bekal Utsahi established so many institution in Uttar Pradesh.
Awards
Utsahi received the Padma Shri award in 1976. He received Yash Bharti Award from Uttar Pradesh Government.[3]