The announcement of the Padma Awards brought great cheer for the city of Kanpur. Born and brought up in the city, Dr. Usha Yadav is one of the 102 distinguished citizens from across the country to receive Padma Shri this year. A PHD-degree alumnus of Kanpur University, Usha credits a major part success of her success to the literary environment provided by the city.
A proud daughter who has preserved her father’s legacy
Hindi litterateur and author, Usha Yadav has not only added a shining feather in her cap but also preserved her father’s legacy. She is the daughter of Chandrapal Singh ‘Mayank’, who authored many children’s stories. A lawyer by profession, he wanted Usha to become a judge but she was inclined towards literature and writing from a young age.
It was in class 9th when her first poem got published in the school magazine and she has never looked back after that. Usha has authored books on a range of themes in her long career. Having completed her D.Litt in Agra, she joined Bhimrao Ambedkar University after that, where she served till retirement.
Author of stories based on lives of women, children and senior citizens
Reportedly, Dr. Usha told that her stories are often based on children, women and senior citizens. She has credited to her success, more than 100 books on issues encircling their lives. In the present times, children across all sections of society are facing tough circumstances. While the ones in rich families have everything except their parent’s attention, middle-class kids are overburdened by the aspirations of their parents. The toughest experiences are faced by children in poor and deprived families. Their childhood is overshadowed by their constant struggle for food. Similarly, daughters and women are feeling more insecure with each passing day. It is these issues that motivated most her stories.
A deep sense of attachment for Kanpur
As per reports, Usha mentioned that she feels a deep sense of attachment for Kanpur. Laden with proverbs and idioms, the city’s local language influenced her passion for writing. She further said that all her visits to Kanpur bring back old memories from the past. While the city evolved with time, its heritage remains preserved.
While the author has achieved a remarkable feat with the latest award, this is not her first honour. Previously, she has been presented with the Bal Sahitya Bharati Award, the highest honour for children’s literature, Mahatama Gandhi bi-annual Hindi literature award, Meera Smriti Samman amongst others.
