About Mahadevi Varma
Mahadevi Varma (26 March 1907 – 11 September 1987) was an Indian Hindi-language poet, essayist, and short-story writer. She is regarded as one of the four major pillars of the Chhayavaad movement in Hindi literature. Between 1930 and 1988, Varma published eight collections of poetry along with several works of prose, including essays and speeches. Her writings reflect experiences from both pre- and post-Partition India, as well as her involvement in social reform, particularly in support of the women's liberation movement. Literary critics have referred to her as the "modern Meera." The poet Suryakant Tripathi 'Nirala' described her as "Sarasvati in the vast temple of Hindi literature." Varma developed a softer poetic diction in Khari Boli Hindi, which had previously been associated mainly with Braj Bhasha. She was also trained in music, and her compositions are noted for their expressive language and stylistic refinement. She is considered one of the most influential female writers of the twentieth century. Her birth centenary was celebrated in 2007, and in 2018, Google honoured her with a Google Doodle. Varma created a unique rhythm and simplicity within the composition and language of her songs, as well as the natural use of symbols and images that, draw a picture in the mind of the reader. However, it was her roommate and senior, Subhadra Kumari Chauhan (known in the school for writing poems), who discovered her hidden stash of poems.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.