Baikunthi- A Journey to the Heaven

The eminent personality of Shri Deokishan Rajpurohit has left a very distinctive mark on various aspects of culture, literature, journalism, history, editing, filmography and many more. He began his career in the field of education. Rajpurohit ji was born on 6 October 1944 to Shivnarayan Singh and Ugam Kanwar in village Champa Kheri. His tenure as a teacher from 1963 to 1977 where his innovations in the field of education especially in Barmer and Nagaur district are still talked about, although he left teaching in 1977, still he is known as "Masterji". He worked in the field of journalism for 40 years. He worked as the chief editor of Dainik Prantdoot newspaper. During this period, he moved into literary creation.

Apart from publishing many articles in reputed newspapers and magazines, Rajpurohitji has authored 73 books in Hindi and Rajasthani. His famous works are: Suraj, Kaput, Janjal, Dhawadi, Kalank, Datar, Lakshmi, Kiran, Kishan, Binani, Khejdi, Santharo, Meera, Bhootni, Gajaban (novel), Vajodi Ro Tapa, Dant Kathavan, Mosarband, Bated, Mhari Kahaniyan, Do Ghoot Pani, Ekaki Sangrah, Seekh, Mhara Vyangya, Nivaan, Chillam Bharo, Yahya Maan Le Kheno, Pher Kai Chavo, Ambhe Bhanke Devasya (story-collection). Rajpurohit has been honored with many awards all over India, such as Bhimrao Award, Maharaja Rai Singh Trust Bikaner, Marwar Ratna, Maharaja Man Singh Trust Mehrangarh, Museum Trust Bikaner, Maharana Kumbha Award, Maharana Mewar Trust City Palace Udaipur, Sawai Maharaja Pratap Kala Dungar Award by Singh Literary Award City Palace Jaipur, Rotary Club, Bikaner etc. Along with his artistic works and his contribution in the development of the society, Rajpurohitji has taken great care of the social values, traditions and culture. He is a versatile personality who serves the society with his immense knowledge and dedication.

While translation is generally perceived as a conversation between two languages, it can also be, in certain contexts, a conversation between two eras between the past and present. Baikunthi is the brainchild of literary icon Deokishan Rajpurohit Ji. He has a well established identity in literary corridors of Rajasthani as well as Hindi and has several accolades to his credit on state as well as National level. This fiction of the writer is responsive to the societal currents of his time as well as the need for reformation in the context of the present scenario.

In 'Baikunthi', the writer presents an impressively diverse cast of characters caught up in both ordinary and extraordinary situations. His imagination goes wherever life happens; villages, rural life, customs, rituals, obsolete traditions, household, disputes and fractions in family, business trends, corruption, self employment, dowry system, re- marriage of widows, concern for purity of environment, plantation of trees, curbing water pollutions etc. Reformative measures have been implemented by the protagonist in this story, seeking good will of the villagers and involving them in process.

Story of 'Baikunthi' revolves around the accidental death of a very rich, dishonest Seth and multiple rituals associated with his obituary and all sorts of pomp and show associated with his Baikunthi. His worthy son accomplishes all the rituals under expert guidance of five elderly wise- men, Pandits and Naai of the village, but ultimately declares that no such rituals should be performed after his death.

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