Himachal author’s journey to syllabi across the country

Shimla, July 14

Thirteen short stories written by renowned writer of the state, SR Harnot, are being taught in various universities across the country.

Apart from his stories being part of the syllabi of various BA and MA courses, many MPhil and PhD scholars are also researching his body of work.

This year, so far, five of his Hindi short stories have been included in various courses.

These include Nadi Gayab Hai, being taught at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Aurangabad, Maharashtra; Cats Chat at Mumbai University; Bhagadevi ka Chaighar at Kolkata University; and Aabhi at Punjab’s Gurukashi University.

His story Maa Padhati Hai is part of the NCERT’s mother-centric collection Rishton Ki Khidkiyan.

Previously, Harnot’s stories have been included in the curricula of Kerala University; Central University of Punjab; Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamsala; Gautam Buddha University, Noida; and Jain University, Bangalore.

Last year, Jeenkaathi, considered to be among Harnot’s most popular short stories, was included in the MA (Hindi) syllabus of Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, while the English translations of Aabhi and Lal Hota Darakht are being taught in the BA (English) course.

In Kerala, his story M.dot.com is being taught to Class XII students.

Harnot is the first author from the state to have over 20 MPhil research theses about his work.

So far, seven research scholars have been awarded a doctorate on his works, and nine PhD scholars are currently researching his body of work across the country.

Harnot said there was no greater honour than his works being taught in several universities across the nation.

“I was able to achieve this feat only because of the blessings of Himachal Pradesh,” he added.