Playwright Kherwal Saren was born on 9th December 1957 in Raghunath village in the district of Paschim Medinipur (Now Jhargram district) to Tarachand Saren and Kapu Saren. He received the Padma Shri award in 2022 for Literature and Education.
His father was the land Surveyor of Zamindars. He is his parent’s third child among two brothers and three sisters. His grandfather Mirja Soren was earlier a resident of Bira village of Chandra Panchayat of Jhargram. His grandmother’s father arranged for a stay in Raghunathpur. His parents had kept his name as Nabin in ‘Chatiyar’ (naming ceremony: a naming ceremony is held in Santali society after the birth of a new baby, for giving his forefather’s name to the newborn baby). Later, when he was admitted to Gopalpur Primary School, the schoolmaster changed his name and named as Kalipada.
He grew up herding domestic cattle. After observing other children going to school, he started going to school barefoot, wearing genji and gamccha. He completed his primary education in 1969 from Raghunathpur Primary School, Higher Education from Chandra Higher Secondary school of Jhargram district in 1977 and Under-Graduation from Kapgari Seva Bharati College in 1980. His life growing up was full of constraints, poverty and hardships; lack of food at home always haunted him. At such an important juncture in his life, Kherwal felt that education was the only means of challenging this poverty, and he resolved to finish his education. He started writing while he was in Primary School; when Kherwal was in class seven, to be particular, on the occasion of Rabindra Jayanti along with school students, he played the role of messenger in Rabindranath’s play ‘Mukut’ in Santali, translation was done by Dilip Saren. When he was studying in Chandra High School, a senior class named Gangadhar Saren sent his writings in ‘Paschim Bangla’ (a monthly mouthpiece of Govt. of West Bengal). Gangadhar would read out his poetries and stories to Kherwal.
Being exposed to such an environment, the dormant literary leanings were awakened in the young mind of Kherwal. He authored a drama book named ‘Nidhan Dasa’ in 1975 when he was still in class eleven. He started writing in Santali in Bengali script because Ol Chiki script is not disseminated among the Santal like today. He would go every day to the branch office of Adibasi Socio-Educational & Cultural Association to learn the Ol-Chiki script.
His short story ‘GUTI’ was published in Paschim Bangla, and thereafter, there was no looking back; many of his writings focus on the life and culture of Santals. Therefore his college friend Upendra Nath Murmu gave Kalipada Soren nom de plume ‘Kherwal Soren’.S ince then, he has been known to one and all as Kherwal Saren. After his B.A. examination along with some of his friends- Upendra Nath Murmu, Gurupada Hansda, Narendra Nath Hansda, Karam Chand Hansda, late Sagar Hansda thought for starting a Santali literary magazine, and accordingly, they launched ‘Tuwar’, a Santali literary magazine, the editor of which was Kherwal Saren himself. Due to financial problems, this magazine was discontinued after the publication of two issues. While he was still in college under Sarens leadership, the Karam Dance Group was formed, and they performed at Yuva Mela held in Siliguri as an effort to preserve the Santal culture. His dramas were staged by college students in an effort to educate the illiterate and to eradicate superstition.
In 1981, he joined Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, for pursuing Masters in Political Science under the guidance of his uncle, late Manik Saren, who was an employee of Kolkata Police. Here, he came in contact with Sushil Saren, Sanatan Mandi, Biswanath Murmu and many others and with them, he formed Marshal Gionta; they launched a monthly Santali literacy magazine ‘Rimil’ which was later renamed as Aven Sakowa under the leadership of Kherwal Saren. The ideas that he had planted through Aven Sakowa had now matured and spread their wings all around. He started a great revolution in every field of Santali literature- drama, poetry, novel, short story, essay writing, songwriting and many others. Kherwal Saren created a great stir through his various pen names-Mister Thungu, Saptarsi Saren, Pati Ojha, Benja Mara, Nabin Saren, among others. His multifaced talent as a writer has been reflected through Pacchimbangla, Kherwal Jarpa, Kuhu, Sili, Tetre and various other magazines. Knowingly or unknowingly, Saren has become a role model for innumerable young writers.
Even after all his literary outpour, Kherwal Saren was still deeply troubled. It bothered him that the people of the villages are still steeped in illiteracy. He thought, “If they are to be educated, let them find their identity; let them think of their rights; let them be united in themselves. “As a consequence, he set up Kherwal Dramatic Club in Kolkata in 1990. Kherwal Dramatic club had staged dramas of Kherwal Saren in Santal belts of Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal for the development of Santali Socio-educational and cultural institutions from 1990-2006.
His published books are as follow:
Akhir Disa Kate (Drama,1977)
Serenj Akhra Re Kherwal (Songs,1990)
Kherwal Ko Disa Kate (Short Story,1990)
Thari Daka Re Med Dak (Drama,1992)
Ched Re Chikayena (Drama,1992)
Sarise Nase Bengar Rase (Short Story,1995)
Ing Kherwal Ing Memen Kana (Drama,2001)
Mase Uihar Me Disha Ruwar Me (Drama,2004)
Kherwal Arang (Poetry,2004)
Kherwal Jaher (Poetry,2013)
Gidra Ko Disha Kate (Poetry for Children)
Turui Gel Serma Tayom (Poetry,2019)
His unpublished books are as follows:
Nidhan Dasa (Drama)
Sagun Marshal (Drama)
Jao Ge Dular Jiwar Tahenma (Drama)
Saonta Ugar Re Hende Bing (Drama)
Dular Dahi Re Gidi Ko Madrak Kan (Drama)
Kunami Chando Marshal (Drama)
Bang Badaya Tinak Sariya (Drama)
Jiwi Sengel (Drama)
Hopon Mai Doy Akayena (Drama)
Tela Imang Mego Janam Ayo (Drama)
Joy Jitkar Debon Mena (Drama)
Hala (Drama)
Ghor Kuli Renak Muchad Lila (Drama)
Seday Sohag Dular Netar Ukur (Drama)
Okoy Ente Badaya (Drama)
Okoy Hirla Ingdom Bagiang Kana (Drama)
Angir Iding Me Bankhan Hirinj Sarinj Me (Drama)
Ujar Ma Saonta Re Dular Ma Tangi Re (Drama)
Amdo Babu Haram Hor Alam Panja Kowa Jor (Drama)
His articles are have been published in many Santali literary magazines and journals like-
Aven Sakowa, Mantar, Sili, Tetre, Disa, Pacchim Bangla etc. He has participated in many seminar’s of All India Radio, Sahitya Akademi, All India Santali Writers Association etc. He was also a member of the Santali Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, from 2005-to 2007. His many dramas are being broadcast from All India Radio Kolkata.
They are as follows:
Raju Dada (One-act play)
Baha Mai (One-act play)
Alom Pichayana Kherwal (One-act play)
Jitkar Onoliyo (One-act play)
Nehor (One-act play)
Thari Dakare Med Dak
His play Chet Re Chikayena highlights the ‘corruption’ which becomes the genesis for exploitation, poverty, superstition and illiteracy. In the play, the character Sagun is a crusader against corruption. He loses his life at the hands of Raju, a hired gunman of Raban Mandi, the Panchayat Pradhan. Police choose to not take any action against Sagun’s killer in spite of repeated entreaties by the Social Refirmers’ group. Ultimately, justice prevails when an honest Police Officer, Shantimoy Bhattacharya, is posted to the police station, and he arrests Raban Mandi, Raju and other culprits one by one. It was for this brilliant drama that Kherwal was awarded the ‘Sahitya Akademi Award‘ in 2007.
In his play ‘Thari Dakare Med Dak’, he focuses on ‘illiteracy’ as the only mode for obliterating superstition and establishing basic human rights in society. He exposes the abominable side of our society as it unleashes repeated witch hunts against innocent women like Thuris. The play also highlights how the activists of the ‘Illiteracy Eradication Programme’ are constantly under attack by the opportunists of our society.
His play ‘Akhir Disa Kate’ highlights the dowry system in our country and its awful consequences. But the play has a relatively positive attitude towards the Santal society, as this society is considered more egalitarian compared to others. In a country where women are tortured and burnt alive every day for dowry, we get a glimpse into society, Santals, who are free of this custom. His play then becomes a mode of foregrounding the negatives of adopting such a system in Santals.
Another play, ‘Ing Kherwal Ing Memen Kana’, focuses on the importance of language, a ‘mother tongue’ without which a man is incapable of communication. Kherwal’s play is a cry for preserving our languages, especially our mother tongue.
He has highlighted through his ‘belles-lettres’, stories and poetry, the problems of his society and solutions thereof. Living in the midst of this crisis, he also provides his audience with positive steps for the betterment of society.
His book of songs,’ Sereng Akhrare Kherwal’, emphasizes the deep affection one feels for one’s native society, culture and community; and the need to keep them intact against destructive influences.
Kherwal’s work has been significant for their social consciousness, his dramas being a mirror of the society we inhabit. His plays depict social awareness cultural identity and bear the message of peace, progress and mutual understanding. He has received numerous honours and awards from many governments and non-government organizations; notable among them are:-
Felicitation from All India Santali Writers’ Association, Jhargram as a Best Story Writer in 1992
The honour of excellence by Adibasi Press Club in 1994
Felicitation from Bandwan Sidhu Kanhu Gaonta as a Best Play Writer
Pt. Raghunath Murmu Award by All India Santali Writers’ Association(AISWA) in 2004
Lahanti Award by Lahanti Patrika Committee in 2005
Sahitya Akademi Award for his drama Ched Re Chikayena in 2007
Felicitation from State Bank of India, ST/SC &OBC Employees Council in 2007
Felicitation from SDO, Jhargram in 2008
Felicitatiin from State Bank of India,Rajbhasa Bibhag
Felicitation from Communist Party Of India(Marxsbad), Benagrh Branch in 2008
Felicitation from Kumud Kumari Institution, Jhargram in 2008
Felicitation from Poura Nagarik Committee, Jhargram in 2008
Felicitation from Adibasi Socio-Educational &Cultural Association, West Bengal in 2008
The honour of excellence by All India Santali Writers’ Association(AISWA) in 2008
Felicitation from West Bengal Forest Department, Govt. of West Bengal in 2008
Felicitation from Municipality, Jhargram in 2008
Felicitation from State Bank Of India Staff Association, Bengal Circle in 2008
Felicitation from Bharat Jakat Pathua Gaonta in 2008
Felicitation from Adibasi Babsayi Samiti, Jhargram in 2008
Felicitation from Sagen Sakam Club, Konyadoba, Jhargram in 2008
Felicitation from Santali Education Board, Jhargram in 2008
Felicitation from Marangburu Semled, Natundih, Purulia in 2008
Felicitation from Adibasi Driver’s Association, Jhargram in 2008
Felicitation from Sagen Sakam Patham Committee, Jhargram in 2008
Felicitation from International Santal Council, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand in 2008
Felicitation from Raghunathpur Amlajora Kherwal Jumid Gaonta in 2008
Felicitation from Kiya Kadam Kherwal Madwa, Tilaboni in 2009
Sarada Prasad Kisku Memorial Award by Paschim Banga Santali Academi, Govt. of West Bengal in 2012
Sadhu Ramchand Murmu Memorial Award by Rusika Madwa, Uttarpara, Hooghly in 2012
Felicitation from Jangal Mahal Bhumi Putra Samannay Mancha & Purbanchal Adibasi Kurmi Samaj & Jhargram Mahakuma Press Club in 2013
Felicitation from Jhargram Mela O Yuva Utsab in 2014
Gunijan Sangbardhana by Backward Classes Welfare Department Govt. Of West Bengal in 2015
Life Time Achievement Award by All India Santali Film Association, Jamshedpur, in 2015
Felicitation from Rajbala Roy Education Trust, Jhargram, in 2015
Felicitation from Pt. Raghunath Murmu Memorial Committee, Palashbani, Mayurbhanj, Odisha in 2016
Kavi Sarada Prasad Kisku Memorial Award by Kherwal Gaonta, Jamtoria, Purulia in 2018
Felicitation from Mamata Banerjee, Honourable Chief Minister of West Bengal, in 2018
Sahitya Akademi Translation Award in 2019 for translation of Bengali novel Anubhab by Dibyendu Palit into Santali entitled ‘Aikao’.
Presently, he is involved with many organizations like-
Marshal Gaonta, Bally, Howrah
Kolkata Kherwal Dramatic Club
Adibasi Socio-Education & Cultural Association(West Bengal)
All India Santali Writers’ Association
Aguan Gaonta, Bharatpur, Jhargram
Kherwal Gayan Mahal, Jhargram
Raghu Nathpur Amlajora Kherwal Jumid Gaonta
Apart from being a writer, Kherwal Saren is also an actor, singer and music player. He has even acted in a Santali movie named “Sita Nalare Sagun Supari”. As an actor, he met the actress and his future wife, Maku Rani, in 1990. He resides in Bharatpur near Jhargram with his family, and he is working labouriously for the betterment of the Santali language and literature.