Janki Ballabh Shastri

Acharya Janki Ballabh Shastri (5 February 1916 – 7 April 2011) was an Indian Hindi poet, writer and critic. He declined to accept Padma Shri in 2010 stating his disciples and younger generation deserve the award more than him. He also refused the Padmashri in 1994.

Early life
Janki Ballabh Shastri was born at Maigra village in Gaya district in a Sakaldwipiya Brahmin family.

Career
Janki Ballabh Shastri has written many well-known stories, novels, plays, biographies, essays, ghazals and songs.

Among his famous works are "Bandi Mandiram", "Kakali" "Radha" (an epic running in seven volumes), Roop Aaroop, Teer Tarang, Meghgeet, "Gaatha",Pashani, Tamsa, Iravati, "Kalidas" (Novel), "Ek kiran so Jhaian" (Short Stories), "Trai" and "Unkaha Niral".

Awards
Shastri has been respected with various awards such as the Rajendra Shikhar Award, Bharat Bharti Award, Shiv Poojan Sahay Award, etc.