Ajit Saini
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Ajit Singh Saini (1922–2007) was a writer[1][2][3][4] of Punjab (India). He was associated with the Punjabi daily Ajit[5] as its managing editor[6] and columnist.[7] He is remembered in Punjab both as a freedom-fighter and a writer and columnist. He was an officer in Indian National Army (INA) and a close lieutenant of Subhas Chandra Bose. Saini worked with the wire service of INA and Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind or Provisional Government of Free India, more simply, Indian government in exile.[7]
Ajit Saini joined the British Indian Army, in which he was a lieutenant. While fighting the Japanese army in the Malayan campaign, he came under the influence of Capt. Mohan Singh and thereafter defected to the Indian National Army to fight for India's liberation from British rule.[7] He was first the INA's liaison officer for handling communication with Japanese forces and diplomats. Thereafter he was also the assistant editor of INA news magazine Azad Hind, published from Singapore.[7][8]
Career as a journalist and writer
Awards and recognition
Ajit Saini was recognised during his lifetime both for his contributions to India's freedom movement and to the literary arena. During his lifetime he won the following awards and recognitions:[7]
- Commendation from the Chief Minister of Punjab, Giani Zail Singh, later India's President, for contribution to freedom movement.
- Commendation from Sahit Vichar Kendar for literary contributions.
- Commendation from the Punjab Teachers Union for journalistic excellence.
His short-story anthology Wadhiya Tea-set was released in a literary conference held in New Delhi by India's Foreign Minister Narasimha Rao, later Prime Minister.
