It takes years of efforts to master a craft. But, there are few who are blessed to excel in not just one but in various facets of art. Dr. Hari Om is one such creative soul. Apart from being a senior IAS officer, he is a prolific writer and a celebrated Ghazal singer.
Hailing from a small village Katari, district Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, his journey from Allahabad University to JNU and ultimately returning to UP as an administrative officer is truly inspiring. What makes him different from others of his clan is that he didn’t just stop after getting selected in one of the most prestigious services of the country but started exploring his creative side and took it to another level.
In a conversation with Indian Masterminds, he talked about his journey in literature and music apart from the experiences in the administration.
The start
Currently posted as the Secretary, General Administration department in Uttar Pradesh government Dr. Hari Om has a bright academic record. He is a man of sensitivity and emotion which led him ditch Science from his school days and move to arts. Remembering those days he said, “My elder brother had a keen interest in science especially biology. He used to do various experiments in the house also which would creep me out. That was the time when I thought of leaving science and move to arts. This was my forte and I used to enjoy it a lot. Back then every student of art was advised to try for government jobs. I was no exception so I also went with the flow.”
Having scored good marks in 12th board, Dr. Hari Om did graduation from Allahabad University before moving to Jawahar Lal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi for MA and M.Phil. This was not the end of his academics. He did his Ph.D from Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna University, Garhwal, Uttarakhand and went abroad for his second Masters in Governance, Public Policy and Political Economy from The International Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, Netherlands.
Civil Services was on his mind from his graduation days but the idea finally found its root during his JNU days. He cracked the UPSC in 1997 and got the coveted IAS.
His journey in literature & music ran concurrently alongside his academics. He wrote his first poem for an inter-college magazine. This continued in Allahabad University as well, and he became an active contributor to the hostel magazine called ‘Samved’. At that time, he had also developed a habit of writing diary daily which continued in his JNU days too.
During college days he was widely appreciated for his melodious voice. Every now & then he used to sing for his friends. “At the time writing and singing was just a hobby. I wasn’t serious about it till my first posting. I was posted as SDM in a very rural district and apart from work I had no other engagements. So, I started writing. In the beginning, I used to write couplets before stepping into Ghazals and then poems”, said Dr. Hari Om.
Now, he has also been writing stories. He already has published two story collections. His first book Dhoop Ka Parcham (Ghazal Collection) was published in 2002. In 2009, he came up with his first story collection titled America Meri Jaan. Apart from it he has four more books to his credit namely Khwabon Ki Hansi and Main Koi Ek Raasta Jaise, Kapas Ke Agle Mausam me and Titliyon Ka Shor. This passionate officer is also preparing for his next book which is a travelogue on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Shayar to Singer
During his college days he used to listen to various Ghazal singers like Hussain Brothers, Jagjit Singh to Mehandi Hasan Sahab and Ghulam Ali. He was a big admirer of them and used to hum their Ghazals. Slowly, people started appreciating him boosting his confidence.
He says, “In 2006 I recorded my first cassette named ‘Rang Pairhan’ for my near and dear ones. I was lucky enough to present this to legendary Ghazal singer Ahmed and Mohammad Hussain. He was very impressed with it and advised me to compose my own songs”.
Heeding his advice, Dr. Hari Om started learning from internet and some professionals. But, he was never trained professionally. He debuted in Ghazal singing soon and so far has released five albums. Rang Pairahan and Intisaab are dedicated to the memory of the legendary shayar Faiz. Roshani Ke Pankh and Rang Ka Dariya and Khanakte Khwaab are his other albums where he has sung his own lyrics mellifluously.
He has also performed in more than 100 live concerts including ‘Jashn-e-Rekhta’. He has shared stages with legends like Ghulam Ali, Hussain Brothers and Chandan Dass among others.
(This the first part of the story on Dr Hari Om. The second part will follow soon.)
