From Protector of the Skies to Preserver of Culture: IAF Veteran Anand Kumar Ashodhiya’s Literary Odyssey

Mumbai, India — Anand Kumar Ashodhiya, a retired Warrant Officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF) with over 32 years of exemplary service, is now spearheading a literary renaissance through his imprint, Avikavani Publishers. Celebrated in literary circles as "Kavi Anand Shahpur," he channels his military precision into safeguarding India’s rich folk traditions, regional languages, and classical epics.

Honoured Literary Patriot

Recipient of the prestigious Haryanvi Sahitya Ratna (2025) and Kargil Vijay Samman, Ashodhiya seamlessly blends his defence legacy with cultural stewardship. From patrolling the skies to preserving Haryanvi Ragni forms and Mahabharata-inspired works, his journey reflects unwavering dedication. His flagship titles—SĀKET: An English Trans-creation (inspired by Maithili Sharan Gupt) and Antaryātrā: The Inner Journey—bridge vernacular roots with global accessibility.

"A soldier’s discipline forges a poet’s duty to preserve our heritage," states Ashodhiya. Through Avikavani Publishers, he documents oral folk epics, offers scholarly Pingal Shastra (prosody) reviews, and elevates Haryanvi literature for future generations.

Key Literary Contributions

Ashodhiya’s prolific portfolio spans Haryanvi folk epics, modern poetry, and English adaptations. Here’s a curated selection of his 14 major published works:

1. Adhirājan (First Edition, 2021) — Folk Epic in Ragni Form (DJ Publication).

2. Adhirājan (Revised Second Edition, 2025) — Enhanced Ragni Epic (Avikavani Publishers).

3. Thara Mudda Thari Baat (2025) — Modern Haryanvi Free-Verse Poems (Sjain Publication).

4. Kissa Bhagat Puranmal (2025) — Haryanvi Folk Ragni with Pingal Review (Sjain Publication).

5. Heer Ranjha (2025) — Iconic Folk Ragni Collection with Analysis (Avikavani Publishers).

6. Avikavani Haryanvi Ragni Sangrah (2025) — Comprehensive Ragni Anthology with Reviews.

7. Draupadi: Ek Lok Chetana (2025) — Ragni, Review, and Folk Reinterpretation.

8. Prem ke Sau Rang (2025) — Modern Hindi Short Poetry Collection.

9. SĀKET (2025) — English Trans-creation of the Epic (ISBN: 978-93-5469-845-3).

10. NISWARTHI UDYOGA PARVA (2025) — Metrical English Rendering of Mahabharata’s Udyoga Parva.

11. Kahaan Kahaan Paiband Lagau (2025) — English Translation of Saroj Dahiya’s Hindi Novel.

12. Ath Marjarika Uvach (2025) — Grand Hindi Epic: Symbolic History from Ancient Times to 2025.

13. Antaryātrā (2026) — English Transliteration of Introspective Hindi Poetry.

14. Sain Samaj Ka Gauravshali Eitihas (2026) - Social, History

With over 380 compositions across Hindi, Haryanvi, and English, Ashodhiya’s oeuvre emphasizes spiritual depth, patriotic fervour, and linguistic scholarship.

About the Author

Anand Kumar Ashodhiya (Former Warrant Officer, IAF) transitioned from aerial defence to literary preservation, focusing on underrepresented Haryanvi folk traditions and prosodic authenticity.

Media Contact:
Anand Kumar Ashodhiya
Founder, Avikavani Publishers
Website: anandkumarashodhiya.github.io
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anand-kumar-ashodhiya-599248285
Email: ashodhiya68@gmail.com

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