Search engine Google has paid a tribute to one of the prominent Punjabi writers Amrita Pritam via their Google doodle today. Born on August 31, 1919, today marks the 100th birth anniversary of the great writer. She was a novelist, essayist and poet who wrote in Hindi and Punjabi. She has produced over 100 books of poetry, fiction and a collection of essays. In the particular Google doodle, there is a reference to her autobiography called Kala Gulab. India Independence Day 2019 Google Doodle: Indian Culture Ranging From Education to Courage and Compassion Depicted by Tricolour Art On 73rd I-Day.

Amrita Pritam was born in Gujranwala Punjab, which is in present-day Pakistan. Amrita's mother passed away when she was young and to battle the loneliness she started writing. Her first anthology of poems, Amrit Lehran was published by the year 1936. Over half a dozen of the collection followed between the years 1936 and 1943. She started as a romantic poet, but eventually became a part of the Progressive Writers' Movement.

The Google Doodle shows a caricature of Amrita Pritam sitting and writing a book with some dark roses in front of her. The flowers make a reference to Pritam’s autobiography Kala Gulab which not just gave insights into her personal life but was also an inspiration for other women to represent and speak up for themselves. Happy Earth Day 2019! Google Doodle Explores Wandering Albatross, Coastal Redwood and Other Endangered Organisms Across Elevations.

Amrita's novel Pinjar was a great piece narrating a tale set in the time of India-Pakistan partition. The book was even adapted into a movie. She wrote several books in Hindi and Urdu. In the year 2005, she was awarded one of India’s highest civilian awards, the Padma Vibushan in 2005. While Amrita was primarily a writer for about six decades, she also worked for the All-India Radio.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 31, 2019 08:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).