BIOGRAPHY WRITING

WHAT IS A BIOGRAPHY?

A biography is a kind of paragraph or composition on the life of an eminent personality. The life story of such a person can inspire us or show us a bright light for the future.

HOW TO WRITE A BIOGRAPHY?

1. Title: First comes the title. It is generally based on the name of the person whose biography is being written. Some special quality of that personality may also be added with the name.
2. Use of Tenses: A mixture of tenses may be used according to the context, though most of the description is in the past tense. This depends largely on the student’s ability.
3. Use of Hints: Try to use all the hints (points) given. If you have any extra authentic information about the personality, you may add one or two such points. This will make your presentation better.
4. Conclusion: Draw the conclusion by mentioning some great contribution or achievement of that personality.

WORKED-OUT EXAMPLES

1. Biography of Louis Pasteur

LOUIS PASTEUR: A LEGENDARY FIGURE IN SCIENCE

Louis Pasteur was born in 1822 in a village in Dole in France. His father was a poor tanner. But he was a brilliant student. He obtained his Doctorate degree in Chemistry. In his professional life, he worked as Professor of Physics at Dijon and Professor of Chemistry at Strasbourg. He also became the Director of Scientific Studies at Ecole Normale. Later, he became the Director of the Pasteur Institute. He discovered different types of crystals and the germ theory to control all kinds of diseases. He succeeded in preventing Anthrax. He also found a cure for Rabies in 1882. This is one of the greatest contributions in the world of science.

2. Biography of Khudiram Bose

KHUDIRAM BOSE: THE GREAT PATRIOT

In the history of India’s struggle for freedom from British bondage, Khudiram Bose is an unforgettable name. He was born in Midnapore in 1889. From his early childhood, he was a spirited boy. From his school life, he had a close association with the revolutionary party. With Prafulla Chaki, he left for Mujaffarpur on a mission to kill Kingsford, a tyrannical British magistrate. But his attempt failed and Kingsford remained unhurt. Khudiram was arrested. After trial, he was sentenced to death. But his brave heart never surrendered to the British. He faced death boldly with “Bande Mataram” on his lips.

3. Biography of Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose

SIR JAGADISH CHANDRA BOSE

The great scientist of India, Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, was born on November 30, 1858, at Rarikhal in Dacca (now in Bangladesh). He received his early education in the village ‘pathsala’. Then he passed the Entrance Examination. He graduated with Honours from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata. Later he obtained a B.Sc. degree from Cambridge. Then he joined Presidency College as a professor and started his scientific research. He invented many scientific instruments like the crescograph, potometer, etc. In 1917, he established the Bose Institute. He also wrote the first science fiction in Bengali. This great soul passed away on November 23, 1937.

4. Biography of Mahasweta Devi

MAHASWETA DEVI

In modern Bengal, Mahasweta Devi is a well-known name for her contribution as a writer and social worker. She was born in Dhaka on January 14, 1926. Her father, Manish Ghatak, was a great poet. Her mother, Dharitri Devi, was a writer and social worker. Their influence on Mahasweta was immense. She received her early education from Patha Bhavan. She graduated with Honours in English from Visva Bharati and completed her M.A. from Calcutta University. Then she began teaching. Her husband, Bijon Bhattacharya, was a noted playwright. Mahasweta wrote profusely and worked hard for the upliftment of tribal communities. Her famous works include Aranyer Adhikar, Rudali, Hajar Churasir Maa, Jhansir Rani and many more. She received many honours including the Sahitya Akademi Award, Jnanpith, Magsaysay Award, and Padma Vibhushan. She breathed her last on July 28, 2016.

5. Biography of Mother Teresa

MOTHER TERESA AND HER DEDICATION

Mother Teresa was born in Yugoslavia on 2 August 1910. But she chose to live and die as an Indian. She received her education in a Government school in Albania. At the age of nineteen, she came to Kolkata as a nun to serve the destitute. After training, she joined the Loreto Convent as a teacher. But she was eager to do something more for the poor and downtrodden. So she left the convent and founded ‘Nirmal Hriday’, a philanthropic organisation. Her service to the “living Jesuses” was acclaimed across the world. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and Bharat Ratna in 1980. Mother left us for her heavenly abode on 5 September 1997. India will never forget this truly sacred heart.

6. Biography of Satyajit Ray

SATYAJIT RAY: A VERSATILE GENIUS

No single word is broad and deep enough to accommodate the diverse qualities of Satyajit Ray. He was a film director, writer, musician, illustrator, graphic designer, and film critic. He left an indelible impression on every field he touched. He was born in a prominent Bengali family on 2 May 1921. His grandfather Upendrakishore Roychowdhury and father Sukumar Roy were eminent litterateurs. His mother was Suprova Roy. In 1955, Satyajit made his debut as a director with Pather Panchali. His films like Kanchenjungha, Charulata, Shatranj Ke Khiladi, Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne, Nayak, etc., secured his place in the world of cinema. He received the Oscar Award and Bharat Ratna. He was also an acclaimed fiction writer. His detective character ‘Feluda’ is a favourite among all. Ray died on 23 April 1992, but the rays of his genius remain undiminished even today.

7. Biography of Bismillah Khan

BISMILLAH KHAN: THE LEGENDARY MUSICIAN

From ancient times, India has been rich in art and culture. Mother India has produced many legendary figures. One such great personality, Ustad Bismillah Khan, was born on 21 March 1916 at Dumraon in Bihar. He belonged to a family of court musicians. He learned to play the shehnai under the guidance of Ali Bux. For him, the shehnai was his soul and existence. By playing this instrument, he mesmerised the entire world. Throughout his life, he received numerous prestigious awards including Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and Bharat Ratna. His shehnai fell silent forever on 21 August 2006. He will remain immortal for his musical genius.