Having performed on The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, वाह! वाह! क्या बात है!, कवि युद्ध, लपेटे में नेताजी and other popular programmes on National TV, Poet Manoj Gurjar is known for his wit and humour. Through his poems, he inspires audiences through humour, social awareness, and cultural pride.

Kavi Manoj Gurjar, a resident of Mavli Town in the Udaipur District of Rajasthan, serves as a Village Development Officer (VDO) in the Panchayati Raj Department of the Government of Rajasthan. A ‘Hasya Kavi’ by passion, he also writes and recites humorous Hindi poetry at ‘Kavi Sammelans’ and literary events that celebrate the Hindi language across the country.

Coming from the land of Mewar, he begins by expressing his deep love for his homeland through these powerful lines:

"जिसको सुनकर वैरी काँपे, साज़ बजाने निकला हूँ,

अमर शौर्य की अमर कहानी आज सुनाने निकला हूँ।

हल्दीघाटी ने जो गाया, आज़ादी का राग सुनो,

मैं इस पूरे भारत को मेवाड़ बनाने निकला हूँ।"

While humour remains his signature style, he also composes poems across all the Navarasas (nine emotions). Through his engaging stage performances, he presents predominantly ‘Hasya Kavitayen’, travelling to different parts of India to entertain audiences and promote the rich tradition of Hindi poetry.

Speaking about his love for poetry, Satirist Manoj Gurjar shares that although he has written numerous poems over the years, one of his Mewari poems gained significant popularity and was widely discussed in political circles. The satirical poem humorously reflects the changing social and political landscape:

आजकाल देश री हालत घणी खराब होईगी,

राजनीति जाणे वाळा हीजी राब होवेगी।

छाछ कठी नै जाय री,

ना दाणा कठी नै जाय रा।

नार नै चारा रा पूला भई रिया,

ऊंदरा मनकियाँ नै खाई रिया।

बकरियाँ डाची भर री,

लोमड़ियाँ आकाश में उड़ री।

गंडकड़ा रै पंख आई गया,

बांदरा हड़का वै गया।

कागला दर खोद रिया,

कबूतरा हाप नै होद रिया।

रोजड़िया खेतां री रखवाली कर रिया,

खरगोशा खजूर पर चढ़ रिया।

He shares that this poem became immensely popular and was appreciated at numerous kavi sammelans, cultural programs, and public events across Rajasthan. As his literary path progressed, he gradually shifted his focus from Mewari to Hindi poetry. Coming from a family with deep roots in Sanskrit, he developed a keen interest in Hindi literature. Before beginning to write seriously in Hindi, he first devoted himself to studying Hindi grammar and literary composition, learning the nuances of writing poems and prose. With time, this strong foundation enabled him to establish himself as a Hindi comic poet while continuing to cherish his Mewari roots.

Highlighting the milestones of his literary career, Manoj Gurjar shares that in 2007–08, he emerged as the Udaipur winner of the ETV Rajasthan comedy show "हँसी की सीटी मारी, तो फिर मारी बाज़ी", aired on the ETV Rajasthan channel. Later, in 2012, he was selected for the fifth season of The Great Indian Laughter Challenge ( द ग्रेट इंडियन लाफ्टर शो ), for which the auditions were held in Jaipur. He recalls that it was his close friend and a renowned Hasya Kavi, Keshav Dev Marwadi, who encouraged him to appear for the audition.

Coming from a humble family background, Gurjar had rarely travelled beyond Udaipur. He says that visiting Mumbai through the show was a dream come true, as until then he had only seen the city on a map. Competing in the fifth season, he performed until the fifth and sixth episodes, receiving immense appreciation, positive responses, and encouragement from both the audience and his friends.

Adding to his list of achievements, Manoj Gurjar shares that he was featured in the popular laughter show "वाह! वाह! क्या बात है!", hosted by Shailesh Lodha on SAB TV. He has been a regular participant in "कवि युद्ध", organised by Zee News, and has appeared several times on News18 India’s programme "लपेटे में नेताजी". Over the years, he has showcased his humorous poetry on nearly 17–18 national television news and entertainment channels, earning recognition as a comic poet on the national stage.

Sharing more about his work, Kavi Manoj Gurjar says that his passion for poetry has taken him to several international destinations, including Jakarta, Bangkok, and Singapore, where Indian communities organise cultural programmes to preserve and promote Indian traditions and the Hindi language. As part of these celebrations, Kavi Sammelans are frequently organised, bringing together poets from across India. Manoj Gurjar has been invited to perform at many such events, sharing his humour, poetry, and love for the Hindi language with audiences across the globe.

Within India, he has also travelled extensively, from the North-East to Kanyakumari, participating in numerous Kavi Sammelans and literary programmes, spreading the joy of Hindi poetry and humour wherever he goes.

Recalling his early childhood, ‘Hasya Kavi’ Manoj Gurjar shares that he had always been a vivacious boy. Even during casual conversations, he would naturally speak in verses. He recalls that while studying in Class 3, he wrote his first poem:

"जो डाली पर लटक जाए वो लंगूर है,

जो मुँह में अटक जाए वो अंगूर है।"

It was a simple rhyming verse, and he thoroughly enjoyed creating such lines. Gradually, he began participating in family functions and cultural events in his village, Mavli, where he would write and recite humorous poetry. Over time, writing poems became a habit for him, eventually shaping his passion for comic poetry.

Born in the small village of Charbhuja in the Rajsamand District of Rajasthan, Manoj Gurjar later moved to Mavli with his parents while studying in Class 1. He completed his primary education at the Government Upper Primary School in Mavli, where he studied until Class 8. He then pursued his higher secondary education at the Government Senior Secondary School near Mavli junction, completing his Class 12 with Biology as his main subject.

Adding further, he shares that his experience was not unique but reflected the reality of many people born before the 1990s, who grew up with limited access to basic amenities. Recalling his upbringing, he says that his family did not have electricity at home until after he completed Class 12. As a result, he studied under the light of a kerosene lamp throughout his school years. Since their house was located on the outskirts of the village, obtaining an electricity connection from the main village was expensive. The family had to wait for more houses to be built nearby so that the residents could collectively bear the cost of extending the electricity line. By the time electricity finally reached their home, he had already completed his schooling, having spent his entire academic life studying by lamplight.

Continuing to reflect on the values that shaped his life, Manoj Gurjar says that his father has always been his role model. Watching his father's hard work and dedication while growing up inspired him to follow in his footsteps. Even today, although his father is no longer with him, he strives to fulfil the dreams his father once had for him.

He further shares that, just as a father dedicates his life to the dreams and future of his children, he now chooses to live for his father's dreams. The memories, values and aspirations of his father continue to motivate him to keep moving forward and achieve more.

Kavi Manoj Gurjar recites a few lines dedicated to his late father:

"मान-जनक का जो न रखता, सुत दागी हो जाता है।

सच कहता हूँ सुनो, पाप का वो भागी हो जाता है।

क्यों जाएँ हम मंदिर-मंदिर, तात प्रभु का रूप यहाँ।

जिसके सिर पर हाथ पिता का, बड़भागी हो जाता है।"

Reflecting on these lines, Manoj Gurjar shares that he has immense respect and gratitude towards his father. Despite facing numerous hardships and living with limited resources, his father nurtured many dreams and aspirations. Today, he considers it his responsibility to fulfil those unfulfilled dreams and carry forward the values and vision that his father instilled in him.

Sharing a message for young aspirants who wish to build a career in stage poetry, Hasya Kavi Manoj Gurjar says that some qualities are innate. He believes that our inner voice often tells us what we are truly meant to do, making us wonder, "Why can't I do this too?"

He further explains that there is a significant difference between imitating others and pursuing something out of genuine passion and conviction. According to him, anyone aspiring to become a poet must first develop the habit of reading and listening to poetry, understanding how accomplished poets express their thoughts through words. Only then should they begin writing and continue practising in whichever ras (genre) they wish to master. With consistent learning, dedication, and perseverance, he believes that success will certainly follow.

Addressing the citizens of India, VDO- Village Development Officer Manoj Gurjar conveys a message that he often expresses during his public performances. He says that India has everything required to progress, but many people fail to follow the law and maintain civic discipline. While people are quick to blame the government and authorities for various shortcomings, they often overlook their own responsibility to abide by the rules. According to him, if every individual sincerely commits to following the law and fulfilling their civic duties, the nation can achieve the same level of order, safety, and discipline seen in many developed countries. He believes that when citizens uphold law and order, every system functions in a more organised and efficient manner.

On a concluding note, Poet Manoj Gurjar recites a few heartfelt lines written by him for daughters. Being the father of four daughters himself, he shares this poem as a message to every girl and to society, emphasising the importance of valuing and respecting daughters:

"गुलशन में खिले फूल-सी होती हैं बेटियाँ,

जीवन में बीज प्यार के बोती हैं बेटियाँ।

मत मारो इन्हें कोख में बेटों की चाह में,

होता है दर्द बाप को, रोती हैं बेटियाँ।"

Through these lines, he appeals to society to cherish daughters, recognise their invaluable place in the family, and put an end to female foeticide and gender discrimination.