https://indianpedia.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Kumarpal_DesaiKumarpal Desai - Revision history2026-08-01T05:30:10ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.45.4https://indianpedia.org/index.php?title=Kumarpal_Desai&diff=114556&oldid=prev>MB at 04:07, 30 May 20212021-05-30T04:07:16Z<p></p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|Gujarati writer from India (born 1942)}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2017}}<br />
{{Infobox writer<br />
| name = Kumarpal Desai<br />
| image = KumarpalDesai.jpg<br />
| caption = <br />
| pseudonym = <br />
| birth_name = Kumarpal Balabhai Desai<br />
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1942|8|30}}<br />
| birth_place = [[Ranpur, Gujarat|Ranpur]] (now in [[Botad district, Gujarat]]), India<br />
| occupation = writer, critic, columnist, translator<br />
| language = [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]<br />
| education = * Master of Arts<br />
* Ph.D<br />
| alma_mater = [[Gujarat University]]<br />
| period = <br />
| genres = <br />
| subjects = <br />
| movement = <br />
| notableworks = <br />
| spouse = Pratima<br />
| children = 2 sons<br />
| relatives = <br />
| awards = {{plainlist|<br />
* [[Dhanji Kanji Gandhi Suvarna Chandrak]] (2001)<br />
* [[Padma Shri]] (2004)<br />
* [[Sahitya Gaurav Puraskar]] (2009)<br />
* [[Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak]] (2015)}}<br />
| signature = <br />
| years_active = <br />
| module = {{Listen |embed= yes |filename=Voice of Kumarpal Desai.ogg|title=Kumarpal Desai's voice |description=Introduction of poet [[Niranjan Bhagat]]}}<br />
{{Infobox academic<br />
| child = yes<br />
| doctoral_advisor = [[Dhirubhai Thaker]]<br />
| thesis_title = Anandghana: A Study with Special Reference to Anandghana Bavisi<br />
| thesis_url = http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/47094<br />
}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Kumarpal Balabhai Desai''' is an author, critic, editor, journalist, columnist and translator from [[Gujarat]], India. He studied and later taught at the [[Gujarat University]]. He is associated with several social and Gujarati literary organisations such as [[Gujarati Sahitya Parishad]]. He has written and edited more than hundred books including biographies and several works on [[Jainism]]. He is awarded the [[Padma Shri]] in 2004.<br />
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==Early life==<br />
[[File:School of Languages in Gujarat University Ahmedabad.jpg|thumb|School of Languages where Desai served as director and professor]]<br />
Kumarpal Desai was born on 30 August 1942 at [[Ranpur, Gujarat|Ranpur]] to Balabhai Desai whose nom-de-plume was [[Jaybhikhkhu]], a prolific Gujarati writer; and Jayaben. His family is native of [[Sayla]]. He joined H. K. Arts College. He completed [[Bachelor of Arts|BA]] and [[Master of Arts|MA]] in 1963 and 1965 respectively from [[Gujarat University]] with Gujarati as a major subject.<ref name=AGSI/><br />
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== Academic career ==<br />
Desai joined Navgujarat College in [[Ahmedabad]] as a professor in 1965. He was awarded PhD in 1980 for his thesis on [[Anandghan]] completed under guidance of [[Dhirubhai Thaker]]. In 1983, he joined the Department of Gujarati Literature, School of Languages, Gujarat University. He became the Reader in 1988 and the Professor in 2000. He became the Head of Department in November 2001 and the Director, School of languages in 2003 and served till 2004. He was elected the Dean, Faculty of Arts and served for two years. Twenty students received PhD under his guidance by researching subjects like Jain philosophy, [[Gujarati journalism]] and peace. He had worked as a sports commentator also.<ref name="AGSI" /> He serves as the Professor Emeritus at Vishwabharati Institute, Ladnu.<br />
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== Literary career ==<br />
He started writing at the age of eleven. His first short story was published in children's weekly ''Zagmag''. He was influenced by his father Jaybhikhukhu and several other writers like [[Jhaverchand Meghani]], [[Gunvantrai Acharya]], [[Dhumketu (writer)|Dhumketu]] and [[Dula Bhaya Kag]]. His first book ''Vatan, Tara Ratan'' when he was in college. In 1962, he started writing a column in ''[[Gujarat Samachar]]'' and his first book, a children's biography, ''Lal Gulab'' on [[Lal Bahadur Shastri]] was published in 1965. The book was successful and he wrote full biography ''Mahamanav Shastri'' on him in 1966. Subsequently, he wrote several biographies. He also created as a wit and humour character Damodar Mehta for children's books.<br />
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He also served as the president of [[Gujarati Sahitya Parishad]]. He also served as the president of [[Gujarat Sahitya Sabha]] as well as the vice-president of Gujarat Vidyasabha and [[Gujarat Sahitya Akademi]]. He is the Managing Trustee for the Institute of Jainology, India and Director of the [[Gujarati Vishwakosh]] Trust.<ref name= "kd">{{cite encyclopedia |last=Dalal |first=Yasin |editor-last=Topiwala |editor-first=Chandrakant |editor-link=Chandrakant Topiwala |encyclopedia=Gujarati Sahityakosh (Encyclopedia of Gujarati Literature) |title=Desai Kumarpal Balabhai |language= gu |year=1990 |publisher=[[Gujarati Sahitya Parishad]] |volume=2 |location=Ahmedabad |pages=248}}</ref><ref name="admin">{{cite web | author=admin | title=Dr Kumarpal Desai Bags Yet Another Award | website=Institute of Jainology | url=http://www.jainology.org/2655/kumarpal-desai-award/ | access-date=2016-07-29}}</ref><ref name=AGSI>{{cite book|title=અર્વાચીન ગુજરાતી સાહિત્યનો ઈતિહાસ - આધુનિક અને અનુઆધુનિક યુગ (History of Modern Gujarati Literature – Modern and Postmodern Era)|first=Prasad|last=Brahmabhatt |publisher=Parshwa Publication|location=Ahmedabad|year=2010|pages=323–324|language=gu|isbn=978-93-5108-247-7}}</ref><ref name="Dutt1999">{{cite book|author=Kartik Chandra Dutt|title=Who's who of Indian Writers, 1999: A-M|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QA1V7sICaIwC&pg=PA310|access-date=2014-08-05|year=1999|publisher=Sahitya Akademi|isbn=978-81-260-0873-5|pages=310–}}</ref><br />
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He writes five weekly columns; ''Int ane Imarat'' (since 1970), ''Jhakal Banyu Moti'', ''Pandadu Ane Pyramid'', ''Aakaash Ni Olakh'' and ''Parijat no Parisamwad'' in Gujarati daily ''[[Gujarat Samachar]]''.<br />
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==Works==<br />
===Gujarati===<br />
Desai is a prolific writer. His collections of short stories include ''Ekante Kolahal'' (1976), ''Suvarna Mruga'' (1985), ''Bhavni Bhavai'' (1987), ''Bindu Banyu Moti'' (1986). His other books are ''Mahenk Manavtani'', ''Biradari'' (1971), ''Moti Ni Mala'' (1975), ''Kede Katari, Khabhe Dhal'' (1969), ''Moti Ni Kheti'' (1983), ''Vaheti Vato'' (1983). His only novel ''Anahata'' was published in 2019, which recounts the story of [[Kunti]], a character from the Hindu epic [[Mahabharata]].<ref name="Gujarat Samachar">{{cite web |script-title=gu:ભારતવર્ષના અતીત, વર્તમાન અને ભવિષ્યનો શ્વાસ છે મહાભારત ! |url=https://www.gujaratsamachar.com/news/magazines/identification-of-the-sky-kumarpal-desai-dharmlok-7-november-2019 |access-date=16 December 2019 |language=gu}}</ref><br />
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His works of criticism are ''Sabdasannidhi'' (1980), ''Bhavan-Vibhavan'' (1986), ''Hemchandracharyani Sahitya-Sadhna'' (1988), ''Sahityik Nisbat'' (2007), ''Shabdasameep'', ''Anandghan Jeevan Ane Kavan''. ''Apragat Madhyakalin Kritio'' (1982) is his research work in medieval works.<ref name=AGSI/> His other research works are ''Gyanvimalsuri Krut Stabak'' (1979), ''Anandghan : Ek Adhyayan'' (1980), ''Apragat Madhyakalin Krutio'' (1982), ''Shree Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya Shatabdi Granth'' Part - 1, 2 (2015).<br />
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He has edited several works including ''Ekvismi Sadinu Bal Sahitya'' (2000), ''Adavat Vinani Adalat'' (2000), ''Ek Divas Ni Maharani'' (2000), ''Jaybhikhkhu Ni Dharma Katha'', ''Shabdashri'', ''Bal Sahitya Sangosthi'', ''Parivartan Nu Prabhat'', ''Jaibhikhkhu Smritigranth'' (1970), ''Savyasachi Sarasvat'' (2007), ''Shrimad Rajchandra ane Mahatma Gandhi'' (2003), ''Kavi Dula Kag Smritigranth'', ''Haimsmriti'', ''Narmad Aajna Sandarbhma'', ''Ojas Ditha Atmabalna''.<ref name=AGSI/><br />
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He has also published collections of philosophical essays. His inspirational essays are ''Zakal Banyu Moti'' 1-2-3 (1983), ''Trusha Ane Trupti'' (1986), ''Shraddhanjali'' (1994), ''Jeevan nu Amrut'' (1996), ''Dukhni Pankharma Anandno Ek Tahuko'' (1997), ''Abol Ni Atamwani'' (1998), ''Zakal Bhina Moti'' (1998). His other essay collections are ''Motini Kheti'', ''Manavtani Mahek'', ''Kshamapana''.<ref name=AGSI/><br />
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His Biographical works are ''Apang Na Ojas'' (1973), ''Mahamanav Shastri'' (on [[Lal Bahadur Shastri]], 1966), ''Veer Rammurti'' (1976), ''Afatoni Andhi Vachche Samruddhi Nu Shikhar'' (2000), ''Balakona Buddhisagarsurishwarji'' (on [[Buddhisagarsuri]], 1979), ''Firak Gorakhpuri'' (1984), ''Moolmarg Nu Amrut Ane Adhyatmanu Shikhar'' (2000), ''Manavtani Mahek'' (2000), ''Jivtarni Vate Aksharrno Divo'' (2014).<br />
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He wrote children's biography of Lal Bahadur Shastri, ''Lal Gulab'' (1965). His other works for children are ''Vatan Tara Ratan'' (1965), ''Dahyo Damaro'' (1967), ''Haiyu Nanu, Himat Moti'' (1976), ''Nani Ummar, Motu Kam'' (1978), ''Motne Hath Tali'' (1973), ''Zabak Divadi'' (1975), ''Parakrami Ram'' (1977), ''Ram Vanvas'' (1977), ''Sita Haran'' (1977), ''Veer Hanuman'' (1978), ''C. K. Naidu'' (1978), ''Chalo Pashuo Ni Duniyaman'' (Part I to III) (1980), ''Bhim'' (1980), ''Lokhandi Dadaji'' (1992), ''Katharot Man Ganga'' (1993), ''Dhol Wage Dhamadham'' (1993), ''Vato Na Valu'' (1993), ''Sach Na Sipahi'' (1993).<br />
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He has translated [[Austin Bukenya]]'s play, ''The Bride'' as ''Navavadhu'' (2000) in Gujarati. He has written two books on journalism, ''Akhabari Lekhan'' (1979), ''Sahitya ane Patrakaratva'' (1999). He has also published some books in English and contributed in field of sports also.<ref name=AGSI/><br />
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===English and Hindi===<br />
He has written several books in English, mostly related to Jainism. His works include ''Stories from Jainism'' (1988), ''Bhagvan Mahavir'' (1990), ''Non-Violence – A way of life'' (1990), ''Kshamapana'' (1990), ''Glory of Jainism'' (1991), ''A Pinnacle of Spirituality'' (2000), ''Essence of Jainism'' (2000), ''The Value and Heritage of Jain Religion'', ''The Role of Women in Jain Religion'', ''The Timeless Message of Bhagwan Mahavir'', ''Vegetarianism'' (2000), ''A Journey of Ahimsha'' (2002), ''Our Life in the Context of Five Anuvrats and Anekantwad'' (2003), ''Tirthankar Mahavir'' (2003), ''Influence of Jainism on Mahatma Gandhi'' (2003), ''Jainism : The Cosmic Vision'' (2014), ''The Brave Heart'' (2009). ''Jin Shashan Ki Kirtigatha'' (1999), ''Apahij Tan Adig Man'' (2000) and ''Anandghan'' (2006) are in Hindi.<br />
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===On Jainism===<br />
Desai is an expert of Indian culture, [[Jainism]] and [[Jain literature]]. He regularly delivers lectures on Jain philosophy and Indian culture in India and abroad.<br />
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His books on Jainism include ''Anandghan – A Study'' (1980, on [[Anandghan]]), ''Stabak by Gyanvimalsuri'' (1988), ''Activities of Jain religion in the last decade'' (1988), ''Literary Achievements of Kalikal Sarvagna Hemchandracharya'' (1988, on [[Hemchandra]]), ''Moti Ni Kheti'' (Religious tales from Jain religion) (1983), ''Balako Na Buddhisagarji'' (1979), ''Kshamapana'' – review of the rituality of forgiveness from the point of view of Jainology., ''Bhagwan Mahavir – Life and principles of Lord Mahavir (1990, on [[Mahavira]]), ''Bhagwan Rishabhdev – Life and teachings of the First Tirthankar of religion (on [[Rishabhadeva]]). (1983), ''Bindu Banyu Moti'' (tales from Jain Religion) (1986), ''Anandghan'' – Life and works (1998), ''Samaro Mantra Bhalo Navkar'' (1998), ''Jinshashan ni Kirtigatha'' (1998), ''Atmagyani Shraman Kahave'' – Life of Kailassagar Suri, ''Bhagwan Mallinath'' – Biography (1989, on [[Māllīnātha]]), ''Balavabodh of Merusunder'', ''Shri Mahavir-jivandarshan'' – detailed study of the life and teachings of Mahavira., ''Ahimsa ni yatra'' (2002), ''Tirthankara Mahavira'' (2002). His edited works on Jainism are ''Shankheshwar Mahatirth'', ''Jaybhikhkhu Ni Jain Dharmakathao'' - religious tales of Jaybhikhkhu; complication of 2 volumes, ''Ojas Ditha Atmabal Na'' and ''Dhanya Che Dharma Tane'' - lectures of Vijay [[Vallabhsuri]], ''Ratnatrayi Na Aajwala'', ''Samayik Sutra with explanation'', ''Atmavallabh Smaranika''.<br />
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==Awards==<br />
He was awarded the [[Padma Shri]], the fourth highest civilian award of India, in 2004.<ref name="Padma Awards">{{cite web|url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf |title=Padma Awards |publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |date=2015 |access-date=2015-07-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6U68ulwpb?url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf |archive-date=15 November 2014 }}</ref> He has also been conferred many other awards including the Jain Ratna Award (2001), Gujarat Ratna award, [[Dhanji Kanji Gandhi Suvarna Chandrak]] (2001), Hemchandracharya Award (2002), [[Sahitya Gaurav Puraskar]] (2009) and [[Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak]] (2015).<ref name="News Syndication 2017">{{cite web | title=Kumarpal Desai gets literary gold| website=DNA | date=8 February 2017 | url=http://dnasyndication.com/showarticlerss.aspx?nid=kwj94mryN0TW4cnuYXAYbawZql74dxsuaKddlapFiAU= | access-date=2017-02-09}}</ref> In 2019, he received the Bal Sahitya Puraskar from [[Sahitya Akademi]] for his contribution in [[Gujarati children's literature]].<ref name="Awaaz 2019">{{cite web|title=22 writers Selected for Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2019|website=The Indian Awaaz|date=14 June 2019|url=https://theindianawaaz.com/22-writers-selected-for-bal-sahitya-puraskar-2019/|access-date=16 December 2019}}</ref><br />
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==Personal life==<br />
{{commonscat}}<br />
Desai married Pratima and has two sons, Kaushal and Nirav.<br />
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==See also==<br />
* [[List of Gujarati-language writers]]<br />
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==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
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==External links==<br />
* {{Internet Archive author|sname=Kumarpal Desai|sopt=t}}<br />
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{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Literature & Education}}<br />
{{authority control}}<br />
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Desai, Kumarpal}}<br />
[[Category:Writers from Gujarat]]<br />
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in literature & education]]<br />
[[Category:Living people]]<br />
[[Category:Gujarat University faculty]]<br />
[[Category:20th-century Indian translators]]<br />
[[Category:Indian columnists]]<br />
[[Category:Gujarat University alumni]]<br />
[[Category:Gujarati-language writers]]<br />
[[Category:1942 births]]<br />
[[Category:People from Botad district]]<br />
[[Category:Indian literary critics]]<br />
[[Category:20th-century Indian Jain writers]]<br />
[[Category:20th-century Indian biographers]]<br />
[[Category:Indian editors]]<br />
[[Category:Indian children's writers]]<br />
[[Category:Recipients of the Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak]]</div>>MB