Gunvant Shah

Last updated

Gunvant Shah
Gunvant Shah.jpg
Shah at his residence in Vadodara
Born (1937-03-12) 12 March 1937 (age 86)
Rander, Surat, Gujarat, India
Occupation
  • Writer
  • Essayist
  • Professor
NationalityIndian
Notable awards
SpouseAvantika Shah
ChildrenManisha, Amisha, Vivek

Gunvant Shah is an essayist, educationist, columnist and philosophy writer and critic from Gujarat, India. He taught at various universities and participated in various education oriented events and organisations. His large number of essays, including philosophical essays, are published as books. He received Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak in 1997 and Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of India, in 2015. [1] In 2019, he was awarded a D.Lit. by Gujarat University.

Contents

Life

Gunvant Shah was born on 12 March 1937 in Rander, Surat, Gujarat to Premiben and Bhukhanlal Shah. He completed his primary education from Rander and secondary education from Jain high school, Surat. He completed B.Sc. in chemistry in 1957. He received his B.Ed. from M. S. University, Vadodara in 1959. He continued at the university to finish his M.Ed. and Ph.D. in 1961 and 1964 respectively. [2] [3] [4] [5]

He served as Lecturer and Reader in the M.S. University from 1961 to 1972. He also served as a Visiting Professor to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, US in 1967–68 and the visiting professor in Arizona State University, Tempe, US in 1985. He also served as Professor and Head, Department of Education, Technical Teachers' Training Institute, Madras in 1972–73; Professor of Education, SNDT Women's University, Mumbai in 1973–74; Professor and Head, Department of Education, South Gujarat University, Surat. He edited Nutan Shikshan magazine. He had founded Panchasheel, a youth movement in Gujarat. He was the Chancellor of Gujarat state unit of International Association of Educators for World Peace. He was the President of Indian Association for Education Technology. [2]

He was the vice-president of the Study Group on Economics of Media Technology sponsored by UNESCO to visit Paris in 1974. He represented India at the UNESCO Seminar in Leipzig, East Germany in 1979. He was a consultant to Asian Development Bank, Manila for education in Bangladesh during 1984–85. In 1975, he attended International Seminar on Microteachin at University of Lancaster, UK. He was a member of the Delegation to East Germany sent by the University Grants Commission in 1979. He served as a Resource Person in the Twelfth World Conference of International Council of Correspondence Education Vancouver, Canada in 1982. [4]

Since retirement from his teaching career, he writes weekly columns in Divya Bhaskar daily, Chitralekha weekly and Navneet Samarpan monthly. In 2019, he was bestowed an Honorary D.Lit. from Gujarat University. He lives at his residence 'Tahuko' in Vadodara. [4]

Works

Gunvant Shah is chiefly an essayist. [6] His collections of essays are Cardiogram (1997), Ran To Lilachham (1978), Vagda Ne Taras Tahukani (1979), Vicharo Na Vrundavanma (1981), Manna Meghdhanush (1985), Dhai Akshar Prem Ka (1993), Gandhini Ghadiyal, Silence Zone (1984), Gandhini Champal, Batrise Kothe Diva (1988), Sambhavami Yuge Yuge (1994), Akantna Akashma (1996), Kabir Khada Bazar Me (2004), Parodhiye Kalrav, Vrukshmandirni Chhayama (2008), Kokarvarno Tadako, Nirkhine Gaganma, Cactus Flower, Viratne Hindole, Maro Tya Sudhi Jivo, Zakal Bhina Parijat, Ekant Na Akash Ma, Prabhuna Ladakvaya, Nikhalas Vato, Mahabharat: Manavatanu Mahakavya, Ekaltana Everest Par, Gandhini Lakdi, Patangiyani Anandyatra, Prem Etle... and Kan Daine Sanbhalajo. [2]

He wrote several books on philosophy including Krishnanu Jivansangeet (Symphony of Krishna, 1984), Astitvano Utsav (1990), Patangiya Ni Avkashyatra (1998), Ghare Ghare Geetamrut (1989), Mahant, Mullah, Padri (1999), [7] Ishavasyam, Ramayan: Manvatanu Mahakavya (2003), Bhagavananee Tapal (2006), Tahuko, Guftagu, Puchhta Nar Pandit, Sex Mari Drashtie, Ishwar Allah Tero Naam, Sabko Sanmati De Bhagwan, Sathe Shabde Shabde Setubandh, Patangiya Ni Amrutyatra, Sambhavami Kshane Kshane, E-mail, Secular Murabbo, Secular Mijaj, Secular Agenda, Secular Idiot, Krishna Mari Drashtie, Krishnam Sharnam Gachhami, Krishnaleela Madhur Madhur. [2]

His biographical books are Ma, Gandhi: Navi Pedhini Najare, Mahamanav Mahavir (1986), Karunamurti Buddha (1983), Sardar Etle Sardar (1994), Shakyata Na Shilpi Shri Arvind and Gandhina Chashma. [2]

Columbusna Hindustanma (1966) and Apane Pravasi Paravarna are his travelogues. Vismayanu Parodh (1980) is a collection of prose poetry. Motel (1986), Rajkan Suraj Thavane Shamane (1986) and Pavan Nu Ghar (1995) are his novels. [2]

Billo Tillo Tach (1997) and Jat Bhanee Ni Jatra are his autobiographical works.

The Boss is his book on management. His other books are Shikshanni Vartaman Philsufio (1964) and Savdhan, Ekvisami Sadi Avi Rahi Chhe (1987). The quotes collected from his books are published as Telegram, Telex and Fax. His books are translated in other languages also. He has published five books in English and six in Hindi. [2]

Awards and recognition

He has won several prizes of Gujarati Sahitya Parishad and Gujarati Sahitya Akademi. He was awarded Pravinkant Reshamwala Smriti Award in 1992. He is the recipient of Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak in 1997, the highest literary award in Gujarati literature. He was awarded Swami Sachchidanand Sanman in 2001. [2] [3] He was awarded Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of India, in 2015. [1] In 2016, Gujarat Sahitya Akademi awarded him the Sahityaratna Award. [8] In 2019, he was awarded a D.Lit. by Gujarat University. [9]

Further reading

Related Research Articles

Gujarat Sahitya Sabha, originally called the Social and Literary Association is a literary institution for the promotion of Gujarati literature located in the city of Ahmedabad, India. It was founded by Ranjitram Vavabhai Mehta in 1898. Its name was later changed in 1905.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ranjitram Mehta</span>

Ranjitram Vavabhai Mehta was a Gujarati language writer from British India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kumarpal Desai</span> Gujarati writer from India (born 1942)

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 was awarded the Padma Shri in 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chandravadan Mehta</span>

Chandravadan Chimanlal Mehta, popularly known as C. C. Mehta or Chan. Chi. Mehta, was a Gujarati playwright, theatre critic, bibliographer, poet, story writer, autobiographer, travel writer and broadcaster from Vadodara, Gujarat, India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bakul Tripathi</span>

Bakul Tripathi (1928–2006) was a Gujarati humour essayist from Gujarat, India. Educated in commerce and law, he taught commerce in Ahmedabad. He wrote thousands of humour essays in columns in his 40 years long career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gulabdas Broker</span>

Gulabdas Broker was a Gujarati language writer from India. He is primarily known for his short stories and one-act plays in Gujarati literature.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bholabhai Patel</span>

Bholabhai Patel was an Indian Gujarati author. He taught numerous languages at Gujarat University and did comparative studies of literature in different languages. He translated extensively and wrote essays and travelogues. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sitanshu Yashaschandra</span> Gujarati poet and writer

Sitanshu Yashaschandra Mehta, better known as Sitanshu Yashaschandra, is a Gujarati language poet, playwright, translator and academic from India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bhagwatikumar Sharma</span>

Bhagwatikumar Sharma was an Indian author and journalist who wrote in Gujarati. Born in Surat and educated in languages, he edited a daily for several years. He wrote novels, short stories, poetry, essays and criticism. He received Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak in 1984 and Sahitya Akademi Award in 1988.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raghuveer Chaudhari</span> Indian author

Raghuveer Chaudhari is a novelist, poet and critic from Gujarat, India. He has also worked as a columnist for numerous newspapers, such as Sandesh, Janmabhumi, Nirikshaka and Divya Bhaskar. He was a teacher at the Gujarat University until his retirement in 1998. His most significant contributions have been in Gujarati language but he has also written Hindi articles. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1977, for his novel trilogy Uparvas. He received Jnanpith Award, considered to be India's highest literary award, in 2015. In 2019, he was awarded a D.Lit. by Gujarat University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harivallabh Bhayani</span> Indian linguist (1917–2000)

Harivallabh Chunilal Bhayani was a linguist, researcher, critic and translator from India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anantrai Raval</span>

Anantrai Manishankar Raval was a Gujarati critic and editor from India. Born and studied in Amreli, he worked briefly with a daily. He taught at several colleges before joining government as a director of language department. He wrote criticism chiefly under the pen name Shaunak and edited several works of Gujarati literature and litterateurs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pravin Darji</span> Gujarati Poet

Pravin Darji is Gujarati essayist, poet, critic and editor from India. Spand (1976), Charvana (1976), Dayarama (1978) and Pratyagra (1978) are some of his known works. He was awarded Padma Shri in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harsh Brahmbhatt</span> Indian Gujarati language poet and writer

Harsh Brahmbhatt is a Gujarati language poet and writer from Gujarat, India. He has also made significant contributions to the Urdu ghazal form. He is a recipient of several awards, including the Shayda Award, Kalapi Award, Kumar Suvarna Chandrak and Dhanji Kanji Gandhi Suvarna Chandrak.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radheshyam Sharma</span> Indian writer and poet (1936–2021)

Radheshyam Sharma was a Gujarati language poet, novelist, short story writer, critic and compiler from the state of Gujarat, India. He is known in Gujarati literature for his experimental novels Fero (1968) and Swapnatirtha (1979). His other significant works include Aansu Ane Chandaranu (1963), and Gujarati Navalkatha, a work of literary criticism on Gujarati novels. Sharma was awarded the Gujarati literary honours Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak, in 2004, and Dhanji Kanji Gandhi Suvarna Chandrak, in 1995.

Bachubhai Popatbhai Ravat was a Gujarati editor and art critic from India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jayant Pathak</span>

Jayant Himmatlal Pathak was a Gujarati poet and literary critic from Gujarat, India. He was the president of the Gujarati Sahitya Parishad from 1990 – 1991. He received several awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Kumar Suvarna Chandrak, the Narmad Suvarna Chandrak, the Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak and the Uma-Snehrashmi Prize. The Jayant Pathak Poetry Award is named after him.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vishnuprasad Trivedi</span>

Vishnuprasad Ranchhodlal Trivedi was a Gujarati literary critic from India.

Rasiklal Chhotalal Parikh (1897–1982) was a 20th-century Gujarati poet, playwright, literary critic, Indologist, historian, and editor from Gujarat, India. He was the president of Gujarat Sahitya Sabha and was appointed the president of Gujarati Sahitya Parishad in 1964. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1960 for his play Sharvilak. He is also a recipient of the Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak and the Narmad Suvarna Chandrak.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ratilal Borisagar</span> Gujarati writer (born 1938)

Ratilal Mohanlal Borisagar is a Gujarati humourist, essayist and editor from Gujarat, India. Born and educated in Savarkundla, he received a PhD in 1989. After working for some years as a teacher, he joined the state school textbook board until his retirement in 1998. He started his writing career as a story writer, but eventually gained acclaim as a humourist. He published several humour collections and humour novels, including the acclaimed book Enjoygraphy. He edited several works of children's literature and humour literature. In 2019, he received the Sahitya Akademi Award for his essay collection, Mojma Revu Re.

References

  1. 1 2 "Padma Awards 2015". Press Information Bureau. Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Brahmabhatt, Prasad (2010). અર્વાચીન ગુજરાતી સાહિત્યનો ઈતિહાસ - આધુનિક અને અનુઆધુનિક યુગ (History of Modern Gujarati Literature – Modern and Postmodern Era) (in Gujarati). Ahmedabad: Parshwa Publication. pp. 295–298. ISBN   978-93-5108-247-7.
  3. 1 2 "About the Author - Dr. Gunvant B. Shah". Desh Videsh e-magazine. 12 March 2016. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
  4. 1 2 3 "Dr. Gunvant B. Shah - Official Blog". Tahuko. 5 November 2008. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
  5. ↑ Famed Gujarati author Gunwant Shah and his daughter Amisha were.. Indian Express, 17 July 2006.
  6. ↑ Amaresh Datta (1988). Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature. Sahitya Akademi. p. 1216. ISBN   978-81-260-1194-0.
  7. ↑ "Article on Jinnah creates controversy". The Hindu . 8 July 2007. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
  8. ↑ "Gujarat CM confers 'Sahitya Ratna' award to eminent litterateur Shri Gunvant Shah". Gujarat State Portal. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
  9. ↑ "Seven honorary DLitt degrees to be awarded". The Times of India. 13 February 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.