Profile: Dr. Kumarpal Desai
The scholastic and multi-faceted contribution of Dr. Kumarpal Desai in the fields of literature, education, journalism, social service, sports and philosophy makes him a versatile personality of Gujarat. It is commonly experienced that a person achieves distinguished position at the most in a single sphere of activity but Dr. Kumarpal Desai has distinguished himself in various fields of human activity. Dr. Kumarpal Desai, over a period of five decades, has acquired a challenging reputation as a writer of inspirational, spiritual, and value-enriched literature not only in the state of Gujarat or the country but at the international level too. His contribution to the fields of journalism, literature, and education in particular and society, in general, has been noteworthy. He espouses human values and his writings reflect these values in abundance.
As a crowning glory to his illustrious career, spanning four decades, the Government of India conferred on him the coveted ‘Padmashri’ Award on 26th January 2004, in recognition of his invaluable contribution to education, literature, and culture at the hand of the then President of India Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Only rare individuals have received this honour in the field of Gujarati literature and education.
Kumarpal Desai was born on August 30, 1942 in Ranpur. His hometown is Sayla. His mother’s name is Jayaben and his father’s name is Balabhai Desai. His father’s nickname was Jaybhikhkhu. Jaybhikhkhu was a famous writer of Gujarati literature. His parents have played a great contribution in moulding his character. Father’s contribution to his success as a writer and mother’s contribution to his personality-development are very important factors in his life. Jayaben was an ideal Indian woman. She participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1930 in Ranpur. She narrated many poems about Gandhiji to him.
Acadamic Career
Kumarpal completed his B.A with Gujarati as his main subject in 1963 and MA in 1965 from Ahmedabad. He started his career as a professor of Gujarati in Navgujarat College, Ahmedabad. In 1980 he wrote a thesis on ‘Anandaghan: A Study’ under the guidance of Dr. Dhirubhai Thakar and received his Ph. D. from Gujarat University. In 1983, he joined the School of Languages at Gujarat University. There, he served as the chairperson of School of Languages besides being a professor of Gujarati Department since November 2001 and retired in 2004. He organized many new courses as a Dean of Arts Faculty of Gujarat University. He is working as Professor Emeritus at Jain Visvabharati University, Ladanu and Adjunct Professor at Gujarat Vidyapeeth. He has been working as a guide for Ph.D. in five subjects – Gujarati Literature, Journalism, Jain Philosophy, Gandhi Research and Peace Research. This is an important achievement. Under his guidance, more than 24 students have obtained Ph.D.
As an author
At the age of eleven, Kumarpal started his literary career by writing a fictional story of a revolutionary who sacrificed his life for the country. This story was published in a children’s weekly called ‘Zagmag’. From childhood he was fascinated by tales of renunciation and chivalry; Because Saurashtra, the land of heroes, is his birth-place and his childhood was passed in the presence of literary masters like Raashtreeya Shaayar Zaverchand Meghani, the author of ‘Kurbanini Katha’, Gunavantaraya Acharya, the writer of Sagar Katha, the famous litterateur Dhumketu and poet Dula Kag. Kumarpal has the same power and pride as his father. He wrote and sent his first text under the name of ‘K. B. Desai’ under a notion for not taking advantage of his father’s fame. His first book ‘Vatan, Tara Ratan’ was published during his college period.
He started writing in newspapers when he was studying in the first year of B.A. He started writing in Children’s Weekly ‘Zagmag’ and ‘Dainik Gujarat Samachar’ in 1962 and literature in 1965. In 1965, he made his debut in the field of children’s literature by writing the biography of Lal Bahadur Shastri under the name ‘Lal Gulab’. 60,000 copies of the book were sold and it was selected as a textbook in the well-known distinct reading Examination (Sishtavachan-Pariksha) across Gujarat. The book won the first prize in Gujarat Government’s High Quality Children’s Literature Competition. On the unexpected death of Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on 11th January 1966, Kumarpal obtained the special details of his life and prepared an extensive biography called ‘Mahamanav Shastri’ of about three hundred pages.
After the success of ‘Lal Gulab’, Kumarpal became active in creating children’s literature. It was not his aim to increase the number of his books constantly. He used to write every book with a unique vision behind it. He wrote a number of books which exemplified virtues such as valour, communal harmony, the heroism of common people. From the point of view that those Gujarati who heard about the ingenuity of Emperor Akbar and Birbal should be introduced to clever and crafty Gujaratis, he told the story and ingenuity of Damodar Mehta, who is behind the proverb like ‘Dahyo Damro’. Thus, he gave motivational stories like ‘Kede Katari, Khabhe Dhal’ showing the heroism of Kutch, ‘Biradari’ on the theme of communal harmony, ‘Haiyun Nanu, Himmat Moti’, ‘Nani Ummar, Motu Kam’, ‘Zabak Divdi’, ‘Motne Hathtali’, ‘Motini Mala’ and ‘Motini Kheti’. Biographies of ‘Veer Rammurti’, ‘C. K. Nayadu’, ‘Balkona Buddhisagarsuri’, ‘Bhagwan Rushabhdev’, ‘Firaq Gorakhpuri’, ‘Bhagwan Mallinath’, ‘Atam Gyani Shraman Kahave’, ‘Bhagwan Mahavir’, ‘Anguthe Amrut Vase’, ‘Shri Mahavir Jivandarshan’, ‘Manavtani Mahek’ (Biography Premchand Vrajpal Shah), Aafatoni Andhi Vachche, Samrudhdhinu Shikhar (Biography of U. N. Mehta), ‘ Mulmargnu Amrut ane Adhyatmanu Shikhar’ (Biography of Shrimad Rajchandra) and ‘Jivtarni Vate, Aksharno Deevo’ (Biography of Jaybhikhkhu) and many others flowed from his prolific pen. In these biographies he has focused on the significant incidents from their lives and has attempted to present a real life-like portrayal of each of them, and they are written in a plain, interesting and legible style which makes it a pleasure to read.
Sahitya Academy (Dellhi) Bal Sahitya Puraskar is conferred on outstanding and meritorious children’s books annually and in the 24 languages recognized by the Akademi. Dr. Kumarpal Desai was conferred Bal Sahitya Puraskar in 2019 for his total contribution in children’s literature.
He has written a motivational book ‘Apangana Ojas’ (eight editions) which can be placed in the biographical literature. This book has been translated into Braille and Hindi as ‘Apahij Tan, Adig Man’ (three editions) and published in English as ‘The Brave Hearts’ (four editions). This book is prefaced by great saint Pujya Shri. Mota and famous cricketer Vijay Merchant.
After presenting lots of Virtuous literature in the field of children’s literature, he also penned in the field of adult literature. In fact, along with children’s literature, he has been creating, criticizing and researching adult literature. Apart from children’s stories, Kumarpal’s collection of novelette ‘Ekante Kolahal’ has become popular. His stories were influenced by powerful storytellers like Jaybhikhkhu and ‘Dhumketu’.
Kumarpal is a scholar of Indian culture, Jain philosophy and Jain literature. He has given us several collections of contemplative articles. Three parts of ‘Zakalbhina Moti’, ‘Motini Kheti’, ‘Manavtani Mahek’, ‘Trushaane Trupti’, ‘Kshamapna’, ‘Shradhdhanjali’, ‘Jivannu Amrut’, ‘Dukhnee Pankharma Aanandno Ek Tahuko’, ‘Zakal Banyu Moti’ are collections contain motivational events.
Dr. Kumarpal Desai has presented three-day story session on various topics as a novel experiment through audio-visual medium. He presented contemplative subjects telling Mahavir Katha, Gautam Katha, Parsva-Padmavati Katha, Nem-Rajul Katha, Rushabha Katha, Kalikalasarvagna Hemacandracharya Katha, Srimad Rajachandra Katha, Acharya Budhisagarasuriji Katha and Hirvijaysuri Katha.
Kumarpal is also a good speaker. Along with giving lectures in Gujarat and India, he has been highly appreciated in England, America, East Africa, Canada, Singapore, Belgium, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Dubai etc. for the lectures and seminar on value-based Indian culture organized for Paryushana Lecture Series. He has contributed much for the protection of mother tongue and culture.In 1990, he was one of members from the five-continent Jain delegation that went to Buckingham Palace to present the ‘Jain Statement on Nature’ to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Moreover, in the ‘World Parliament of Religions’ held in Chicago in 1993 and in Cape Town, South Africa in 1999, and in the delegation that visited Pope John Paul (II) in the Vatican in 1994, he had a meaningful discussion about Jain Philosophy. He is the Trustee in India of a worldwide organization called ‘Institute of Jainology’.
As a researcher and a litterateur
He did research on the manuscripts of his verses (Stavnas) and brought his poetry to light. He has studied about 300 manuscripts from different manuscript repositories of Gujarat and edited the classics based on them. Pt. Bechardas Doshi, Dr. Bhogilal Sandesara and Scholars like Dalsukhbhai Malvania have praised his research work. He has three books to his credit on Mahayogi Anandghan. He received the ‘Hanumanprasad Poddar’ award for his outstanding research on Anandaghan from the Folk Culture Research Institute of Rajasthan. In the research field of medieval literature, Dr. Kumarpal Desai has contributed significantly. He has researched and published books like ‘Apragat Madhyakalin Krutio,’ ‘Gyanavimalasuri Krut Stabak’ and ‘Merusundar Upadhyaya Rachit Ajitshantistavan no Balavbodh’. His seminal and investigative books include ‘Gat Saikani Jain Dharmani Pravrutio’, ‘Ab Hum Amar Bheye’ and ‘Abolni Atamvani’. In 1980 and 1985 he was awarded with Dr. K. G. Nayak Medal. Apart from this, he has written books on ‘Tirthankar Bhagwan Mahavir’ in Gujarati, Hindi and English languages.
Jain Philosophy
Kumarpal is a man who refuses to fit into a mould and is equally at home in Jain philosophy as in literature. An ardent student of both, he has acquired formidable reputation internationally and has been honoured by Jain organizations in India and abroad. Through his newspaper columns, books and discourses, he has expounded on the basic tenets and principles of Jainism and on the message of the various Tirthankars. His thinking on such matters has been fresh, original and path-breaking as reflected in his biographies of Bhagwan Rishabhdev, Bhagwan Mallinath, Bhagwan Mahavir and Kalikalsarvagna Hemchandracharya. His ‘Stories from Jainism’ is used as a textbook for teaching religion in some schools in London.
He is an author of more than eighty books on Jainism and philosophy, giving inspiring lectures on Jainism in India and abroad and effectively presenting Jainism in various world conferences as well as writing articles on various aspects of Jainism in newspapers and magazines. Dr. Kumarapal Desai’s work has become a ‘legend’ in the Jain community of the world. An important event has taken shape in Jinshasan and that is that recently four Jain Sadhviji have received doctorate degrees (Ph.D.) together under the guidance of Dr. Kumarapal Desai. Earlier, more than twenty four students, including Sadhvijis have received Ph.D. degrees under the guidance of Kumarpal Desai.
As a trustee of Shri Jaybhikhkhu Sahitya trust, he is engaged in literary and value-oriented activities. He also renders his services to ‘Vidyavikas Trust’, ‘Anukampa Trust’, and ‘Indian Red Cross Society (Botad Branch)’.
He has presented Jainism in various world conferences as well as writing articles on various aspects of Jainism in newspapers and magazines. Nearly 15,000 attendees, from the age of 3 to 93 and from 23 countries, gathered virtually for the Federation of Jain Associations in North America’s 21st convention. He was one of the renowned spiritual and religious leaders who expressed his thoughts on “A Resilient Path to Peace” at this event. ‘Jain Vibhushan’ Award was conferred to him on 26th January, 2012 by Santshri Bhayuji Maharaj at an international conference held in Goa by Jain Social Group Federation which has 375 centers and 60,000 members.
As a thinker of Jain Philosophy, Dr. Kumarpal Desai has received the ‘Acharya Tulsi Anekant Award’, from Jain Vishvabharati and Preksha Vishvabharati, Ladnu (Rajasthan), in recognition of his global activities in the field of Jainology.
Kumarpal is a creator as well as a critic. ‘Hemchandracharya’s Sahityasadhana’, ‘Shabdasannidhi’, ‘Bhavan-Vibhavan’, ‘Shabdasamip’, ‘Anandaghan : Jeevan and Kavan’ etc. are his books of criticism. Kumarpal’s critical articles on modern literature make us believe that he is a scholar of medieval literature as well as a connoisseur of modern literature. He has to be counted among the great scholars of the medieval period.
Kumarpal is also a perceptive editor. He has edited a number of editions, the most important of which are: (1) ‘Jayabhikhkhu Smrutigranth’ (2) ‘Shabdashri’ (3) ‘Kavi Dula Kag Smrutigranth’ (4) ‘Hemasmruti’ (5) Jaybhikhkhuni Jain Dharmakathao’ vols 1-2 (6) ‘Narmad: Aajna Sandarbhma’ (7) ‘Navalika Ank’ (‘Gujarat Times’) (8) ‘Ojas Ditha Atmabal Na’ (9) ‘Ratnatrai Na Ajwala’ (10) ‘Samayik Sutra’ (with meaning) (11) ‘Shankeshwar Mahatirtha’ (12) ‘Yasobharati’ (13) ‘Dhanya Chhe Dharma Tane’ (Editing of Lectures by Acharya Vijayvallabhsuri) (14) ‘Atmavallabh Smrnika’ (Editing of Gujarati Section) (15) ‘Balsahitya Sangothsthi’ (16) ‘Parivartannu Prabhat’ (‘Gujarat Times’) (17) ‘ Ekvismi Sadinu Vishwa’ (‘Gujarat Times’) (18) ‘Ekvismi Sadinu Balsahitya’ (19) ‘Adavat Vinani Adalat’ (edition of C. C. Mehta’s Radio-Allegories) (20) ‘Ek Divasni Maharani’ (Damon Runyon’s stories translated by C. C. Mehta) (21) Sahitya Ane Patrakaratva. He is the editor of ‘Jain Vishwakosh’ covering important subjects of entire Jainism, five volumes of which have been published and another volumes are to be published. The range of books edited by him gives an idea of how wide his field of research is. His insight, understanding and carefulness are seen in every editing.
Prominent Gujarati writer Kumarpal has also written in Hindi and English languages. He has written the book ‘Jinshanni Kirtigatha’ in Gujarati, ‘जिनशासन की कीर्तिगाथा’ in Hindi and ‘Glory of Jainism’ in English. Other books published in English are as follows: ‘Stories from Jainism’, ‘Essence of Jainism’, ‘The Value and Heritage of Jain Religion’, ‘Kshamapana’, ‘Role of Women in Jain Religion’, ‘Non-Violence : A Way of Life (Bhagwan Mahavir)’, ‘A Pinnacle of Spirituality’, ‘The Timeless Message of Bhagwan Mahavir’,
‘Vegetarianism’, ‘Tirthankara Mahavira’,‘Jainism : The Cosmic Vision’, ‘Shrimad Rajchandra and Mahatma Gandhi’. (It can be seen that his books in Hindi-English are mainly confined to Jainism and related to its subjects. In these books, he has highlighted the principles of Jainism and various aspects of Jainism.)
Kumarpal has translated a relatively lesser-known but literarily enthralling play titled ‘Navavadhoo’ into Gujarati written by African writer Austin Bukenya. In the exploratory article, he has given a literary introduction to this writer and his work. He also has revealed the background of contemporary African drama by interviewing the original creator.
Kumarpal was 27 years old when Jaybhikhkhu died on 24th December 1969. The condition of the family was normal. Owing to father’s generous, self-righteous and contented nature, there was no capital in the house at the time of his death. Only a few currency notes were found in the books, bringing the total amount to Rs 350. Hence it was also said in jest that the author of three hundred books had only three and a half hundred rupees as capital. At that time, ‘Jaibhikhkhu’ used to write ‘Int ane Imarat’ column in ‘Gujarat Samachar’. He started writing this column from 1952 and was very popular. The editor of the newspaper called Kumarpal and suggested him to continue this column of his father. Kumarapal hesitated at first, but after the editor’s insistence, he reluctantly agreed. The first four or five episodes were given without names. He was welcomed. Then Editor Mr. Shantilal Shah published the column with the name. Since then he has been writing that column regularly. There is no other instance in the history of Gujarati journalism where a column has been regularly written by father and son for more than half a century. Generally on the Editorial page, next to the Editorial articles the articles on political or social aspects are published, but next to the Editorial articles, ‘Int ane Imarat’ is a column that has been published for the last 68 years. In this column, inspiring biographies, events, and occasions are published. Besides, the thought and visions relevant to the present-day situations of Indian people are also represented. It has been well known due to its unique characteristic. The column ‘Int ane Imarat’ started by Jayabhikhkhu. Kumarpal Desai has continued the column since the death of his father. It is rare for a father and son to write a column for 68 years. If we consider the literary service of father and son, then 106 years is considered the service of Gujarati literature.
Since 1970, Kumarpal Desai has been writing this column regularly and he has never missed an issue. Especially among the news of political upheaval, bottomless talk about entertainment, murder, and rape, a column continuously provide the value-based sentimental reading for 65 years and indirectly play a role for building society is a proud event for humanity. The column – ‘Int ane Imarat’ has made its own identity and brighten its existence facing every hurdle. The other columns like ‘Prasang Katha’, ‘Aaajni Vaat’ and ‘Shayari add various colors in the column. Thus, Kumarpal Desai has written this column with high standard regularly and made it popular and exoteric. Mahesh Thakar, the learned and experienced journalist of Gujarat Samachar says – “We have not seen such protean and gifted columnist in our national language Hindi or English. He goes to the bottom of the subject and comes with pearls. Sincerity in words and thought is the quality of his profession as a journalist and he does his homework with complete readiness, which makes his column writing high standard and exoteric.” Therefore, Ramesh Tanna, the journalist and editor remarks that ‘Int ane Imarat’ column is a milestone of journalism and its writer Kumarpal Desai is an ideal icon for a young columnist. Gujarati Journalism will be always indebted to Jaybhikhkhu and Kumarpal Desai.
India Book of Records, as the name suggests, is the upholder of Indian records since 2006. India Book of Records is one of the most widely circulated record books with worldwide availability through major online and offline book stores. Dr. Kumarpal Desai has got a place in India Book of Records in 2021 to write a column named ‘Int ane Imarat’ for 68 years.
In the field of journalism, Dr. Kumarpal has been active for the last fifty years. His five weekly columns ‘Int ane Imarat’, ‘Jhakal Banyu Moti’, ‘Janyu Chhata Ajanyu’, ‘Aakaash Ni Olakh’, and ‘Parijat no Parisamwad’ have been immensely popular and throw ample light on the Indian thoughts and culture. In addition to teaching, journalism, ‘Akhbari Lekhan’, and ‘Sahitya Ane Patrakaratva’ are important texts on his journalism. ‘Gurjari Digest’ is a magazine which is published by Vishvakosh at international level. It has cultural articles in Gujarati Language. Dr. Kumapal Desai is its editor. ‘Buddhiprakash’ magazine is published by Gujarat Vidhyasabha which is 150 years old organization. Noteworthy literary articles are published in ‘Buddhiprakash’. It is a record that it has been regularly published every month without fail. At present Dr. Kumarpal Desai is its editor. Gujarat Vishvakosh Trust has published 26 volumes of Gujarati Vishvakosh (Encyclopedia) having 1000 pages in each volume. ‘Vishva Vihar’ is a monthly magazine which is published by Gujarat Vishvakosh Trust and the magazine publishes articles on contemporary subjects.
Dr. Kumarpal Desai is also its editor. Every month in ‘Divyadhvani’, he writes his thinking on spirituality named as ‘Paramano Sparsh’. He has served in the Department of Journalism of Gujarat University for many years. Apart from this, he is also associated with journalism courses in other universities of Gujarat.
He has written a book on ‘Newspaper Writing’ and edited a book titled ‘Sahitya Ane Patrakaratva’. He was awarded Navachetan Roupyachandrak by ‘Navachetan’ monthly magazine for his multiple achievements in the field of journalism, Mr. Yagnesh H. Shukla Paritoshik for his distinguished contribution in journalism, Acharya Tulsi Smruti Samman, Sanskruti Gaurav Purashkar by Nanubhai Surti Foundation for contribution to Journalism about Sports, Hari Om Ashram Award for outstanding writing in Journalism by Gujarat Daily Newspaper Association and Sanskruti Samvardhan Award from Shrimad Rajachandra Sadhana Kendra for honourable, virtuous and value oriented writing.
The Sahitya Gaurav Puraskar also known as Sahitya Gaurav Award is a literary honour in Gujarat, India. The award is conferred by Gujarat Sahitya Academy and Government of Gujarat to the Gujarati authors for their significant contribution in Gujarati literature.
Nandashankar Mehta Chandrak is an award given by Narmad Sahitya Sabha in memory of Gujarat’s first novelist Nandshankar Mehta. Each year, the medal is awarded to the author of the most outstanding book written in the Gujarati language. Dr. Kumarpal Desai was awarded Nandshankar Mehta Chandrak for his epic like best novel ‘ANAHATA’ in 2020. He was also conferred Veer Narmad Puraskar given by Maharashtra State Gujarati Sahitya Academy. Shree Kanjibhai Desai Gujarat Pratibha Award (Pride of Gujarat) of 2015 was given to him by Vishwa Gujaratri Samaj. An international organization of Gujarati community.
Every year since 1984, Kumarpal’s lectures are held abroad. In recognition of his activities in this field, 14 Indian organizations in England gave him the ‘Hemchandracharya Award’. He was also awarded the Gaurav Award by the Jain Center of Northern California, the Jain Jyotirdhar Award, the Gujarat Ratna Award and the Ten Young Talents of India Award from the Junior Chambers in 1980. The Federation of Jain Associations of North America (JAINA), which covers all centers in America and Canada, conferred the President’s Special Award to Kumarpal at the biennial convention held in July 1997 in Toronto, Canada, for outstanding work in research and philosophy of Jain literature in countries other than America. Delhi-based Ahimsa International Institute and Diwaliben Mohanlal Mehta Trust have awarded a special award for valuable literature. In 2001, he was also selected for the ‘Jain Rratna’ award which was given by the Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee to 26 individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the spread of Jain philosophy and Jain sentiments from the Bhagwan Mahavir Janamkalyanak Samiti.
Kumarpal’s contribution in the field of sports is also noteworthy. Sports lovers bought one and a half lakh copies of ‘Indian Cricket’ and ‘Cricketna Vishwavikramo’ and ‘Cricket Ramata Sikho’ (How to Play Cricket) Volumes 1-2 published in Gujarati, Hindi, English and Marathi. He got the honorary membership of England’s famous ‘Cricketer Magazine Club’. One of his books was shortlisted for the Jubilee Literary Award organized by ‘The Cricketer International Magazine’. He has given more than 300 speeches on sports to various clubs and organizations. In the month of January 2004, “Best Sports Journalist Award” has been awarded to him by Surat city journalist Kalyan Nidhi. While presenting the award on this occasion, former cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad said that he has been following Dr. Kumarpal from the age of twelve. Mr. Anshuman Gaekwad designated the opportunity to honour Kumarpal Desai’s sports articles as a memorable moment in his life. When the award and ten thousand rupees were given, he added one thousand rupees to the ten thousand rupees and returned it to the organization. At this time, Anshuman Gaekwad jokingly said, but it is true that if Indian cricketers also behave like this, how good it would be!
Dr. Kumarpal Desai, the Chairman of Gujarati Studies Committee and Member of Academic Council of Gujarat University has conducted curriculum workshops at a Gujarati school with 50-year tradition in Singapore. He has given lectures at the Gujarati Sahitya Academy in Britain and the Gujarati Literary Academy in America, along with actively supporting Gujarati learning efforts in Kenya and Antwerp. Ranjitram Suvarnachandrak, which is regarded as the Nobel Prize of Gujarati literature has been awarded for his entire literary creation.
Kumarpal Desai is the trustee of the first of its kind – ‘Gujarati Vishvakosh’ (Gujarati Encyclopedia). He is a pillar of the Gujarati language encyclopedia being prepared in the Gujarati language. Various activities are carried out under this organization; in which excellent work is going on through lecture series, poetry-music series, drama reading, and dance performances. Dr. Kumarapal Desai is working as the driving force behind all these activities.
Recently, an MOU has been done between Gujarat Vishwakosh Trust and Gujarati Lexicon for preservation of mother tongue. The project of making the knowledge of complex sciences like Robotics-Artificial Intelligence will be available in Gujarati language in collaboration with these two institutes is also a commendable effort for the preservation of the mother tongue. Gujarat Vishwakosh Trust has been an important partner in the development journey of Gujarati language but modern technology has become a necessity in these fast changing times. Attempts are made to bring together today’s young generation and language lovers on one platform. Gujarati Lexicon has also made a significant contribution in the promotion of Gujarati language in the digital age. Through various mediums like Youth Corner, Blog, Video and Explore Gujarat, an attempt has been made to bring together today’s young generation and language lovers on one platform. Credit goes to Dr. Kumarpal Desai.
As a man of action, Kumarpal Desai is actively associated with a number of institutions of literature, culture and education. Having previously served as president and secretary of the Gujarati Sahitya Parishad, he is currently a member of its central committee. Kumarpal Desai has been doing various activities of Shri Jayabhikhkhu Sahitya Trust for the past several years. He is the president of the Prof. Anantarai Rawal Memorial Committee and the Chandravadan Mehta Memorial Committee.
The Ahimsa Award (Mahaveer Mahatma Award) is an annual award given by the Institute of Jainology in recognition of individuals who represent and promote the principles of Ahimsa (nonviolence). It was established in 2006 and has since been awarded at the annual “Ahimsa Day” event, on 2 October, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The event is normally held at the Palace of Westminster—House of Commons of the United Kingdom, in London, where various members of Parliament are invited to speak. It is bestowed by the directors of the Institute of Jainology, an international body based in the UK, representing the Jain faith.
Just look at the names of the people who have received Ahimsha Award. Fifteen people were given this award. Among the list, we can see well-known people like Nelson Mandela, Dalai Lama and Acharya Mahapragyaji. We are proud that Padmshri Dr. Kumarpal Desai’s name is going to be added in this category of these great people. For us as Indians and Jains, it is a significant moment that Dr. Kumarpal Desai has been selected for Ahimsa Award – 2022 by the UK Jain community, collectively called One JAIN, represented by the Institute of Jainology. He is going to be conferred the AHIMSHA AWARD-2022 at the House of Commons in presence of the members of both the house of Parliament, interfaith and leading members of Jain and Indian communities.
Despite doing various activities like creation, criticism, research, editing, translation, study-teaching etc., Kumarpal is always ready to do new projects of social and cultural elevation with the enthusiasm of youth. ‘I have learned to have complete the sleep, not to keep awake till at night. Yes, after daybreak, one day work will be done.” he says with a smile.
In response to a question, ‘If you were to be reborn, what would you like to be?’, he said: ‘A human body capable of creating valuable literature useful to society, living a spiritual life, meditating on the mystery of scriptures and conveying the true concept of religion’ that would have been my prayer to God.’ Despite receiving many awards, medals, prizes, egotism could not touch Kumarpal Desai. Always with a kind smile on his face and lovingly warm treatment of even the smallest person reveals the essence of his cheerful personality and wholesome lifestyle.