Gujarat Vishva Sahitya Bhale Padharo

This book, "Gujarat Vishva Sahitya Bhale Padharo" (Welcome World Literature to Gujarat), edited by P. C. Patel and published by Ratrani Sanskrutik Trust, is a significant compilation that aims to bring renowned works of world literature to the Gujarati readership. The book is a testament to the effort of introducing globally acclaimed literary pieces into the Gujarati language, thereby enriching its literary landscape and providing access to universal human experiences and wisdom for Gujarati readers.

Key Themes and Content:

The book is a collection of introductions, prefaces, and essays related to various world literature classics, many of which have been translated or abridged into Gujarati. The core idea behind this publication is to:

• Fulfill Mahatma Gandhi's Vision: The preface highlights Mahatma Gandhi's plea in 1936 for making world literature accessible in Gujarati, emphasizing the need for rich, illustrated, and high-quality books. Gandhi expressed concern about a nation's poverty if its people relied solely on foreign languages and lamented the lack of accessible, high-quality literature, especially for children, in Gujarati. This book is presented as a fulfillment of that vision.
• Promote World Literature in Gujarati: The primary goal is to make influential works from authors like Charles Dickens, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Sir Walter Scott, and Cervantes available to Gujarati readers in their mother tongue.
• Pay Tribute to Translators and Contributors: The book acknowledges the dedication of individuals like Shri Gopaladas Patel, Shri Maganbhai Prabhudas Desai, Shri P. Chho. Patel, and many others who have been instrumental in translating and making these works accessible. Their "service-oriented" approach to bringing world literature into Gujarati is celebrated.
• Bridge Cultural Gaps: By presenting these works, the book aims to expose Gujarati readers to diverse cultures, philosophical ideas, and human stories from around the globe, fostering a broader understanding of the world.
• Highlight the Importance of Mother Tongue: The publication strongly advocates for reading world literature in one's mother tongue, likening it to the nourishment of a mother's milk, which is sweeter and more profound than any foreign language acquisition.
• Preserve and Promote Literary Heritage: The efforts of the Ratrani Sanskrutik Trust and the legacy of figures like Shri Maganbhai Desai and Shri Gopaladas Patel are crucial in this endeavor. They are seen as bridging the gap by making the "treasure" of world literature available.
• Focus on Classics: The book features prefaces and discussions on influential works such as:
  • Charles Dickens: Works like "A Tale of Two Cities," "Oliver Twist," "Nicholas Nickleby," and "Dombey and Son" are discussed.
  • Victor Hugo: "Les Miserables" and "Laughing Man" are mentioned.
  • Alexandre Dumas: "The Three Musketeers" and "The Count of Monte Cristo" are highlighted.
  • Leo Tolstoy: "Resurrection" is noted.
  • Fyodor Dostoevsky: "Crime and Punishment" is discussed.
  • Cervantes: "Don Quixote" is recognized.
  • Sir Walter Scott: "Ivanhoe" and "Quentin Durward" are featured.
  • Other Indian and World Literature: The book also touches upon works by Indian authors like Kabir, Nanak, Dadu Bhagat, Malukdas, Dari, and also mentions works like "Geeta ka Prasthan," "Buddhiyoga," and Upanishads, indicating a broader scope of spiritual and philosophical literature.
• The Role of "Parivar Sanstha": The book emphasizes the crucial role of the "Parivar Sanstha" (Family Institution) in translating and disseminating these world literary works in Gujarati since 1962.
• Cultural and Educational Endeavor: The Ratrani Sanskrutik Trust also operates a library and a natural therapy center in memory of Shri Maganbhai Desai and Shri Gopaladas Patel, serving as a cultural and educational hub for the local community.

Key Figures and Contributors:

• P. C. Patel: The editor of the book.
• Mahatma Gandhi: His vision and encouragement for Gujarati literature are a recurring theme.
• Shri Maganbhai Prabhudas Desai: A key inspiration and contributor, described as a progressive Gandhian thinker, educator, and author.
• Shri Gopaladas Jivabhai Patel: Instrumental in translating and abridging world literature into Gujarati. He is hailed as a master of world literature's narrative art and a prolific translator.
• Ratrani Sanskrutik Trust: The publisher, dedicated to promoting culture and literature.
• Other Contributors: The book includes contributions and blessings from various scholars, writers, and dignitaries, including Shri Kanchanlal C. Parikh, Shri Navalbhai Shah, Dr. M. M. Bhamgara, Sant Shri Kiritbhaiji, and Yogacharya Aditya Giji.

Overall Significance:

"Gujarat Vishva Sahitya Bhale Padharo" is more than just a collection of literary introductions; it represents a dedicated mission to enrich Gujarati culture and intellect by bringing the best of world literature into its fold. It celebrates the spirit of translation, dedication to literature, and the fulfillment of a long-held aspiration to make the world's literary heritage accessible to every Gujarati reader. The book serves as a valuable resource for understanding the context and importance of these world classics within the Gujarati literary tradition.