Jain Gurjar Kavio Vimochan Ane Purnahuti Samaroh Ahewal

This document, "Jain Gurjar Kavio Vimochan ane Purnahuti Samaroh Ahewal" (Report of the Release and Completion Ceremony of Jain Gurjar Poets), by Kantibhai B Shah and Kirtida Joshi, chronicles a significant event held on January 19, 1997, at Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, Mumbai. The ceremony celebrated the release and completion of the revised and expanded ten-volume edition of "Jain Gurjar Kavio" (Jain Gujarati Poets).

The event was held under the auspicious presence of esteemed Jain Acharyas: Acharya Shri Vijaydevsurishwarji, Acharya Shri Vijayhemchandrasurishwarji, and Acharya Shri Vijaypradyumnasurishwarji. The proceedings began with a devotional song, followed by a lamp-lighting ceremony.

The core of the event was the celebration of the monumental work of compiling and revising "Jain Gurjar Kavio." Professor Kantibhai B. Shah, the convener of the ceremony, highlighted the incredible dedication involved. He explained that the original work was initiated by Shri Mohanlal D. Desai approximately 75 years prior, who, despite being a lawyer, dedicated 33 years to compiling extensive manuscript catalogs, creating volumes 1-3 of "Jain Gurjar Kavio." This endeavor was likened to a university-level undertaking.

When Shri Jayanti Kothari took on the task of revising and expanding this work for the Gujarati Sahityakosh (Gujarati Literary Encyclopedia), he realized the necessity of a new edition, as new research had emerged over time. Shri Kothari dedicated a decade (1986-1996) to this painstaking process of revision and expansion, turning the original three volumes into ten. The Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, Mumbai, took full responsibility for its publication. The report emphasizes the immense personal sacrifices and dedication of Shri Kothari and his family in completing this project, even overcoming health challenges.

Several distinguished scholars and poets shared their thoughts and felicitations. Notable among them were:

• Shri Keshavram K. Shastri: The chief guest who performed the book release. He reminisced about his earlier association with the Mahavir Jain Vidyalay and his encounters with Shri Mohanlal Desai, expressing that seeing Shri Jayasukhbhai Desai felt like seeing Shri Mohanlal Desai again. He lauded the work on "Desis" (folk verses) within the volumes, noting its lack of sectarianism and its connection to popular folk songs.
• Shri Suresh Dalal: A renowned poet and esteemed guest, who delivered an inspiring speech that truly captured the celebratory spirit of the event. He paid tribute to Shri Mohanlal Desai's dedication, calling him a "gyani jipssy" (knowledge gypsy) for his relentless pursuit of manuscripts. He also praised Jayant Kothari's meticulous work, comparing the journey from "compiled" to "researched" as a challenging one.
• Shri Jayasukhbhai M. Desai: Son of Shri Mohanlal D. Desai, who expressed his gratitude to Jayant Kothari for revealing the true depth of his father's scholarly work. He also proposed the establishment of a fund in his father's name for continued literary endeavors.
• Shri Jayant Kothari: The editor of the revised edition, who expressed his profound gratitude to all who supported him, including the Gujarati Sahitya Parishad, scholars like Dr. B.H. Bhayani, Dr. Ramanlal Shah, and his family members. He stressed the importance of continuing such scholarly work to preserve and promote Jain literature.
• Dr. Ramanlal Chimanlal Shah: A former secretary of the Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, who had a dream of seeing the revised edition of "Jain Gurjar Kavio" come to fruition. He highlighted the critical role of the original work in the study of medieval Gujarati literature and commended Shri Mohanlal Desai's unparalleled efforts in preserving manuscripts.

The event also included book reviews by Professor Kanubhai Jani and Dr. Raman Soni. A felicitation ceremony honored Shri Keshavram K. Shastri, Shri Suresh Dalal, Shri Jayasukhbhai M. Desai, Dr. Ramanlal Chimanlal Shah, and Shri Jayant Kothari, along with musicians from Vadodara.

The second session of the day was a Goshthi (symposium) on the topic "Preservation and Publication Issues of Medieval Gujarati Literary Heritage." This session, presided over by Shri Jayant Kothari and under the guidance of Acharya Shri Vijaypradyumnasurishwarji, brought together scholars from various locations. The symposium involved presentations on the current state of manuscript libraries, a review of published manuscript catalogs, and discussions on editorial and publication practices for medieval Gujarati literature. The discussions aimed to identify concrete steps and potential future actions.

The report concludes with the closing remarks by Acharya Shri Vijaypradyumnasurishwarji, who pledged support for those engaged in research and editing of ancient manuscripts. The event was a resounding success, celebrating a significant contribution to Jain and Gujarati literature and fostering a platform for scholarly discussion and collaboration.