Padmashree Dr KumarpalDesai - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the life and achievements of Dr. Kumarpal Desai:

This document is a book titled "Padmashree Dr. Kumarpal Desai" authored by Santosh Surana and published by Anekant Bharti Prakashan. It details the life, works, and contributions of Dr. Kumarpal Desai, highlighting him as an "international talent of Jain philosophy, a principled journalist, and a virtuous literary creator." The book begins with a congratulatory note on him being honored with the "Acharya Tulsi Samman."

Early Life and Influences:

Born on August 30, 1942, in Ranpur, with ancestral roots in Sayla.
His parents were Jayaben Desai and Balabhai Desai. His father, known by the pen name 'Jayabhikhu,' was a popular Gujarati author who wrote approximately 250 books.
His parents played a crucial role in his development. His father influenced his literary pursuits, while his mother significantly contributed to his personality development.
His mother, Jayaben, was an ideal Indian woman who participated in the 1930 Non-Cooperation Movement. He heard many poems about Mahatma Gandhi from her as a child, which deeply influenced him.
His birthplace, Saurashtra, is a land of heroes, and he grew up in the company of esteemed literary figures like Jhaverchand Meghani, Gunvantray Acharya, Dhumketu, and Kavi Dula Kag, instilling in him a love for tales of sacrifice and valor.

Education and Academic Career:

He earned his B.A. in 1963 and M.A. in Gujarati in 1965 from Ahmedabad.
He became a Gujarati teacher and later, in 1983, a lecturer in the Gujarati department at Gujarat University.
He obtained his Ph.D. from Gujarat University in 1980 for his thesis on "Anandghan: A Study," under the guidance of Padmabhushan Dr. Dhirubhai Thacker.
He progressed to become a Reader in 1988 and a Professor in 2000.
He served as the Head of the Gujarati Department, Chairman of the Language Literature Bhavan, and Dean of the Arts Faculty at Gujarat University.
He also chaired the Act and Project Committee for the Ahimsa University sponsored by the Gujarat government.
He held positions as Professor Emeritus at Jain Vishva Bharati Institute, Ladnun, and Adjunct Professor at Gujarat Vidyapeeth.

Literary Journey and Works:

He began writing at a young age, with his first published piece being a fictional story for the children's magazine 'Jhagmag.'
His first book, 'Vatan, Tara Ratan,' was published during his college years.
He began writing for newspapers during his youth and had a permanent column in 'Gujarat Samachar' from 1962.
His book 'Lal Gulab' (Red Rose), a biography of Lal Bahadur Shastri, was a bestseller, selling 60,000 copies and being selected for the Shishtavachanpariksha (standard reading examination) across Gujarat. It also received the first prize in a Gujarat government children's literature competition.
Following Shastri's demise, he wrote a comprehensive 300-page article titled 'Mahamanav Shastri.'
He has authored numerous books for children, including those focusing on bravery, communal harmony, and the courage of small individuals, such as 'Dahyo Damro,' 'Kede Katari, Khambhe Dhal,' 'Biradari,' 'Haiyu Na, Himmat Moti,' 'Nani Umar, Motu Kaam,' 'Jhabak Divadi,' and 'Motne Hathatali.'
His biographical works include those on figures like Veer Ramamurti, C.K. Naidu, Balakona Buddhisagar Ji, Bhagwan Rishabhdev, Firaq Gorakhpuri, Bhagwan Mallinath, Bhagwan Mahavir, and Premchand Vrajpal Shah.
He wrote the biography of his father, Jayabhikhu, which was adapted into a successful play titled 'Akshardipne Ajavale Chalyo Ekalveera.'
He has also made significant contributions to adult literature, notably with his inspiring book 'Apangna Ojas,' which he himself translated into Hindi and English. The book was also published in Braille as 'Apahij Tan, Adig Man' and in English as 'The Brave Heart.'
His story collections, particularly 'Ekante Kolahal,' have been highly popular.
He has written numerous collections of reflective essays, including 'Jhakal Bhina Motin,' 'Motini Kheti,' 'Manavtani Mahak,' 'Trusha Ane Truti,' 'Kshamapana,' 'Shraddhanjali,' 'Jivan-Amrut,' and 'Dukhni Pankharma Vasantno Ek Tahuko.'

Contributions to Jainism and Inter-religious Dialogue:

He is a scholar and proponent of Indian culture, Jain philosophy, and Jain literature.
Through his permanent newspaper columns and over a hundred books, he has disseminated his original and virtuous ideology about Jainism, touching the hearts of many.
His books on Jainism include character studies of Bhagwan Rishabhdev, Bhagwan Mallinath, and Bhagwan Mahavir, as well as works on the literary contributions of Kalikal Sarvagyacharya Hemchandracharya and the life philosophy of Bhagwan Mahavir.
He has authored three books on Mahayogi Anandghan.
His book 'Stories from Jainism' is used as a religious textbook in schools in Europe.
He has also written extensively in Hindi and English, with notable works in English including 'Glory of Jainism,' 'Essence of Jainism,' 'Non-violence: A Way of Life' (Bhagwan Mahavir), 'A Pinnacle of Spirituality,' 'The Timeless Message of Bhagwan Mahavir,' and 'Vegetarianism.'
His work 'Tirthankar Mahavir,' described as an encyclopedia on Bhagwan Mahavir, is a significant contribution.
He has traveled globally since 1984, delivering lectures in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Belgium, and Indonesia.
His presentations at international forums like 'Jaina' convention in Pittsburgh, the 'Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue' at the Vatican, and the United Nations Chapel in New York have been highly acclaimed.
He was part of the delegation that presented the 'Jain Declaration on Nature' to Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace in 1990.
He participated in the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago (1993) and Cape Town (1999) and met with Pope John Paul II, actively discussing religious philosophy.
He serves as a trustee for the global organization 'Institute of Jainology.'
He was instrumental in the establishment of Ahimsa University by the Gujarat government for the 2600th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Mahavir.
He has embraced and accepted the best from all religions and cultures, making him popular among people of all faiths.
His use of storytelling to present Jain principles in simple, accessible language has gained widespread popularity among both Jains and the general public. His Jain stories have reached as far as London and Los Angeles.
He played a key role in editing the first Jain encyclopedia, a monumental eight-volume work, alongside Shri Gunvantbhai Barvalia.

Research and Editorial Contributions:

He has deeply studied the life and works of the medieval saint-poet Anandghan, meticulously editing his manuscripts and verses.
He has researched and edited over 300 manuscripts from various Gujarati libraries, earning praise from scholars like Pt. Becherdas Doshi, Dr. Bhogilal Sandesara, and Pt. Dalsukhbhai Malvania.
His research has resulted in the publication of significant works like 'Apragat Madhyakalin Kritio,' 'Gyanvimalsurikruti Stobhak,' and 'Ajitshantistavan no Balbod' by Merusundar Upadhyay.
His research-oriented books include 'Gat Sekani Jain Dharmni Pravruttiyo,' 'Ab Hum Amar Bhaye,' and 'Abolni Atmavani.'
He has received several prestigious awards for his research, including the 'Hanumanprasad Poddar Paritoshik' for his work on Anandghan and the 'K. G. Nayak Suvarnachandrak' from Gujarat University multiple times for his outstanding research. He also received the 'Dhanji Kanji Gandhi Suvarnachandrak' and the 'Ranjitram Suvarnachandrak.'

Journalism and Media Contributions:

He has continued his father's popular column 'Eent Ane Imarat' in Gujarat Samachar, maintaining its legacy for decades.
He has written numerous other regular columns for Gujarat Samachar, including 'Akashni Olakh,' 'Jhakal Banyu Motin,' and 'Parijatno Parisamvad.'
He has also taught journalism at Gujarat University and other institutions.
He edited the book 'Sahitya Ane Patrakaratva' on journalistic writing.
He has been recognized with awards like the 'Navchetan Rajat Chandrak,' 'Shri Yagnesh H. Shukla Paritoshik,' 'Sanskruti Gaurav Puraskar,' 'Hari Om Ashram Award,' and 'Sanskruti Samvardhan Samman' for his contributions to journalism.

Sports Writing and Commentary:

He is a keen reviewer of sports, having authored popular books in Gujarati, Hindi, and English on cricket, such as 'Bharatiya Cricket,' 'Cricketna Vishwavikramo,' and 'Cricket Ramta Shikho.'
He wrote regular columns on sports like 'Ramatnu Maidan' and 'Playground.'
He holds honorary membership in the UK's renowned 'Cricketer Magazine Club.'
His sports reviews on newspapers, radio, and television have been very popular since 1992.
He has delivered over a hundred lectures on sports topics.

Mentorship and Academic Guidance:

Twenty students have received their Ph.D. degrees under his guidance.
He is a recognized guide for Ph.D. candidates in literature, journalism, and Jain philosophy.
He has actively supported efforts to preserve Gujarati language in schools abroad and has delivered lectures for Gujarati literary academies in the UK and USA.

Involvement in Social and Cultural Organizations:

He is actively involved with various literary, cultural, and educational institutions.
He has served as the Vice Chairman of the Gujarat Sahitya Akademi and as a former minister and chairman of the Gujarati Sahitya Parishad.
He is a trustee of the Gujarat Vishwakosh Trust, contributing to the ambitious Gujarati Encyclopedia.
He provides assistance to disaster victims through organizations like Shri Mahavir Manav Kalyan Kendra and Indian Red Cross Society.
He played a significant role in raising financial aid from abroad for earthquake victims in Gujarat in 2001.
He is a guiding force for Anekant Bharti Prakashan, which publishes numerous works on meditation and yoga by Acharya Mahapragya.

Personal Philosophy and Character:

Despite his busy schedule, he remains enthusiastic and proactive in pursuing new initiatives.
He emphasizes the importance of sufficient sleep but maintains a continuous work ethic throughout the day.
When asked about his choice for a future life, he expressed a desire for a useful spiritual life dedicated to society.
Despite numerous accolades, he remains humble and approachable, treating everyone with warmth and affection.

The book concludes by reiterating the honor of the 'Acharya Tulsi Samman' awarded by the Acharya Tulsi Mahapragya Vichar Manch, recognizing his commitment, fearlessness, value-based thinking, and faith in human values. The final page shows a photograph of Dr. Kumarpal Desai receiving the 'Padmashree' award from the then President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.