Shabda Ane Shrut - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shabda Ane Shrut," based on the provided catalog link and page content:

Book Title: Shabda Ane Shrut (શબ્દ અને શ્રુત) Author(s): Dr. Pravin Darji, Dr. Balwant Jani Publisher: Vidyavikas Trust Publication Year: 2004 Type: Abhinandan Granth (a compilation of felicitations and tributes)

Core Purpose and Context:

"Shabda Ane Shrut" is an Abhinandan Granth (felicitation volume) dedicated to Dr. Kumarpal Desai on the occasion of him being honored with the Padmashri award by the Government of India. The book aims to celebrate and showcase the diverse and multifaceted contributions of Dr. Kumarpal Desai across various fields, including literature, journalism, education, sports commentary, religious philosophy (particularly Jainism), social work, and institutional management. The compilation highlights his "rainbow-like" (મેઘધનુષી) personality and the widespread impact of his work both within India and internationally.

Key Themes and Content:

The book is structured into several sections, each dedicated to a different facet of Dr. Kumarpal Desai's life and work, featuring contributions from leading figures in their respective fields:

Foreword (પ્રસ્વાવ ): The editors express immense joy and pride in presenting this volume, noting that the Padmashri award spurred the initiative to capture the diverse aspects of Dr. Kumarpal Desai's influential life. They acknowledge the overwhelming response from contributors worldwide, recognizing that even with over 160 articles, many aspects and the extensive contributions of his student base could not be fully included.
Sections Covering Dr. Kumarpal Desai's Contributions: The book is divided into eight main sections, each dedicated to a specific area of his expertise and impact:
- Literature (Sahitya - સાહિત્ય): This section, with around thirty articles by Gujarati scholars, highlights his contributions to Gujarati literature, including his research, character sketches, and children's literature. Prominent writers like Bhanuprasad Pandya, Balwant Jani, Nitin Vadgama, Prasad Brahmbhatt, Ratilal Borisagar, Raghuveer Chaudhari, and Dhirubhai Thacker contribute their perspectives on his literary prowess. They emphasize his multifaceted genius and his ability to connect ancient and modern thought.
- Religion and Philosophy (Dharm ane Darshan - ધર્મ અને દર્શન): This section features about six esteemed individuals, including Jain Acharyas like Padmasagar Suri and Pradyumanvijayji, as well as prominent non-Jain saints and community leaders. Their articles focus on Dr. Desai's spiritual insights, his profound understanding of Jain philosophy, and the blessings he has bestowed upon the field of spiritual knowledge. Esteemed patrons and Jain community leaders also contribute to illuminating his understanding of religious philosophy and its impact.
- Multi-dimensional Personality (Bahuparimani Vyaktitva - બહુપરિમાણી વ્યક્તિત્વ): With forty-eight articles, this section delves into various aspects of his personality, capturing the impressions of those who knew him closely. It reveals the different colors of his "rainbow-like" personality, featuring contributions from prominent figures across literature, social work, and intellectual circles. His graciousness, kindness, and unwavering faith are highlighted, emphasizing his ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
- Sports World (Khel Jagat - રમતજગત): Eight articles are dedicated to his significant contributions in the realm of sports. Renowned national and international sports personalities like Suresh Saraiya, Dhiraj Parsana, Arun Shroff, Jagdish Binivale, and Sudhir Talati contribute their insights, praising his insightful, informative, and comparative sports reviews. His role as a national-level sports critic and his unique contribution to this often-overlooked and demanding field are acknowledged.
- Literary Journalism (Sahityik Patrakaratva - સાહિત્યિક પત્રકારત્વ): This section focuses on his contributions to literary journalism. While many excel in specific areas, Dr. Kumarpal Desai is recognized for bringing together a diverse range of content, including essays, literary reviews, travelogues, personal experiences, philosophical contemplations, and value-based educational articles. His theoretical critical analysis of journalism is considered a significant contribution to the field.
- Institutional Coordination and Development (Vividh Sansthao - વિવિધ સંસ્થાઓ): Several articles evaluate his role in coordinating, managing, and nurturing various institutions. Contributors like Ratilal Chanderia and Nemu Chanderia, who have made foundational contributions in this area, along with others like B.M. Mule and Vinodchandra Trivedi, shed light on his dedication, service, and commitment as an administrator. His efficient management style, which brought excellent quality services to Gujarat, is also noted.
- Education (Shikshan - શિક્ષણ): Seventeen articles are dedicated to evaluating his multifaceted career as an academician, researcher, and mentor. They highlight his high caliber as a teacher, inspiring students to think critically and providing them with essential guidance. Renowned educators like Ramanlal Joshi, Dhiru Parikh, and Tapasvi Nandi delve into the depth of his teaching and the brilliance within his academic approach. Contributions from administrative colleagues and students further illuminate his nurturing and value-driven aspects.
- International (Videsh - વિદેશ): This section features articles from scholars residing abroad who have evaluated the impact of his knowledge across borders. Contributors like Naresh Shah (New York), Vinod Kapasi (London), and Kishore Doshi (Houston) provide their perspectives. Jay Gajjar, a Canadian Gujarati diaspora writer, details Dr. Kumarpal's lectures abroad.
Overall Impact and Legacy: The collection of 160 articles across eight sections aims to reveal the countless facets of Dr. Kumarpal Desai's personality. The essays, written by esteemed individuals, collectively paint a portrait of a well-rounded, cultured, and virtuous scholar-administrator who has made a significant contribution to Gujarat's cultural life and, by extension, to Indian cultural life. The book serves as a comprehensive introduction to this exemplary individual for the Gujarati audience, aiming to familiarize them with the "full Kumarpal Desai" from his early days to his Padma Shri recognition.

Key Contributors and Highlights:

Editors: Dr. Pravin Darji and Dr. Balwant Jani are recognized for their significant contributions to Gujarati essays and literary criticism, and as former Vice-Chancellor and renowned critic-researcher respectively.
Notable Mentions: Dr. Dhirubhai Thacker, Dr. Bholabhai Patel, and Prof. Priyakant Parikh provided crucial suggestions that eased the editorial process.
Breadth of Contributors: The book features contributions from prominent industrialists, scholars, leading writers, philosophers, social workers, international sports experts, foreign dignitaries, saints, and scientists, reflecting the vast network and influence of Dr. Kumarpal Desai.
Specific Areas of Praise: The articles detail his contributions to Gujarati literature (research, character analysis, children's literature), his profound engagement with Jain philosophy and spirituality, his insightful sports commentary, his impactful journalism, his administrative acumen in managing institutions, and his dedication as an educator and mentor. His commitment to excellence, his meticulous planning, and his ability to inspire and guide are consistently highlighted.
Personal Qualities: Beyond his professional achievements, the writers consistently praise his humility, simplicity, warmth, affection, courtesy, and his ability to remain grounded despite immense success. His unwavering friendship and supportive nature are frequently mentioned.

Significance:

"Shabda Ane Shrut" is presented as a testament to the contributions of Dr. Kumarpal Desai, a figure whose multifaceted talents have enriched Gujarati society and culture. The book serves as a lasting tribute to his dedication, his intellectual prowess, and his enduring impact across various domains. The publication itself is a reflection of the deep respect and affection he commands from a wide circle of admirers and colleagues.