Vismi Sadina Hemchandracharya

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Gujarati text about Suresh Dalal's book "Vismi Sadina Hemchandracharya" (Hemchandracharya of the 20th Century), focusing on the content and the author's perspective on the subject, Hemchandracharya of the 20th Century, who is implied to be Harivallabh Bhayani:

The text is a personal tribute by Suresh Dalal to Professor Harivallabh Bhayani, whom he refers to as "Bhayani Saheb" or simply "Saheb." Dalal portrays Bhayani as a highly respected and beloved figure in Gujarati literature, known for his deep scholarship but also for his simple, vibrant, and honest life. Bhayani is described as a person of integrity, whose words and actions were consistently aligned, and who was open to revisiting his opinions.

Dalal's relationship with Bhayani began when Dalal was an M.A. student. This relationship evolved beyond a typical guru-shishya dynamic, blossoming into a familial bond that extended to both their families. Dalal recounts receiving crucial academic advice from Bhayani, who urged him to delve into the roots of his subject. For Dalal's research on lyrics and urmikavya (emotional poetry), Bhayani advised him to explore the origins in Romanticism and the underlying principles of semiotics, rather than simply quoting past scholars to inflate his work.

Dalal further shares his connection with Bhayani's son, Utpal. When Utpal moved to Mumbai for his Chartered Accountancy studies, Bhayani entrusted him to Dalal's care, highlighting the deep trust between them. This bond grew so strong that Utpal became not just Bhayani's son but also a close friend to Dalal. Dalal attributes this profound connection to "runanubandh" (a spiritual connection or destiny) that extended beyond Bhayani and his wife, Chandraben, to include Utpal, Kalyani, and Richa.

Bhayani is depicted as a readily available source of knowledge. He always had an answer, or if not, would promise to research it. He treated everyone with respect, regardless of their stature, and would even respond to letters from strangers. He had a vast command of Sanskrit and Prakrit verses, possessing thousands of lines by heart. His presence in Mumbai was like a vibrant gathering, and his move to Ahmedabad left a void. While disagreements might have occurred, they always led to constructive dialogue rather than bitterness.

Initially, Bhayani was somewhat displeased with Dalal's involvement in poetry readings (kavisammelan). However, he later recognized the value of such public engagement, stating that while printing books is important, bringing poetry to the people is also a duty. He consistently advised Dalal to prioritize his health. Bhayani possessed a deep and vibrant interest in humanity and maintained profound internal connections. He had a remarkable ability to connect with children, becoming like one of them. Dalal recalls a poignant instance where his young daughter, Mitali, wept profusely when Bhayani left their home after staying with them, illustrating Bhayani's ability to win a child's heart, which Dalal considers more challenging than winning over intellectuals.

Bhayani was also proficient in Gujarati proverbs and the verses of Prakrit and Apabhramsa. He enjoyed sharing stories and engaging in conversation. Despite his declining health in his later years, his mind remained sharp and active. While not a believer in God, he had faith in the grandeur of creation and humanity. In his final days, he translated an English poetry book by Harindranath Chattopadhyay into Gujarati, titled "Mahiyarana Muktak" (Gems from the Maternal Home). He also facilitated the acquisition of permission for sketches for this book.

Bhayani's writings frequently appeared in the publication "Uddesh." Dalal expresses regret that Bhayani did not live to see the publication of this book. Bhayani was characterized by his holistic view, assessing situations and individuals not in isolation but in their entirety. He admired Morari Bapu's discourses, considering it a significant contribution to reach millions with the Ramayana.

The text concludes with other notable individuals acknowledging Bhayani's stature. Morari Bapu, upon hearing of Bhayani's passing, expressed gratitude to Dalal for taking him to see Bhayani in the Ahmedabad hospital. Utpal described his encounter with Bhayani as meeting a "rishi of emotion and language." Satish Zai from Anand called Bhayani the "Hemchandracharya of the 20th Century" and likened him to a Vice-Chancellor of an Open University. Someone at Bhayani's prayer meeting remarked that meeting Bhayani was like witnessing a competition between courtesy and scholarship. Bhayani was free from any affectations, enjoyed watching TV, reading murder mysteries, and listening to classical music, indicating a life lived with open doors and windows, deeply engaged with books and people. The text ends with Dalal offering his heartfelt salutations.