________________ PREFACE Several basic contributions of the Late Sheth Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai to the numerous aspects of the present day cuitural life of Gujarat are wellknow. Especially he made pioneering efforts for establishing various eductional and academic Institutions in Ahmedabad. among which the L. D. Institute of Indology established in 1956 has won international recognition as a leading research Institution. The currrent Year is the Birth Centenary Year of Sheth Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai and to honour his memory we have planned to arrange a number of mernorial lectures by some leading scholars and eminent literateurs. The present lecture is the first in the series. We are thankful to Dr. H. C. Bhayani for readily accepting our invitation. Ahmedabad 15th February 1994 UJAMSHI KAPADIA Co-ordinator