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The L. D. Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad, invited me, in June 1979, for a couple. of lectures on "Kalidasa's Philosophy of Living". Severity of my arthritic ailment prevented me from keeping the engagement. The authorities of the Institute were kind to me and kept the invitation open. I took the lectures on the 26th and 27th November 1979 under the auspices of the Institute.
PREFACE
During the interval the Institute made another offer to me inviting me to write a small book on Kalidasa which the Institute undertook to publish. The present work is my response to the kind offer.
I have called the book "APPOINTMENT WITH KALIDÄSA" for a reason. It naturally includes the material which I used for my lectures. But it is meant as an introduction to Kalidasa introduction to the life and literature of Kalidasa, his world of thought, his personality and art, his outlook on life and the values he seems to have cherished in art and life. I made an imaginative effort to be on the inside of the poet, as it were. If I am able to help the reader towards a better understanding of the great poet and appreciate his peerless art, that is all the reward I hope for.
I am grateful to the Institute's former and present Directors, Pt. D.D. Malvania and Dr. Nagin Shah, for the courtesy and affection with which my convenience was looked after. I wish also to express my gratitude to my several former pupils and friends who gave an enthusiastic attendance at my lectures.
A 12, Svapnanagari Apartments,
Karve Road, PUNE-411 004, November, 1979.
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