Brave Hearts

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Eye Care Foundation

Page 17

Dr. Desai taught Gujarati literature for 38 years and retired as the Dean of the faculty of Arts and Director, School of Languages, Gujarat University. He was also the Head, Dept. of Gujarati, Gujarat University. 20 students has acquired their Ph.D. Degree under him. He has the unique distinction of being a Ph.D. guide in four disciplines - literature, journalism, Jain Philosophy and peace-related research.
In the field of journalism, he has been active for the last forty years and his contribution has been noteworthy. His five weekly columns 'Int ane Imarať', 'Jhakal Banyu Moti', 'Pandadu Ane Pyramid', 'Aakaash Ni Olakh' and 'Parijat No Parisamwad' have been immensely popular. He has written two seminal books on Journalism - 'Akhabari Lekhan' and 'Sahitya Ane Patrakaratva'.
If as a writer, Dr. Kumarpal Desai has carved out a niche for himself, as a gifted speaker he has lectured extensively on Indian culture and Jain philosophy in England, America, East Africa, Canada, Singapore, Belgium, Hong Kong and Dubai. He is much sought after during Paryushan Parva and is often invited to these countries for lecture series.
Dr. Kumarpal Desai, the son of renowned author Shri Jaybhikhkhu, is a multi-faceted personality and has excelled in wide-ranging fields. He has earned for himself a rightful place in the pantheon of writers, social workers and thinkers. As a crowning glory to his illustrious career, spanning four decades, the Government of India conferred on him the coveted Padmashri Award on 26th January, 2004, in recognition of his invaluable contribution to education, literature and culture at the hand of the then President of India Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.