Sambodhi 2011 Vol 34

Author(s): Jitendra B Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 71

Vol.XXXIV, 2011
Appashastricharitam : Evaluation of a Biography Sunrtavādini to be published from Mumbai through Vartamana Agency. This he did with help of his close firend Shri Ganapati Modak. Appashastri later entrusted responsibility of Chandrika's publication to this agency. It was year 1908. This did not continue for long. This agency was charged with treason and was closed down. Therefore, publication of Chandrika was discontinued in September 1909. (AC, p. 205) so was the fate of Sunstavādini.
Appashastri joined Bhave School in Pune as a teacher. His salary was Rs.40/- only. This job was necessary to repay his debt. He had a son from his third marriage, but this wife died soon after childbirth. Therefore, his mother pressed him for remarriage in 1910. He married again, but his father-in-law took his daughter back and she never returned. Soon after this incident his son from his third wife also expired. (AC, p. 208-209) Meanwhile he was struggling to start Chandrika and Sunstavādini again. But government charged these two periodicals as supporters of national unrest, therefore the publication was not allowed. Government permission to publish Chandrika and Sunrtavādini again came on 19-10-1913. He was overjoyed with this news. His mother expired in 1912. (AC, p. 218) then his scholarly friends became active in getting him married again. Though, Appashastri was reluctant for this. His marriage was fixed with Shri Narayanashastri Audumbarakar's daughter Vatsala. Marriage took place in May 1913.
Appashastri decided to start publication of Chandrika and Sunstavādini after the plague epidemic is over. He decided to leave Pune and go to his native place Rashivade. He prepared to leave on 22-10-1913. Same day evening, he had fever. His friends cared for him and called his wife and father-in-law. It was Plague. Appashastri left his body on 25-10-1913. (AC, p. 236-237)
Appashastri left a beautiful tradition of modern Sanskrit Journalism. He was a very good journalist to the core. In the short life of forty years, he wrote many books and articles. He received many felicitations like, the title Vidyavachaspati in Kolkata, was felicitated by the king of Dinajpur, he was invited for lectures at many places, felicitated in Dharwar and many more. He was supreme intellectual and dedicated missionary. This biography is a befitting tribute to him. Shri Vasudeva Shastri Audumbarakar himself was a great scholar. The Sanskrit language is lucid and simple. It has covered all the details of Appashastri's life. Not only that, but Vasudeva Shastri has brought forth the real worth assessing his work thoroughly.
Bibliography
1. Appashastri: Sahityasamiksha, Prof. Ashok N. Aklujkar, Sharada Gaurav Granthmala, Pune. 2. Appashastri Charitam, Pt. Vasudevashastri Audumbarakar, Sharada Gaurav
Granthmala, Pune, 1973.