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1994, as well as of the delegation which presented the historic "Jain Declaration on Nature" to the Duke of Edinborough at Buckingham Palace, in 1990.
Dr. Desai's latest monumental book on "Bhagwan Mahavir" is in line with his noteworthy biographies of Bhagwan Rishabhdev, Bhagwan Mallinath, Mahayogi Anandghan, Kalikal Sarvagna Hemchandracharya and other great saints. His books cover a wide spectrum ranging from "Glory of Jainism", "Essence of Jainism", "Kshamapana", "Pinnacle of Spirituality", "Vegetarianism" and "Role of Women". By sheer contrast his prolific pen has produced biographies of Cricketer C. K. Nayadu, Firaq Gorakhpuri, Lal Bahadur Shastri and Damodar Mehta.
Kumarpal's speciality has manifested itself in literature for children. His book "Apang Na Ojas" on the struggle of the handicapped people has been very popular and has been translated in several languages. Dr. Desai has also been an active journalist for over three decades and has been contributing widely-liked columns in "Gujarat Samachar" and "Gujarat Times". His columns carry a literary and poetic flavour and are titled as "Zakal banun Moti", "Akash ni Olakh", "Pandadu ane Pyramid", "Ramat Nu Medan" and "Parijat no Parisamvad".
The awards bestowed upon him is a long and distinguished list which includes more prominently "Gujarat Ratna" in 1995; JAINA Presidential Award, 1997; Ahimsa International Award 1997; Millenium Award, 2001 and Sanskriti Samvardhan Award 2001. It was a historic milestone in his illustrious career when Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee bestowed upon him "Jain Ratna" award in 2001. he was honoured in 2003 by renowned century old Jain organisation Bharat Jain Mahamandal with "Jain Gaurav" - their highest award. And now comes Padma Shri awarded by the President of India in recognition of his life long services.
Dr. Kumarpal is a Professor of Gujarati, Director of the University School of languages and Dean of the Faculty of Arts of the Gujarat University. He is the Indian coordinator of the London-based Institute of Jainology and is a member
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Future belongs to Padmashree Kumarpal Desai
