Ranjitram Mehta

Ranjitram Mehta Biography

Ranjitram Mehta was a prominent Gujarati writer, also known as a promoter of Gujarati literature. The highest award of Gujarati literature and culture, Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak, is named after him. As a writer he is best known for the book, Ranjitram Gadyasanchay published in two volumes. He was also the founder of Gujarati Sahitya Parishad and Gujarat Sahitya Sabha, dedicated to Gujarati literature. His son Asoka Mehta was an Indian freedom fighter and socialist politician from Bhavnagar, who lived during the period, 24 October 1911 – 1984. Best known for his involvement in the formation of the socialist wing of the Indian National Congress, along with Jaya Prakash Narayan, Asoka Mehta is widely regarded as a prominent political figure in the politics of Mumbai. He was also a 4-time parliamentarian.

Ranjitram Mehta was born in Surat, Gujarat on 25 October 1881. His father Vavabhai was the Chief Engineer of the Ahmedabad Municipal Committee. His early days were spent in Ahmedabad, where his father worked as an engineer, and Ranjitram completed his studies from the same city as well. He completed Bachelor of Arts from Gujarat College in 1903. In 1906 he began his professional career as a lecturer. Before that he served as the principal of a school at Umreth.

Ranjitram Mehta is best known for his contributions towards promoting Gujarati language and literature. Apart from authoring several books, he also started literal organizations such as Gujarati Sahitya Parishad and Gujarat Sahitya Sabha in 1904 and 1905 respectively. As a writer he authored essays, novels, plays and short stories. Ranjitkruti Sangrah, Ranjitramna Nibandho, Ahmad Rupande etc were his major works. He was short-lived and passed away in 1917 aged only 35. By that time, he gave some immense contributions towards Gujarati literature. Many of his works were published posthumously.

Published: January 07, 2019

Updated: January 07, 2019