Amrut Ghayal

Amrut Ghayal Biography

Amrut Ghayal was a well-known poet belonging to Gujarat literature. Amrut Ghayal is the penname of Amrutlal Laljee Bhatt, who worked in public works department of Rajkot till his retirement in 1973. His pen name Ghayal literally means wounded, and he flourished as an outstanding Ghazal poet of Gujarati language by 1940. His first poetry collection Shula ane Shamana was published in 1954. Rang (1960), Roop (1967), Jhay (1982), Agni (1982) and Gazal Name Sukh (1984) are other published poetry collections. He was a recipient of numerous literary honours including Gujarat Sahitya Akademi award in 1994. He was a good scholar of Urdu and Persian poetry also.

Amrutlal Laljee Bhatt, best known by his pen name Amrut 'Ghayal' was born on August 19, 1916 in Sardhar, Rajkot of present day Gujarat. Lalji Bhatt and Santokben were his parents. Bhatt studied till 7^th grade. He served as a personal secretory of prince of Pajod state in Saurastra region during the period, 1938 to 1948 before the princely rule came to an end. After that he passed his matriculation, and also pursued his graduation though he discontinued studies after first year.

He joined government service as an accountant public works department of Rajkot in 1949, and worked for many years till his retirement. He settled in Rajkot after retirement, and continued with his literary works. As a poet, he came to prominence in the 1940s. Yet his poetry collection was first published in 1954. Sheikhadam Abuwala award, Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak, Gujarat Sahitya Akademi award and Kalapi Award are the major awards received by him. He received all these awards in the 1990s.

Published: July 20, 2018

Updated: July 20, 2018