Jhinabhai Desai

Jhinabhai Desai Biography

Jhinabhai Desai was a noted author associated with Gujarati literature, also known by his pen name Snehrashmi. He was also a freedom fighter and activist. Known as an excellent teacher too, he received Presidents Award for best teacher in 1961. For his contributions to Gujarati literature he has been awarded with Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak in 1967 and Narmad Chandrak in 1985. As a writer his works include – autobiographies, short story collections, poetry anthologies and others. Many of his poetry works show strong influence of Gandhism as well as strong inspirations to freedom struggle movement. He is credited to introducing ‘Haiku’ - Japanese short form of poetry to Gujarati literature as well as popularizing it. He wrote approximately 360 Haiku during his career.

His full name is Jhinabhai Ratanji Desai. Desai was born on 16 April 1903 at Chikhli, Gujarat. While doing his matriculation he left his studies to join Non-cooperation movement in 1920. But later he joined Gujarat Vidyapith in 1921 and completed graduation in the year 1926. After studies though he taught history and political science in the same institute for a couple of years, his urge for freedom prompted him to quit the job and join freedom struggle movement. In 1934 he returned to his academic career once again as principal of Rashtriya Shala and since then he owns an illustrious career as a teacher and academician.

His initial works were strongly influenced by Gandhism as well as nationalist sentiments. Later he wrote on emotions and beauty. His poetry collections - Ardhya (1935) and Panghat (1948) show the strong influence of Gandhian ideologies. Tarapo, Ujani, Atitni Psnkhmathi, Kshitije Tya Lambavyo Hath, Nijleela and Soneri Chand Rooperi Suraj are other noted poetry works. His autobiography was published in the series - Mari Duniya (1970), Safalyatanu (1983), Ughade Navi Kshitijo (1987) and Divas Ugyo Ane. Matodu ne Tulsi (1983) is the anthology of his plays.  

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Updated: March 06, 2016