Venibhai Purohit

Venibhai Purohit Biography

Venibhai Purohit was a famous writer belonging to Gujarati language. He was a poet and journalist who lived during the period, 1 February 1916 - 3 January 1980. As a writer, he was best known as a poet and short story writer. He also wrote lyrics for Gujarati films. Umashankar Joshi used to call him Bando Badami. He was a close friend of his contemporary, Balmukund Dave, a Gujarati poet and journalist.

Venibhai Purohit was born on 1 February 1916 in Jamkhambhaliya during British rule. Jamkhambhaliya, also known as Khambhalia now belongs to Devbhoomi Dwarka district of Gujarat. Though born in Gujarat, he was brought up in Mumbai where he completed his school education. As a journalist, his career began with Be Ghadi Moj while at Mumbai, and also worked as proof reader for a series of dailies in the late 1930s and early 1940s.

In 1942, a temporary break occurred in his journalist career, when he participated in freedom struggle movement and got arrested and jailed for his participation in Quit India Movement. He got released 10 months later, and he continued with his professional career. He worked with Prajabandhu, Gujarat Samachar and Janmabhoomi dailies in the 1940s. Joined Janmabhoomi in late 1940s, he was associated with it till his death in 1980, aged 63.

About his literal journey – He authored poetry, lyrics, short stories and other genres of literature. He used different pennames for different columns and different types of work. While working with Janmabhoomi, he used the penname Akha Bhagat to write a satire column. Sant Khurshidas is one such interesting penname, and he usually chose the names of real-life characters lived a few centuries back.

Published: July 28, 2018

Updated: July 28, 2018