I would like to pay tribute to a prominent Gujarati author, K.M. Munashi, on his birthday 30th of December, (130 years ago). Though a lawyer by profession, he wrote over 35 books of which his historical novels ‘Patan ni Prabhuta’, ‘Gujaratno nath’, ‘Raja Dhiraj’, and ‘Prithvi Vallabh’ are the most popular and display his exceptional talent in writing.
His contribution to the field of education is invaluable. He founded the well known institution of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan which holds cultural and educational programs from cradle to grave through its 119 centers across India and seven abroad.
Admired reader of his books I had the opportunity, when I was studying at Bombay university to attend daily his recital of 12th chapter of Gita at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. He was a trustee to various schools and institutions including our community hostel. I hold a treasured memory of meeting him personally when I was asked to present a brief, how well we, committee of 4 girls ran the hostel. We two, nineteen year old girls found him very humble and encouraging.
He had profound influence of Gandhiji, Saradar Patel and Shree Arvind Ghosh (his professor at Baroda College). Consequently, He played an important role in the independence movement of India. He was a member of a committee which selected the flag of India and also on the committee, which drafted the constitution of India under the leadership of Dr. Ambedkar.
After independence, he was an M.P., a minister for Agriculture & food (1952-53) and Governor of U P for five years (1952-57). An environmentalist, he initiated ‘Van Mahotsav’ (forest festival) in 1950 to increase the area under forest cover. Since then a three weeks long event of tree plantation is organized every year in India in the month of July.
India, especially Gujarat has produced Gandhiji, Sardar and many intellectuals like Munshiji who played significant role in the fight for freedom and progress of India.
Ila Kapadia
By email
