28 Facts About Kumarpal Desai

Kumarpal Balabhai Desai is an author, critic, editor, journalist, columnist and translator from Gujarat, India.

Kumarpal Desai studied and later taught at the Gujarat University.

Kumarpal Desai is associated with several social and Gujarati literary organisations such as Gujarati Sahitya Parishad.

Kumarpal Desai has written and edited more than hundred books including biographies and several works on Jainism.

Kumarpal Desai was born on 30 August 1942 at Ranpur to Balabhai Desai whose nom-de-plume was Jaybhikhkhu, a prolific Gujarati writer; and Jayaben.

Kumarpal Desai completed BA and MA in 1963 and 1965 respectively from Gujarat University with Gujarati as a major subject.

Kumarpal Desai was awarded PhD in 1980 for his thesis on Anandghan completed under guidance of Dhirubhai Thaker.

Kumarpal Desai became the Reader in 1988 and the Professor in 2000.

Kumarpal Desai became the Head of Department in November 2001 and the Director, School of languages in 2003 and served till 2004.

Kumarpal Desai was elected the Dean, Faculty of Arts and served for two years.

Kumarpal Desai serves as the Professor Emeritus at Vishwabharati Institute, Ladnu.

Kumarpal Desai was influenced by his father Jaybhikhukhu and several other writers like Jhaverchand Meghani, Gunvantrai Acharya, Dhumketu and Dula Bhaya Kag.

Kumarpal Desai created as a wit and humour character Damodar Mehta for children's books.

Kumarpal Desai served as the president of Gujarati Sahitya Parishad.

Kumarpal Desai served as the president of Gujarat Sahitya Sabha as well as the vice-president of Gujarat Vidyasabha and Gujarat Sahitya Akademi.

Kumarpal Desai is the Managing Trustee for the Institute of Jainology, India and Director of the Gujarati Vishwakosh Trust.

Kumarpal Desai writes five weekly columns; Int ane Imarat, Jhakal Banyu Moti, Pandadu Ane Pyramid, Aakaash Ni Olakh and Parijat no Parisamwad in Gujarati daily Gujarat Samachar.

Kumarpal Desai has edited several works including Ekvismi Sadinu Bal Sahitya, Adavat Vinani Adalat, Ek Divas Ni Maharani, Jaybhikhkhu Ni Dharma Katha, Shabdashri, Bal Sahitya Sangosthi, Parivartan Nu Prabhat, Jaibhikhkhu Smritigranth, Savyasachi Sarasvat, Shrimad Rajchandra ane Mahatma Gandhi, Kavi Dula Kag Smritigranth, Haimsmriti, Narmad Aajna Sandarbhma, Ojas Ditha Atmabalna.

Kumarpal Desai wrote children's biography of Lal Bahadur Shastri, Lal Gulab.

Kumarpal Desai has translated Austin Bukenya's play, The Bride as Navavadhu in Gujarati.

Kumarpal Desai has written two books on journalism, Akhabari Lekhan, Sahitya ane Patrakaratva.

Kumarpal Desai has published some books in English and contributed in field of sports.

Kumarpal Desai has written several books in English, mostly related to Jainism.

Kumarpal Desai is an expert of Indian culture, Jainism and Jain literature.

Kumarpal Desai regularly delivers lectures on Jain philosophy and Indian culture in India and abroad.

Kumarpal Desai was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of India, in 2004.

Kumarpal Desai has been conferred many other awards including the Jain Ratna Award, Gujarat Ratna award, Dhanji Kanji Gandhi Suvarna Chandrak, Hemchandracharya Award, Sahitya Gaurav Puraskar and Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak.

Kumarpal Desai married Pratima and has two sons, Kaushal and Nirav.