Dr. Kumarpal Desai Dr. Kumarpal Desai, over a period of four decades, has acquired formidable reputation as a writer of inspirational, spiritual and value enriched literature not only in the state of Gujarat or the country but at the international level too. His contribution to the fields of literature, education and journalism in particular and society in general has been noteworthy. He espouses human values and his writings reflect these values in abundance. He has authored more than a hundred books which encompass a wide spectrum, comprsing biography, criticism, research, translation, novella, religion and children's literature. Five of his books have received Central Government awards and four have been accorded rewards by the State Government. His volume 'Naani Umar, Motu Kaam' was adjudged the best children's book among all the languages of India. His biography of Lal Bahadur Shastri 'Lal Gulab' sold 60,000 copies at one go. Another of his creation 'Apang na Ojas' has been hailed as the best book from the perspective of the physically challenged and its braille Hindi and English version has also been brought out. He is equally at home in Gujarati and English and prominent of his ten books in English are : 'Glory of Jainism', 'Tirthankar Mahavir', 'Pinnacle of spirituality', 'Jainism : The cosmic Vision'. His Ph.D. thesis was on 'Mahayogi Anandghan' which was the result of his researching 400 manuscripts. Three books based on his extensive research has also been published. Former President of 'Gujarat Sahitya Parishad', Shri Kumarpal Desai is the trustee of the first of its kind Gujarati Encyclopaedia 'Vishvakosh' and is also the vice-president of Gujarat Sahitya Sabha. Dr. Desai taught Gujarati literature for 38 years and retired as the Dean of the faculty of Arts and Director, School of languages, Gujarat University. He was also the Head, Dept. of Gujarati, Gujarat University. 20 students has acquired their Ph.D. Degree under him. He has the unique distinction of being a Ph.D. guide in four disciplines - literature, journalism, Jain Philosopy and peace-related research. In the field of journalism, he has been active for the last forty years and his contribution has been noteworthy. His five weekly columns 'Int ane Imarat', 'Jhakal Banyu Moti', 'Pandadu Ane Pyramid', 'Aakaash Ni Olakh' and 'Parijat no Parisamwad' have been immensely popular. These columns embody ethical values and verities of human existence and at the same time they throw ample light on the moulders of Indian thought and culture. They uplift the human spirit and ennoble the mind. He has written two seminal books on Journalism - 'Akhabari Lekhan' and 'Sahitya ane Patrakaratva'. If as a writer, Dr. Kumarpal Desai has carved out a niche for himself, as a gifted speaker he has lectured extensively on Indian culture and Jain philosophy in England, America, East Africa, Canada, Singapore, Belgium, Hong Kong and Dubai. He is much sought after during Paryushan Parva and is often invited to these countries for lecture series. He is the trustee and co-ordinator of the renowned Institute of Jainology. As a trustee of Shri Jaybhikhkhu Sahitya trust, he is engaged in literary and value-oriented activities. He also renders his services to 'Vidyavikas Trust', 'Anukampa Trust', 'Umang', 'Eye Care Foundation' and 'Indian Red Cross Society (Botad Branch)'. Dr. Desai was conferred the ‘Ten Outstanding Personality of India Award’ in 1980 by the All India Jr. Chamber in recognition of his services in the field of literature, culture and philosophy. Besides this, Dr. Desai has a plethora of awards to his credit which include - 'Hemchandracharya Award (England)', 'Gaurav Puraskar' by Jain centre of Northern California, 'Hariom Asharam Award', 'K. G. Nayak Medal', 'President’s Special Award' of JAINA of America & Canada, Special Award for propagation of core-values and preservation of cultural heritage by Diwaliben Mohanlal Mehta Trust, 'Jain Jyotirdhar Award' and Gujarat Ratna Award. He has received 'Yagnesh Shukla Award' for his contribution to Journalism and ‘Best Sports Journalist’ Award by Surat City Journalists Welfare Association. He also has 'Sanskriti Samvardhan Award' in his kitty which was awarded by Shrimad Rajchandra Adhyatmik Sadhana Kendra, Koba. To top it all, he received 'Jain Ratna Award' at the hands of the then Prime Minister of India Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee, when the 2600th Janmakalyanak Celebrations of Bhagwan Mahavir were held. Shri Bharat Jain Mahamandal - a 105 year old organisation - conferred on him 'Jain Gaurav Award' and also life time Achievement Award by Human Society of India.As a thinker of Jain Philosophy, Dr. Kumarpal Desai received 'Acharya Tulsi Anekant Award', from Jain Vishvabharati, Ladnu, in recognition of his global activities in the field of Jainology. Dr. Kumarpal Desai, the son of renowned author Shri Jaybhikhkhu, is a multi-faceted personality and has excelled in wide-ranging fields. He has earned for himself a rightful place in the pantheon of writers, social workers and thinkers. As a crowning glory to his illustrious career, spanning four decades, the Government of India conferred on him the coveted Padmashri Award on 26th January, 2004, in recognition of his invaluable contribution to education, literature and culture at the hand of the then President of India Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.