Jhaverchand or Zaverchand Meghani was an Indian poet, writer, social reformer, and freedom fighter from the state of Gujarat. He was born on August 28, 1896 in Chotila and died on March 9, 1947. He is a renowned figure in Gujarati literature and has a government college named after him, the Rashtriya Shai Zaverchand Meghani College in Chotila.
Jhaverchand or Zaverchand Meghani Biography
Mahatma Gandhi himself gave him the title of “Rashtriya Shair” (National Poet). In addition, he received many awards for literature, such as the Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak and the Mahida Prize. He wrote more than 100 books, including his first book, a translation of Rabindranath Tagore’s “Qurbani ni Katha” (Tales of the Martyrs), titled “Qurbani-u-Kahani,” which was first published in 1922.
He made a significant contribution to Gujarati folklore. He traveled from village to village in search of folklore and published his experiences in various volumes of “Saurashtrani Rasdhar.” He was also the editor of the “Phoolchhab” newspaper, published by the Janmabhoomi group, which is still published in Rajkot.
Recently, a collection of his folk tales from Saurashtra has been published in English with a translation by his son, Vinod Meghani. The three volumes published so far are titled “A Noble Heritage,” “A Shaded Crimson,” and “Ruby Shattered.”
His poems are part of the curriculum in Gujarat Board Schools (GSEB).
Jhaverchand or Zaverchand Meghani Profile:-
| Name: | Zawerchand Kalidas Meghani |
| Nickname: | D.S.Ni., Sahityayatri, Vilapi, Tantri, Virat, Sano |
| Date of Birth: | 28 August 1896 |
| Place of Birth:- | Chotila, Bombay Presidency, British India (now Surendranagar District) |
| Father’s Name: | Kalidas Meghani |
| Mother’s Name: | Dholima Meghani |
| Wife’s Name: | Damayanti Meghani, Chitradevi Medhani |
| Profession: | Poet, playwright, editor, folklorist |
| Education: | B.A. With Sanskrit language |
| Awards: | Ranjitram Suvarnachandrak (1928) |
| Death: | 9 March 1947 (age 50) Botad, Bombay Presidency, British India |
Jhaverchand or Zaverchand Meghani was born to Kalidas and Dholima Meghani in Chotila, Gujarat. His father, Kalidas, worked in the police force and was frequently transferred, leading to much of Zaverchand’s education taking place in Rajkot.
Meghani had two brothers, Lalchand and Prabhashankar. At the age of 24, he married a girl named Damayanti, and after her death, he married Chitradevi for the second time at 36 years of age. They had nine children, three of whom were girls named Indu, Padmala, and Murali, and six of whom were boys named Mahendra, Mastan, Nanak, Vinod, Jayant, and Ashok.
Early Life:
He lived a simple and quiet life, inspiring his college mates to call him “Raja Janaka.” He typically wore a white long coat, a dhoti reaching to his knees, and a turban tied around his head. He completed his matriculation in 1912 and his B.A. in 1917. He then began his career in Kolkata.
In 1918, he joined Jeevanlal & Company as a personal assistant and was affectionately known as “Paghdi Babu” by his colleagues and workmen. He was quickly promoted to the manager of Crown Aluminum’s factory at Belur. In 1919, he took a four-month tour of England, and upon his return to India, he worked in Kolkata for two and a half years before returning to Saurashtra and joining the editorial board of Saurashtra, a weekly in Rajkot, in 1922.
Contribution to Freedom Struggle:
In 1930, he was sentenced to two years in prison for writing ‘Sindhudo,’ a book containing songs to inspire the youth of India participating in the freedom struggle against the British Raj. During this time, he wrote a poetic triptych based on Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to London for the Round Table Conference. He also started writing short stories independently and served as the editor of the Phoolchaab magazine.
Biography written by him:-
- Annie Besant-1927
- Narveer Lalaji-1927
- Satyaveer Shraddhananda-1927
- Sorathi Santo-1928
- Thakkar Bapa-1939
- Dayanand Saraswati-1944
- Mansai na Diwa – A book of experiences heard from the mouth of Ravi Shankar Maharaj based on the life of outlaws-robbers of Patanwadia commune.
- Sant Devidas-1946
- Vasant-Rajab Samarak Book-1947
- Hangeri no Taranhar-1927
Other Books:-
- Rasdhara of Saurashtra
- Sorathi Baharvatia
- Sorathi Santwani
- Dadji ni Vato
- Kankavati
- Radhiyali Raat
- Chundadi
- Halarda
- Dharti nu Dhavan
- Loksahitya nu Smalochan
- Yugvandana
- Tulsikyaro
- Vevishal
- Bolo
- Killol
- Veni na Full
- Samrangan
- Sorath Tara Vaheta Pani
Zaverchand Meghani Janm Jayanti
Zaverchand Meghani’s birth anniversary, also known as Zaverchand Meghani Janm Jayanti, is celebrated every year on August 28th. This day is celebrated in honor of his contributions to Gujarati literature and society. During this day, various events, seminars, and cultural programs are organized to pay tribute to Meghani’s life and work. People also read his poetry and literary works, and his contribution to the Indian freedom struggle is remembered on this occasion.
Death:
On March 9, 1947, at the age of 50, he passed away from a heart attack at his residence in Botad.
Honors:
In 1999, the Indian Postal Department issued a postage stamp in his honor on September 14.
who is zaverchand meghani?
Zaverchand Meghani (1897-1947) was a prominent writer, poet, and social reformer from Gujarat, India. He is widely regarded as one of the most important literary figures in Gujarati literature and is known for his contributions to the fields of literature, journalism, and activism.
When did Zaverchand Meghani died?
Zaverchand Meghani passed away on March 9, 1947. He was only 49 years old at the time of his death. His contributions to Gujarati literature and society continue to be remembered and celebrated to this day.
Which award is given for outstanding work in Gujarati folklore?
The Jhaverchand Meghani Award is given for outstanding work in Gujarati folklore. This award is named after Jhaverchand Meghani, who was a well-known poet, writer, and social reformer from Gujarat, India, and who made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Gujarati folklore.
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