First autobiography written in Gujarati completes 150 years

Gujarat Sahitya Akademi and Ahmedabad-based Om Communications will begin weeklong celebrations from April 16 to mark the 150th anniversary of the first autobiography in Gujarat. As part of the celebration, lectures will be held on autobiographies of two authors daily for seven days.

“It was 150 years ago that legendary poet and social reformer Narmad wrote his autobiography. This was the first time in the history of Gujarati literature that an autobiography was written. We want literature lovers in Gujarat to relish great works of legendary authors,” said Manish Pathak, managing trustee, Om Communications.

The weeklong program me will begin with the first autobiography in Gujarati, ‘Mari Hakikat’ by Narmad, and ‘Manilal N Trivedinu Atmavrutant’ by Manilal Trivedi, on April 16.

Lectures of two autobiographies will be held daily. Other autobiographies include, ‘Satyana Prayogo’ (Experiments With The Truth) by MK Gandhi, Ghadtar ane Chantar by Nanabhai Bhatt, Addhe Raste by Kaniyalal Munshi  and so on.

The autobiographies were shortlisted from 50-odd works and experts conducted substantial research for delivering the lectures.

Experts like Suman Shah, Pravin Darji, Vasant Gadhvi, Bharat Bhatt, Manilal H Patel, Meenal Dave, Mahesh Champaklal and Ajay Raval will deliver the lectures.

The event aims to popularise autobiographies among the younger generation.