Surat-based author Bhagwatikumar Sharma is no more

Author and journalist Bhagwatikumar Sharma, who gave us fantastic Gujarati books like Asooryalok and Akathya, passed away in the morning hours of Wednesday, September 5.

Author and journalist Bhagwatikumar Sharma, who was declared as a Sahityaratna of Gujarati literature last year by the Gujarat Sahitya Akademi, left for his heavenly abode in the early hours of September 5. He was 84 of age, and based in Surat at the time. Over the course of a literary career spanning five decades, Sharma contributed immensely to the Gujarati language through his novels, short stories, poetry, essays, columns and works of criticism. The last rituals will be conducted at 7:30 PM at his residence in Surat today.

Numerous ministers and delegates from the literature fraternity expressed their condolences on social media portals. The Chief Minister of Gujarat Vijay Rupani prayed “for his soul to attain eternal peace.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Anguished by the demise of Shri Bhagwatikumar Sharma Ji, a noted Gujarati author and journalist. His passion towards academics, literature and learning were extremely noteworthy. His works will continue to be widely read and admired. Condolences to his family and well wishers.”

Anguished by the demise of Shri Bhagwatikumar Sharma Ji, a noted Gujarati author and journalist. His passion towards academics, literature and learning were extremely noteworthy. His works will continue to be widely read and admired. Condolences to his family and well wishers.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2018

Sharma was born in Surat to a pundit of the Samveda school of Indian philosophy, and was a native of Ahmedabad. A recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Kumar Suvarna Chandrak, he wrote more than 80 books, including novels, travelogues, essay compilations, poetry anthologies and a biography. His most celebrated ones are Asooryalok and Akathya. Sharma was also a recipient of the Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak, which is considered the highest literary honour in Gujarat. He also published an autobiography called Surat Muj Ghayal Bhoomi, which weaves together narratives from the author’s life, alongside accounts of the beauty and challenges of Surat city.

Sharma recently served as president for two years of the Gujarati Sahitya Parishad. He was the vice president of the Narmad Sahityasabha and trustee of Kavi Narmad Yugavart Trust in Surat.