On 26 February 2021, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar organized a virtual programme to pay tribute to a brave poet Narmad on his 135th death anniversary. Gujarat Samachar’s columnist and renowned Radio Anchor, Mr. Tushar Joshi hosted the beautiful event. The keynote speakers for the event were Retd IAS officer Mr. Bhagyesh Jha, a renowned poet, speaker and actor, along with Surat -based Yaminiben Vyas, a well known poetess, writer, actress and Secretary of the Narmad Sahitya Sabha. The tuneful singing of Narmad's poems by well-known singer Maya Deepak and her group made the event more melodious. Jyotsna Shah, Consulting Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar welcomed the guests and viewers.
Yaminiben started her speech by reciting the verses of famous poet Bhagwati Kumar Sharma. She said, Narmad, born in Surat, was a Gujarati poet, orator, lexicographer and reformer. During his prolific career, he introduced many literary forms in Gujarati. He faced economic struggles but proved himself as a dedicated reformer, speaking vehemently against religious and social orthodoxy. After studying in Bombay, he stopped serving as a teacher to live by writing. He started a bi-weekly newsletter called Dandiyo. Today, Narmad’s house has been restored and converted into a museum.
Mr. Bhagyesh Jha, thanked C.B. Patel and Jyotsnaben for the wonderful thought of celebrating the 135th death anniversary of Narmad and remembering him for his contribution in the field of Gujarati Literature. He recalled the Narmagadya, Narmakavita, Narmakathakosh, Narmakosh dictionary. His 'Mari Hakikat', is the first autobiography in Gujarati, which was published posthumously. When we listen to”Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat” we feel very proud of our state and our language. Mr. C.B. Patel thanked the special guests Tushar Joshi, Yamini Vyas and Bhagyesh Jha for their august presence.
