Arjan Gobindram Mirchandani
Arjan Gobindram Mirchandani, born on 17 December 1924 in Sukkur, Sindh [now Pakistan], is a distinguished scholar and literary figure in Sindhi literature. He earned a Ph.D. in Sindhi and served as a Reader in Sindhi at the University of Mumbai before his retirement. He resides in Mumbai at the Silver Beach Housing Society, JVPD Scheme, and has devoted his academic and professional life to the study, teaching, and promotion of the Sindhi language.
Dr. Mirchandani has authored numerous acclaimed books spanning poetry, prose, and literary criticism. His notable works include Aun Ghityun Jo Gaeendar [1957], Dahiyoon Dukh Dissan [1960], Tapasya Joon Roshnyoon [1974], Andho Doonhon [1982], Adabi Khushboo [2000], and Dharati-a-Jo-Dard [2002], along with the prose work Bewas Ain Naon Daur [1970]. In addition to his literary contributions, he has played a significant role in journalism and literary publishing as editor of the literary monthly Parkha, co-editor of Koonj, and chief editor of the English monthly magazine Look India.
Key Facts
- Birth Date: 17.12.1924
- Place of Birth: Sukkur, Sindh (Pakistan)
- Academic Attainments: Ph.D. in Sindhi
- Permanent Address: Mumbai, India.
- Occupation: Retired Reader in Sindhi,
University of Mumbai
Significant Literary Achievements / Contributions
He has a number of books/ publications to his credit. A few most significant are given herein below:
- Aun Ghityun Jo Gaeendar [I am The Street Singer], Poetry, 1957.
- Dahiyoon Dukh Dissan [Wise Face Suffering], Poetry, 1960.
- Bewas Ain Naon Daur [Kavi Bewas & New Era], Treaties [Prose], 1970.
- Tapasya Joon Roshnyoon, [Lights of Penance], Poetry, 1974.
- Andho Doonhon [Blind Smoke], Poetry, 1982.
- Adabi Khushboo [Literary Fragrance], Literary Essays [Prose] 2000.
- Dharati-a-Jo-Dard [Agony of Earth], 2002.
As Journalist
- Shad edited Parkha, literary monthly magazine.
- He is a Co-Editor of Koonj literary monthly magazine.
- Chief editor of Look India, English monthly magazine.
Recognition By Way Of Awards / Honours
Shad has received among others the following awards:
- Soviet lands Nehru Peace Award for literature, 1972 [At Mumbai, by Soviet Consulate].
- Award for the book Andho Doohon, 1983 [At Delhi, by Sahitya Akademi, Ministry HRD, Govt. of India].
- Maharashtra Gaurav Pursaskar, 1990 [At Mumbai, Govt. of Maharashtra].
- Life time Achievement in Literature Award, 2001 [At Mumbai, by Maharashtra Sindhi Sahitya Academy, Govt. of Maharashtra].
Additional Information
- Shad had the privilege of visiting Soviet Union as nominee of the Indian Govt. in 1983 on two member Indian writers delegation along with the Assamese literary celebrity Dr. Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya to represent India under the Cultural Exchange Programme; a rare honour.
- Having written thesis on Sindhi Ghazal in 1973, he achieved the distinction of being the first ever Ph.D. in Sindhi from University of Bombay.
Finale
Arjan Shad is a well-known eminent poet and a literary critic. He is well versed in the knowledge of poetic prosody and other poetic devices. He used to write inflammatory articles, romantic and revolutionary poems, while he was young. When he grew up, his poems started showing the impact of progressiveness. His poetry reveals a beautiful blend of thought and emotion, apt & evocative imagery. He joined the teaching profession in 1956 and became a Reader in Sindhi and made distinct contribution in this field too.