Raghuveer Chaudhari
Raghuveer Chaudhari is a novelist, poet and critic from Gujarat, India. He has also worked as a columnist for numerous newspapers, such as Sandesh, Janmabhumi, Nirikshaka and Divya Bhaskar. He was a teacher at the Gujarat University until his retirement in 1998.
His most significant contributions have been in Gujarati language but he has also written Hindi articles. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1977, for his novel trilogy Uparvas. He received Jnanpith Award, considered to be India’s highest literary award, in 2015. In 2019, he was awarded a D.Lit. by Gujarat University.
Raghuveer Chaudhari started his career writing novels and poetry, and later ventured into other forms of literature. He authored more than 80 books and received numerous literary awards. He also served many literary organisations.
President Confers the 51st Jnanpith Award on Dr. Raghuveer Chaudhari
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee conferred the 51st Jnanpith Award on renowned writer, Dr. Raghuveer Chaudhari today (July 11, 2016) at a function held at Parliament Library Building, New Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that an eminent scholar and a Gandhian in spirit and behaviour, Dr. Chaudhari represents the fluid brilliance that characterizes India’s pluralistic literary genius. It is indeed an example of his brilliant fluidity that an author, who strove to master Hindi academically, expressed himself in Gujarati in his literary pursuit. He said that he had been informed that Dr. Chaudhari has been an ardent writer of Hindi columns as well, and his literary work has explored varied genre of poetry, prose, novels, and fictions as also commentary on contemporary issues.He was sure that as a teacher also, he would have inspired his students to nurture the creative potentiality in them.As a writer, who has explored existentialism in his works, analysed the functional aspect of human life and profoundly expressed his thoughts in his poetry through images and symbols, Dr Chaudhari has rightfully joined the stellar constellation of his predecessor awardees. He said that mortal beings do not remain but their creations remain for a long time and therein lies the success of a master creator. He said that Dr. Chaudhari was one such creator.
The President said that when one looks at the stars in the constellation of Jnanpith awadees, it gives us a shining view of the linguistic diversity inherent in the ancient artistic and linguistic unique heritage of India. The authors in this list have each, excelled in celebrating this diversity and at the same time strengthening its essential unity and centrality of purpose.
The President said that this occasion of presentation of Jnanpith award today also gives us an opportunity to recall the contributions of Late Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain and Late Smt Rama Jain, whose efforts in promoting Indian languages and literature and establishing the Bhartiya Jnanpith remain a shining example.He reiterated that it is not possible on the part of one agency to ensure the full-fledged development of art, literature and development of creativity. It can only be possible by the efforts of society as a whole. He was happy that the corporate sector had come forward nearly a century ago to nurture and recognize talent. Today, many more such organizations with the objective of serving society are coming up.
The President stated that it is through translation of literature in various languages that makes it possible for a wider section of people to have access to it. He said that Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore won the Noble Prize many years ago. In the period after that, Indian literature has not been less rich. However, there is need to propagate the literature in India and take the creative genius of Indian languages to the world audience.
His commitment to literature extends beyond his writings, as he has actively participated in literary organizations, fostering the growth of the literary community.
The Padma Shri award highlights Chaudhari’s lifelong dedication to literature and his impact on both Gujarati and Indian literary traditions, inspiring readers and writers across generations
One of the most prolific writers of contemporary Gujarati literature.
Raghuveer Chaudhari, a celebrated Gujarati writer and academic, has been recognized with the Padma Shri award in 2024 for his outstanding contributions to literature and education. Born on December 5, 1938, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, he is a prolific author of novels, essays, poems, and critiques, with more than 80 books to his credit. His works reflect a nuanced understanding of societal, cultural, and philosophical issues, often blending traditional values with contemporary challenges.
Chaudhari’s most acclaimed work includes the trilogy Uparvas, which delves into the complex social and moral fabric of Indian society. His storytelling often employs rich language and profound themes, earning him the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1977 and the Jnanpith Award in 2015, India’s highest literary honor. He has also been a recipient of various accolades like the Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak and Kumar Chandrak.
In addition to his literary achievements, Chaudhari has been a dedicated educator, serving at Gujarat University until his retirement in 1998. He has written extensively as a columnist, enriching public discourse with his thoughtful analyses of cultural and contemporary issues.
Award
Sahitya Akademi Award
Dr. Raghuveer Chaudhari received his award in 1977 for his novel trilogy Uparvas
Kumar Chandrak
Dr. Raghuveer Chaudhari received this award in 1965.
Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak
Dr. Raghuveer Chaudhari received this award in 1975.
Uma-Snehrashmi Prize
Dr. Raghuveer Chaudhari received this award in 1974-75.
Munshi Award
Dr. Raghuveer Chaudhari received this award in 1997