Sahitya Akademi Award goes to Rajkotian after 27-year wait

Dr Yagnesh Dave has won the felicitation for his collection of poems entitled ‘Gandhmanjusha

Rajkot: After almost 27 years, a littérateur from Rajkot will be conferred with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award 2021.

Dr Yagnesh Dave has won the accolade for his Gujarati book titled

‘Gandhmanjusha’, which is a collection of poems. The announcement was made by the Akademi on February 08.

The book was selected on the basis of recommendations made by a three-member jury. A PhD in experimental biology (ecology), 68-year-old Dr Dave is a retired station director of All India Radio (AIR).

He is known for his poetry and creative essays and ‘Gandhmanjusha’ is his 21st treatise. Speaking to First India, Dr Dave expressed his elation on winning the coveted award. “I was astonished, surprised and extremely happy that my work received recognition.

I am not a popular writer or a poet. It is always a happy feeling when what you write is acknowledged.

Very few poets belong to a science background like me, so I feel more elated at my work getting recognition,” he said. Lauding Dr Dave’s achievement, Anamik Shah, former vice chancellor of Gujarat Vidyapith said, “Yagneshbhai is a versatile poet, essay writer and columnist, and his literary style is different.

He writes long poetry using historical and mythological symbols such as tree and birds, thereby connecting to his training in ecological research.

An independent voice, he expresses his satire through direct verses on present situation of the society.”