Anil Joshi, one of Gujarati’s most celebrated poets and writers, passed away Wednesday morning. He had been undergoing treatment in a hospital due to illness for some time. Joshi had been in the ICU for nearly two weeks and had only returned home on 21 February following treatment.
His son, Sanket Joshi, announced the news of Anil Joshi’s passing on social media. Many writers and literary figures paid tribute to the departed soul through heartfelt messages on Sanket’s post. In his English post, Sanket Joshi wrote, “This is to inform that my Papa is no longer with us. Today early morning he has left us peacefully. He fought hard. He would want to thank each one of you who loved and adored him for decades especially all his fans and followers, well wishers across the globe, who he adored equally. We want to thank all the doctors and nurses for their care and support.”
Born on 28 July 1940 in Gondal, Gujarat, Anil Joshi was the son of Ramanath Joshi, who was also an esteemed teacher. Anilbhai completed his primary and secondary education in Gondal and Morbi, respectively. In 1964, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Gujarati and Sanskrit from Ahmedabad’s H. K. Arts College.
Anilbhai began his career as a teacher between 1962 and 1969 in Himmatnagar and Amreli. From 1971 to 1976, he worked as a personal assistant to Vadilal Dagli, the editor of the Commerce magazine in Mumbai. He also served as an associate editor at Parichay Trust, known for its significant contributions to the Gujarati language, in 1976-77. Since 1977, he had been the chief advisor for the Gujarati language in the Language Development Project of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation.
While teaching in Ahmedabad, Anilbhai’s literary talent flourished. Living in the city, he developed a keen interest in various literary and cultural activities such as Kumar Karyalaya, Budhsabha, Ray-Math, University’s Language-Literature Bhavan, Sahitya Parishad conventions, and Niranjan Bhagat’s gatherings at Hevamore Hotel.
After moving to Mumbai, Anilbhai transitioned from a clerical job to becoming a language advisor at the municipal corporation, eventually rising to be one of the most popular Gujarati poets, essayists, and creators. When his degree became a concern during his appointment as a language advisor, Balasaheb Thackeray famously remarked, “Being a poet is his greatest degree,” enabling Anil Joshi’s appointment.
Anilbhai’s literary contributions were multifaceted. Apart from being a popular and exceptional poet, he was also an essayist par excellence. Throughout his extensive literary journey, he explored various forms of literature, including songs, ghazals, free verses, and essays. He shared deep friendships with prominent personalities like Manoj Khanderia, Ramesh Parekh, Adil Mansuri, and Nida Fazli, among others. For many years, he contributed sharp and insightful writings to publications under the Janmabhoomi Group and other newspapers and magazines. His entire collection of poems has been published under the title Sagmate.
Anilbhai received numerous accolades throughout his life. His poetry collection Baraf Na Pankhi was honoured with the Jayant Pathak Award. In 1990, he was awarded the Delhi Sahitya Akademi Award for his essay collection Statue. However, in October 2015, he returned the award in protest against the murder of prominent Kannada reformist M. M. Kalburgi. In 2010, he was also honoured with the Narsinh Award.
In 2023, Anilbhai’s autobiography Gansadi Upadi Seth Ni was published by Navjivan Trust.
On 22 February, Anilbhai had shared a post on Facebook, writing in Gujarati, “After almost two weeks in the ICU, I am now standing under the open sky.”
Anilbhai’s departure is a tremendous loss to the literary world, his fans, and his family. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
A brief list of Anilbhai’s notable works:
Poetry collections:
- Kadach
- Baraf Na Pankhi
- Sagmate (Anthology of Anilbhai’s poems)
Essay collections:
- Pavan Ni Vyaspith
- Statue
- Oran Aavo To Vaat Kariye
- Shabd No Sahwas
- Bolpen
- Barine Pardanun Kafan
- Divasnu Andharu Chhe
- Kagdo Dhola Divasnu Andharu Chhe
- Jalni Janmotari
- Urmino Ochchhav
Philosophical work:
- Rang Sang Kiratar
To explore Anilbhai’s selected timeless creations, visit: Tahuko.com
