Gujarati Vishwakosh

Gujarati Vishwakosh (Gujarati:ગુજરાતી વિશ્વકોશ, Literally: Gujarati Encyclopedia) is an encyclopedia in Gujarati, one of the Indian official languages. This can be considered as a first full encyclopedia in Gujarati language. Work commenced, to create this massive encyclopedia envisaging 20 volumes, in 1985 by visionary eminent Gujarati writer Dhirubhai Thaker.

Facts

After formation of the state Gujarat based on the native language speaking area, there was a need for literature to be made available to population speaking that language. After years of hard pressing efforts of Dhirubhai Thaker eventually in 1985, Gujarat Vishwakosh Trust was set up, comprising many learned scholars and people of various disciplines. The first concept was to create 20 volumes (and an additional introductory volume),^[1] but by its completion in 2009, there was a need to create 25 volumes, which comprise more than 23,000 topics.^[2] In, managing trustee of Gujarat Vishwakosh Trust, Kumarpal Desai's own words, "This was a noble task and a lot of hard work and dedication went into this enormous effort with support from hundreds of people. This is a 50th birthday gift to Gujarat."^[2]

Costs and funding

This mammoth task needed a huge funding and social worker Sakarchand Patel was among the first donors. Many others were to follow with liberal donations in funding this academic exercise which has finally cost Rs 25 million.^[2]

References