Gujarati Vishwakosh

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

Facts

After the formation of the state of Gujarat based on the native language speaking area, there was a need for literature available to the Gujarati speaking public. After years of hard pressing efforts by Dhirubhai Thaker the Gujarat Vishwakosh Trust was set up in 1985 comprising many learned scholars and people of various disciplines. The first concept was to create 20 volumes (with an additional introductory volume),[1] but by its completion in 2009, the encyclopedia included 25 volumes, which comprised more than 23,000 topics.[2] In the words of Kumarpal Desai, managing trustee of Gujarat Vishwakosh Trust "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

  1. ↑ "Gujarat Vishwakosh Trust". Archived from the original on 28 April 2009. Retrieved 16 February 2010.
  2. 1 2 3 Vashi, Ashish (9 December 2009). "Gujarati encyclopaedia ready after 25-yr effort". The Times of India (Ahmedabad).
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