Writing is an art that not many can master. But more than writing it is the art of critiquing that is tough to master. It’s often easier to appreciate things rather than find flaws or it’s sometimes the other way around. But it’s never easy to find the right balance between appreciation and criticism. A great critic doesn’t only find flaws in a play but also points out how it can be improved and what all things are noteworthy. Navalram Laxmiram Pandya was a great Gujarati critic who indeed took his work very seriously.
Navalram Laxmiram Pandya: Life
Born to Nandkor and Lakshmiram Pandya, on 9th March 1836 in Surat, Pandya was physically weak compared to other children of his age. Given his introverted nature, he never took to outdoor activities much and preferred the comfort of books. But he started showing his talent in academia at an early age. At the tender age of 11, he had already passed the final vernacular exam and got admission to an English school on a merit scholarship.
Though he was truly a prodigy in mathematics, he decided to not pursue a college education and instead endeavoured on the path of teaching. Beginning as an Additional Teacher at the English High School in Surat in 1854, to becoming the assistant principal of Ahmedabad Training College from 1870 to 1876, to finally becoming the Principal of Rajkot Training College in 1876 until his death, he enlightened many curious minds on his way.
Navalram Laxmiram Pandya: Work
Pandya was a distinguished critic, known for critiquing the first Gujarati novel, Karan Ghelo in Gujarat Mitra daily in 1867. His work helped pioneer the criticism of Gujarati literature. Apart from being a critic and a teacher, he was also a reputed playwright, poet, essayist, editor, and social reformer.
Pandya worked as an editor for Gujarat Shala Patra, a periodical on education. During his time there he did many serialized works, some of them include, Akbarshah ane Birbal Nimitte Hindi Hasyatarang (a serial commentary on poetry with humour), Engrej Lok no Sankshipt Itihas, etc. He also translated Kalidasa’s Meghadūta into Gujarati to make the text more accessible to the common folks.
As a social reformer, he ensured his works help spread his ideologies and stance on many social issues. He used the medium of poetry to share his views. Pandya’s poetry collection Balalagnabatrisi heavily criticised child marriage, and his other poetry collection Balagarbavali, highlighted his views on the ideals of the life of women. His work Vyutpattipatha paved way for philology in the Gujarati language, while his work Nibandh-riti focused on the art of written essays.
Afterword
Leaving behind a legacy with his writings that cover many areas, such as, reformation, patriotism, journalism, education, grammar, literature, etc. he took his last breath on 7th August 1888. Due to his major contribution to Gujarati literature Navalram Laxmiram Pandya holds the place of one of the most important figures in modern Gujarati literature.
