Recently I happened to attend one of the retirement farewell function of our Senior Executive of Bank of India where I got opportunity to meet a renowned novelist and children's writer Yashwant Mehta to him people call him a Yashwant Dada. His affectionate nickname "Yashwant Dada" suggests a warm and endearing personality, which is likely cherished by his fans and readers, especially children. Recalling my memory, I would like share of taking my two children to Yashwant Mehta's storytelling sessions. Really it had been a truly special for my kids, and it's great that his storytelling has left a lasting impact on them, even after 20 years.
Yashwant Dada’s contributions to Gujarati literature are likely significant, and his work may have had a lasting impact on the literary landscape of Gujarat. Mehta's impressive list of awards and recognitions highlights his significant contributions to Gujarati literature, particularly in children's literature and it acknowledge his dedication to writing and his impact on Gujarati literature. He has also received the Rashtriya Rajaji Award and the ‘Navchenat’ Navlik-Chandrak for novel writing. He has been awarded the prestigious D. K. Gandhi Suvarna Chandrak of the Gujarati Sahitya Sabha for the year 2006 and the Rashtriya Sahitya Akademi’s Children’s Literature Award of Rs 50,000 for the year 2010. Yashwant Mehta, who has a rich experience of half a century of meaningful journalism and writing more than 440 books, is the editor of the children's magazine 'Bal Anand'. He was the president of the Gujarati Writers' Association from 2003 to 2013 and was on the editorial board of the association's booklet series 'Lekhak Aane Lekhan'. From 1977 to 2004, he taught journalism classes at Navgujarat, Sahajanand, Gujarat University, Gujarat Vidyapith. He was an elected member of the Moderating Committee of the Gujarati Sahitya Parishad for many years. He has been serving as the founder convener of the Bal Sahitya Akademi since 1994.
Mehta's leadership roles and contributions to literary organizations are notable one. His involvement with the Gujarati Sahitya Parishad showcases his reputation and influence in the literary community and his long-standing commitment to promoting children's literature through this role highlights his dedication to nurturing young readers and writers. These roles demonstrate his passion for literature and his willingness to take on responsibilities that benefit the literary community, especially in the realm of children's literature.
Yashwant Mehta's contributions to Gujarati children's literature are truly remarkable. His work in various forms of children's literature, such as stories, poems, and possibly even comics or plays, has likely had a lasting impact on young readers in Gujarat. He says that children are the backbone of any civilization. There is a need to develop children’s literature to help children learn more about their heritage and the Indian culture. A writer plays a significant role in such developments and the writers present today are the pillars of the civilization and Indian culture. There is a need to bring out the wealthy children literature in each of the Indian languages. It is a principle duty of an established or non-established writer to write for children.
Saluting Yashwant Mehta for his remarkable service in children's literature is well-deserved. His contributions, including writing over 500 books, receiving national awards, and leading literary organizations, have made a lasting impact on Gujarati literature and young readers. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of writers, readers, and educators.