Ahmedabad has been a hub for Gujarati literature, producing notable writers, poets, and philosophers. The city's deep appreciation for literature is evident through various literature festivals and events, including the Ahmedabad International Literature Festival.
Gujarat Vidyapith, established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, has played a vital role in promoting Gujarati literature and culture. Renowned authors like Pannalal Patel, Suresh Joshi, Umashankar Joshi, and Raghuveer Chaudhari have emerged from Ahmedabad, contributing numerous novels, poems, and essays that beautifully capture Gujarati culture.
Pannalal Patel, known for his touching narratives about rural Gujarat, depicted the hardships of rural life in his novel "Manvi Ni Bhavai" (Endurance: A Droll Saga).
Umashankar Joshi, a significant literary figure, influenced Gujarati literature through his poems, plays, essays, and novels, sparking a socio-political consciousness in the field.
Ahmedabad's vibrant theatre scene also contributes to Gujarati literature. The city houses renowned theatre groups and venues like the Bhavai Vithalbhai Patel, which promote Gujarati culture and literature.
The city's libraries, including the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's library and the Ahmedabad Gujarati Sahitya Parishad library, house extensive collections of Gujarati literature. The latter, established in 1905, has played a crucial role in promoting and preserving Gujarati literary works.
Mushairas (poetic symposiums) and Kavi Sammelans (poet's meets) are an integral part of Ahmedabad's cultural landscape, providing platforms for poets and writers to share and discuss their work.
Dr. Bharat Shah is a pediatrician and community health specialist. He completed his postgraduate studies in Pediatrics at Baroda Medical College and worked at KGP Children Hospital in Vadodara and SEWA Rural in Jhagadia for five years. During this time, he successfully implemented community-based health programs that reduced Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in the surrounding villages.
Dr. Bharat Shah's interests expanded to alternative healthcare systems. He obtained an Advanced Diploma in Naturopathy and Yoga from Panjab University and trained as a yoga teacher. He also completed a postgraduate diploma in Clinical Hypnosis from CHARUSAT University. He has authored educational booklets on diseases and healthy lifestyles and translated a book on medicinal plants published by the World Health Organization.
Currently, Dr. Bharat Shah serves as the Director of Nisargopachar Kendra at Vinoba Ashram in Gotri, Vadodara. He is a member of the advisory committee of Janakidevi Bajaj Nature Cure Centre and has served on the governing bodies of Shri Morarjee Desai College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences and the Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT). He is also involved with the National Institute of Naturopathy and the Naturopathy Certification Board.