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Draft:Girima Gharekhan

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Girima Gharekhan is a Gujarati author, short‑story writer, novelist, children's author, editor, translator, and literary researcher

Girima Gharekhan unveiling her novel Tej Tikhara, 2018
Born 28 February 1955 (age 70)Vadanagar, Guajarat India
Occupation * Teacher (Retired) * Novelist * Short story writer * Stories for children
Language Gujarati
Nationality Indian
Notable works Tukdo, Ramakada Party

Early life and education

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Girima was born on 28 February 1955 into a Nagar family in Vadanagar, district Patan, northern Gujarat. She has cited her father's government career and frequent relocations as a source of her exposure to varied rural cultures and literature. Later, she earned herself an M.A. in English and a B.Ed. (Special English)[1]

She began her literary endeavors in 1978–79 with short stories "Ofelia" in Aram and contributions to Chandni during her university days.[1]

Expat life and literary awakening

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Later when she got married and moved to Muscat for 30 years, she remained actively involved in Gujarati cultural activities—writing plays, poetry, and participating in literary societies[1] Encouraged by Gujarati diaspora, she published stories like Aram and Chandni, and joined competitions and cultural events. On returning to India, she consolidated this writing passion into publishing full-fledged books.

Literary career and awards

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She has authored 15+ books over 4–6 years across genres like short stories, children's literature, novels, and research essays[2][1] . She garnered all 5 Gujarat Sahitya Academy Awards, plus honors from Anju Narashi Foundation, Narmad Sahitya Sabha, Asait Sahitya Sabha, and 15+ other story competitions.[1]

Significant awards:

  •  2018: Sahitya Academy awards for Tukdo and children's storybook Patangiyani Udaan
  •  2019–20: First prizes for Ramakada Party, Pankhio na Deshma; second prize for novel Via Rawalpindi
  •  'Dr Feni Ratan Marshal Chandrak' for Ramakada Party (2017–19)

Editorial Roles & Audio Work

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She is also a member of Gujarat Sahitya Parishad (2018–20), joining the Madhyasth Committee by nomination..[1] Here, she has co-edited Vishwa (under Vishwakosh) and children's magazine Bal Anand[1][2]

Many of her stories have been converted into audio form and uploaded on YouTube and specially produced for the visually impaired, and featured on Aakashvani's Amritdhara program[1][3]

Major publications

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Novels

  • Vaya Ravalpindi (Via Ravalpindi) (Gurjar Granthratna Karyalay, Nov 2020; 192 pp; ISBN 978‑9389419092) .

Story Collections & Laghukathas

  • Tukdo (A Piece, 16 stories): Emotionally intense tales exploring family, society, and inner life; includes "Lapsi", "Yatra" translated and awarded .
  • Bhinu Bhinu Vadal (Gurjar Sahitya Bhavan, 2022; 150 pp; ISBN 978‑9392266058)[2]
  • Kshanna Tahuka (2023; 60 poignant short stories; 136 pp; ISBN 978‑8119174171)[2]
  • Other collections: Tej Tikhara, Aadhunika, Adhunika, Shama, Lambachorasa Laganio[2]

Children's Literature

  • Ramakada Party (Amol Prakashan, Jan 2019; 72 pp; ISBN 978‑9386734945) .
  • Pankhio na Deshma and Patangiyani Udaan, with awards and accolades .

Themes and critical reception

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Many connoisseurs of Gujarati literature have lauded her writing having rich psychological insight, poetic language, and capturing middle-class Gujarati life. Her novel Tukdo got recognized in Divya Bhaskar for its profound portrayal of human emotions and familial bonds. Critics note her mastery in depicting everyday scenes—from kitchen tables to family dynamics—imbued with emotional truths.

Translations and reach

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Over a dozen of her stories have been translated to Hindi, English, Marathi and Odia; some also published in literal anthologies[1]

Some collections of her stories got translated into Odia. Her novel Via Ravalpindi got translated into Hindi[2][1]. Her stories have been featured in magazines such as Gujarat Darpan, Web Gurjari, and international journals .

Selected Bibliography

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Year Title (Romanised) Genre Publisher / Details
2019 Ramakada Party Children's stories Amol Prakashan; 72 pp; ISBN 978‑9386734945
2020 Via Ravalpindi Novel Gurjar Granthratna Karyalay; 192 pp; ISBN 978‑9389419092
2022 Bhinu Bhinu Vadal Short-story collection Gurjar Sahitya Bhavan; 150 pp; ISBN 978‑9392266058
2023 Kshanna Tahuka Short-story collection 136 pp; ISBN 978‑8119174171
Tukdo Short story anthology 16 stories (award-winning); Gujarati
Tej Tikhara, Aadhunika, Shama... Mixed genres Gujarati publications

Legacy and impact

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Girima Gharekhan's body of work embodies a journey of late blooming literary brilliance, deeply grounded in emotional authenticity and cultural resonance. Her stories continue to resonate across generations, languages, and formats—from print to audio—solidifying her place in modern Gujarati literature.

Verified sources

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All information is compiled from Gujarati Sahitya Forum, Divya Bhaskar, Aapnuaangnu, book listings on Pravin Prakashan[2] and R R Sheth,[4] and literary blogs.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Girima Gharekhan | Gujarati Sahitya Forum". www.gujaratisahitya.org.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "Girima Gharekhan Archives".
  3. ^ "Gurjarvani". YouTube.
  4. ^ "Girima Gharekhan @ R R Sheth Books".

Category:Living people Category:1955 births