Himalayano Pravas

by Kakasaheb Kalelkar

English
305


About The Book

Considered a classic of Gujarati Literature, Himalayan° Prawas is more than a mere chronicle of a Himalayan pilgrimage. The author has used it as a vehicle to roam the vast landscape of Indian history and culture. The physical journey described here happened in a two-month stretch in 1912. This chronicle was published in a series of articles starting in 1919 and continuing for several years. Published in the book form, it has seen six editions and continues to sell even today. It has been used as a textbook in many University curricula for students of Gujarati.

About The Author

Dattatreya Balkrishna `Kaka' Kalelkar (1885-1981) was a Gandhian nationalist, a scholar, a social reformer and an educationalist. Born a Marathi, he soared to such heights as a writer in Gujarati that Gujarat took pride in calling him 'Savai Gujarati' — a better Gujarati than the native Gujaratis. He was among the founder members of the Gujarat Vidyapith and later became its vice chancellor. Sahitya Akademi honored Kakasaheb's extraordinary literary achievements by making him a Fellow in 1971.

Ashok Meghani, an engineer by profession, took early retirement and has been devoting his leisure time to literary activity. He has translated three other Gujarati books into English with The Himalaya : A Cultural Pilgrimage being his first foray into the non-fiction world.

Translator’s Note

This work is an English translation of the original travelogue Himalayan° Prawas by Kakasaheb Kalelkar, considered a classic of Gujarati literature.

I had several reservations in undertaking this translation project. The principal cause of concern was a comment I had heard, "Kakasahe

Genres: Travelogue, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1924

About the author

Kalelkar was born in Satara on 1 December 1885. He was native of Kaleli village near Sawantwadi in Maharashtra which gave his surname Kalelkar. He matriculated in 1903 and completed B. A. in Philosophy from Fergusson College, Pune in 1907. He appeared in the first year examination of LL.B. and joined Ganesh Vidyalaya in Belgaum in 1908. He worked for a while on the editorial staff of a nationalistic Marathi daily named Rashtramat, and then as a teacher at a school named Ganganath Vidyalaya in Baroda in 1910. Within a few years, the British government forcibly closed down the school because of its nationalistic spirit in 1912. He traveled to Himalaya on foot and later joined Acharya Kripalani in visit to Burma (Myanmar) in 1913. He met Mahatma Gandhi in 1915.[1]

Influence by Gandhi, he became member of Sabarmati Ashram. He taught at Rashtriya Shala of Sabarmati Ashram. For some time, he served as the editor of Sarwodaya periodical which was run from the premises of the Ashram. With Gandhi's encouragement, he played an active role in establishing Gujarat Vidyapith at Ahmedabad, and became its vice-chancellor in 1928. He was imprisoned several times due to his participation in Indian independence movement. He retired from Gujarat Vidyapith in 1939.[1]

In 1935, Kalelkar became member of Rashtabhasha Samiti, a committee whose objective was to popularize Hindi-Hindustani language as the national language of India. He was active with Gandhi Smarak Nidhi from 1948 to his death.[1]

He was appointed as a member of Rajya Sabha from 1952 to 1964 and later appointed as a president of Backward Classes Commission in 1953. He presided Gujarati Sahitya Parishad in 1959. He established Gandhi Vidyapith, Vedchhi in 1967 and served as its vice chancellor.[1]
He died on 21 August 1981.[1]

Mahatma Gandhi called him Savai Gujarati, a quarter more than a Gujarati.[1]

Reviews

[Ashish Iyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally this book was written in Gujarati હિમાલયનો પ્રવાસ(Himalayano Pravas). I always wanted to read a travelogue with many places associated with Himalaya. Then i came across this book which was written some 100 years ago. Its a very famous Gujarati travelogue. Luckily Sahitya Akademi translated this book in English and i couldn't keep my hands off this one. This book is pilgrim travelogue. A great book on the Himalayas by all standards. It introduces the inner beauty of the fabulous mountain range as well. The writer tracked Himalaya(Uttarakhand) on foot. The physical journey described here happened in two months stretch. The travelogue describes the immense beauty of beautiful Himalayas with very minute details of different places and people there. It captures the unearthly beauty of the Himalayan valley. This book will definitely intrigued you to travel Himalaya.

Those who can read Gujarati, do read in Gujarati otherwise English one is very well translated.

[Manisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading it. Amazed by the fact that even after almost 90 years Indian mentality has not changed much. Every state of India has its own peculiarity. Some of the incidences written in the book are really funny.

[Ujas · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Bhavyatra' of himalaya via this book. I am feeling very happy and greatful. Kakasaheb is 'savaya gujarati'. Awesome book. Himalayan ranges, chardham. I am amazed.

[Chirag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever dream of going to some place in life at least once?
Do you want to feel it within your dreams?
Himalayano Pravas is really an impressive book to read. It teaches you so many things about life, nature, human.
Kaka saheb has explained his experience very briefly. The way he think of nature and human life is very beautiful. His explanations let you imagine every single places in your mind.
Must read who love reading about life experiences and lessons of life and human behavior and life at different places.
4/5 by me.

[Jayesh Shah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent book. It describes the Himalayan region of India beautifully. Enjoyed reading it.

[Hemal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read, my copy had some detailed notes from a professor who took responsibility to clarify some of the words and phrases used in the book.
About the book, it is amazing journey, it gives ideas about mind set of kaka saheb when he left home and his confusion about life. His observation is potent and his style is very humorous. One would not turn a page without a smile on his/her face. His ideas clearly show why he became what he became. Going to read more of his work soon.

[Deep Chauhan]

BEST BOOK

[Manisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Himalaya is one place that has many facets. everyone has his own view point about it. All of them are amazing including this one.

[Apratim Mukherjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a pilgrim's diary where the author has not only described what he did each day, but also commented on social ills, importance of travel etc. Considering, this is a religious travelogue, written about a hundred years ago, the foresight of the author has to appreciated as his commentary of society and religion is relevant even today. On the other hand, the book will be understood and enjoyed only by those who know about India and/or Hinduism (as its an Indian travelogue with a focus mostly on Hinduism) . As far as the quality of writing and translation is concerned, I dare not comment on the levels of perfection achieved, as this book has been published by the prestigious Sahitya Academy(meaning literary academy).
So, I would say it is a must read book for any one who has some interest in India in general and Hinduism in particular(You won't regret).Otherwise, the book will lie on your shelf for ever.

[Harsh Barot · Rating 5 out of 5]

A trip to the Himalayas is an experiential journey that is not only a physical journey, but also a mental and spiritual journey. The Himalayas are not just a group of mountains; they are a symbol of peace, determination and spiritual advancement.

The Himalayas: A confluence of nature and spirituality

The Himalayas have always attracted monks, yogis and travelers. The Himalayas are the source of great rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, Brahmaputra. The vastness of nature and the snow-capped peaks teach humanity humility.

[Dinesh Prajapati]

As Name goes to the title of book. I was fascinated to read it from long time and finally completed it. I read it in Gujarati version of the book not sure if English translation is available or not but gripping book and it takes you with author and powerful messages across the book.

[Vijay Damor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice

[Dr Hemal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The language and sarcasm by kaka kalelkar is something that holds you throughout the read. Although the book was written more than decade ago its still very relateable.