Ek Hota Carver

by Veena Gavankar

अधिकाधिक उपभोगांच्या हव्यासामुळे, एका विचित्र वळणावर सारी मानवजात येऊन ठेपली आहे. आता आपल्या सर्वांपुढे केवळ दोनच पर्याय उरलेले आहेत. नैसर्गिक साधनसंपत्तीचा विनाश करणार्यार आजवरच्या या आत्मघातकी मार्गावर हताशपणे वाटचाल करायची किंवा परत मागे फिरून कार्व्हरने दाखवलेल्या नैसर्गिक साधनसंपत्तीच्या संवर्धन-विकास-उपयोग-पुनर्भरण या शाश्वत कृषिसंस्कृतीचा स्वीकार करायचा. भावी पिढ्यांच्या सुख-समृद्धीचा पाया घालायचा असेल तर प्रत्येक सुजाण नागरिकाने वाचायलाच हवे असे पुस्तक.

Genres: Marathi, Biography, Nonfiction, History, Inspirational, India, Historical

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Former librarian and an avid reader, Veena Gavankar wrote Ek Hota Carver, her debut novel and biography of American agriculturist George Washington Carver in the year 1979.

She soon followed up with numerous other books, including Dr.Khankohje, Rozelind Franklin and Lise Mitner. Other books include Bhagirathe Varas, Dr.Ida Skadder and Sarptadnya Dr. Remond Ditmars.

Known for her simplistic, clear and precise writing style, Veena Gavankar’s numerous biographies have been inspirations for readers world over

Reviews

[Sujeet Gholap · Rating 5 out of 5]

आठव्या इयत्तेत असताना वाचलं होतं, आजही जसाच्या तसं आठवतं! कार्व्हरच्या कॉलेज-जीवनाचं वर्णन हा माझा सगळ्यात आवडता भाग!

कार्व्हरची जिद्द, काटेकोर शिस्त आणि त्याची दुर्दम्य इच्छाशक्ती गवाणकरांनी अशी मस्त चितारली आहे! एका महान वैज्ञानिकाचा परिचय मनोवेधकपणे करताना लेखिकेने केलेलं दक्षिण अमेरिकेतल्या काळ्या लोकांच्या जीवनाचं चित्रण मन विदीर्ण करून जातं, अंतर्मुख होऊन विचार करायला लावतं.

विज्ञानाची थोडीदेखील आवड असेल, तर नक्कीच प्रेरणादायी ठरणारं असं, एकदातरी जरूर वाचावं असं झकास पुस्तक!

[Ajith V J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the English translation by John Eraveli: "A Man Called CARVER". Thanks to the recommendation from a friend, now I know a little about the selfless man: George Washington Carver. In the first half author tells us the childhood of Carver as detailed stories while in the second half we see glimpses of his professional life and his achievements.

[Reader Vivek · Rating 3 out of 5]

एक होता कार्व्हर


ही कथा आहे, एका निग्रोची.
जर तुम्हाला अमेरीकेचा इतिहास माहित असेल, तर निग्रो बाबतही माहिती असेलच.

आणि हे पुस्तक तुम्ही तुमच्या TBR मध्ये सुद्धा समाविष्ट केलेलच असणार, मला ठाऊक आहे. काहींनी वाचले ही असेलच.

तर लेखिकेने, डाॅ. कार्व्हर यांच्या जन्मापासुनचा जीवनप्रवास सांगितलेला आहे. लहानपणी पासुनच त्यांच्यात काही तरी निर्माण करण्याची आवड होती.

आपल्यात पण, बर्‍याच जणांत ती इच्छा/जिद्द असते, पण काही वेळा वाईट घटनांनी आपण त्या मोडुन टाकतो. तो वाईट काळ गेला की आपण त्या जोपासायला हव्या.

तर कार्व्हर, निसर्गात रममाण झालेली एक व्यक्ती आहेत, निसर्ग त्यांचं जग असतं. पुढे त्यांच्या आईने सांगितल्या प्रमाने ते आपलं आयुष्य निग्रो बांधवांसाठी अर्पण करतात.

शाळेत एका धड्यात, आपण निळ्या रंगाचा शोध, या बाबतीत कार्व्हर ना ओळखत होतो. पण तेवढी ओळख, ते काम, त्यांच्या संपूर्ण कामाच्या १०टक्के पण नसणार.

एक आदर्श शिक्षक, कृषी विद्यालय निर्माणकरता, उत्तम भाषणकार, मदत करणारा मित्र आणि अनेक गोष्टींचे शोध लावणारा, वैज्ञानिक अशा अजुण अनेक जबाबदार्‍या डाॅ. कार्व्हर नी योग्य रितीने जपल्या आणि पेलल्या.

ह्या पुस्तकातील, त्यांची नवं काहीतरी निर्माण करण्याची आवड आणि मुलांना शिकवणारा शिक्षक, त्यांच्याशी गप्पा करणारा मित्रशिक्षक मला खुप आवडला.

कार्व्हरांच्या शिस्तीचं, जिद्द आणि ईच्छाशक्तीचं खुप छान पद्धतीने लेखिका वीणा गव्हाणकरांनी पुस्तकात वर्णन केलय.

तर नक्की वाचण्याजोगं हे पुस्तक वाचा.

वाचाल तर वाचाल.

धन्यवाद.

[Gaurang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written biography. Pulls you into the world of Karvar. Very inspiring.

[Anuja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was one of the ranking students of my class in the fourth grade and as a memento, I received this book. To this date, I am grateful to whoever decided this was the gift. This book is meant for the young audience, who are just starting out their academic life and learning a new outlook.
Veena Gavankar Madam cultivated a love of biographies in me. She has the flowy and simple language. You will not find any flowery words in her books, her books are simple, to the point and impressive.
About this book, it tells you about Dr. Carver and his journey from lowly slave to the world-renowned scientist and teacher. It teaches you about kindness, struggles and most importantly never to give up.
The road Dr. Carver traveled had many ups and downs and the book depicts it in a way that even young audience realizes the gravity of it.
I will vote this book as The must-read for every reader out there waiting for their next perfect book!

[Nikhil · Rating 5 out of 5]

For years this book is in my collection.But it was destined to be read in the very recent past,just a few days ago.
A common curious child with all his struggle becomes scientist ,rather scientist is very short intoduction,he was all he could become, a self reliant person working hard for people. Scientist,artist, Agriculturist. He could have become musician,painter etc but chose to concentrate on agriculture as people need it.
very much relevant in present context of Indian Agriculture scenario.Inspiring!We need such people like George Washington Carver who can help farmers so much so that if market was absent fo r any crop he created it by making 100s of product from single crop.

[Siddhant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of grit and perseverance - Veena Gavankar's timeless biography charts the incredible journey of Dr. George Washington Carver from his birth as a slave to the Pantheon of American icons.
The author does a commendable job to elucidate Dr. Carver's life's work as America's foremost botanist blended with a philosophy of striving for the "greater good".
This book deserves to be widely read and is increasingly relevant today as Dr. Carver demonstrates how to live in harmony with nature in a consumerist world.

[Pranjal · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a long time since I read this marvel. I was not an avid reader back then. I literally hated reading. My parents and grandparents kept asking me to read this book. Never had I tried reading a Marathi book before... this book brought tears to my eyes. If a book changes the way you think about something or the way you look at things, it has served its purpose. This book owns that power. Do read it.

[Prashant Mane · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a biography of George W Carver, an American agricultural scientist and inventor. He was a black scientist in earlier 20th century and no parents. Thia book tells all his struggles in his life which never left his back. He worked very hard in his field still he had to face discrimination and insults.

[Ksandeep23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I am in the middle of this book, have to agree that this will be one of the best I will ever read. Really need atleast one Carver in our country looking at the effects of global warming.

[Amar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent biography of Dr. Carver made available in Maathi. I read it long time ago. Need re-read it now.

[Atish Dixit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational book

[Rama · Rating 4 out of 5]

best biopic

[Vinayak Deshpande · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring book.

[Mahesh Gore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring book.
Must read for youngsters

[Anupa Sreedhar · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Start where you are, with what you have. Make something of it. Never be satisfied.’ G. W. Carver. ‘Ek hota Carver’ – by Veena Gavanker (marathi) is an amazing account of not just an agriculturist or a scientist but that of a human enigma, a genius who lived his life completely dedicated to his inner voice. A ‘negro’ born sickly, a childhood in utter poverty whose hunger for knowledge overcame all other hunger pangs, went on to do pioneering work in the field of agriculture and chemistry in the late 19th and early 20th century. Science was his religion and he chose to understand the Bible as a guide to his work. While he excelled at whatever he came across, be it painting, singing, music, crochet or science, he chose agricultural research . A true son of the soil, he dedicated his entire life to agricultural research that would benefit farmers – black and white alike. An unparalled ‘karm yogi’ of the United States, all he cared for was how he could better the lives of people who had no other resources to help them. Neither money nor fame held any attraction for this introvert scientist. In his laboratory 24X 7, he worked with the bare minimum resources and personal comforts till the age of 80. Shunning all lucrative offers, he served only the poorest of poor farmers to help them understand crops and soil better. A true environmentalist and minimalist, he owned only one suit all his life (gifted by his college friends) and his most precious possession was his mother’s old, wooden spinning wheel which he took care of till the end.
Its after a long time that I have started a book in the morning and finished it in one entire day’s sitting but I don’t think I could have spent today’s holiday in better way.

[Yogesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

१५ ऑक्टोबर हा दिवस डॉक्टर अब्दुल कलाम यांचा जन्मदिवस 'वाचन प्रेरणा दिन' म्हणून साजरा केला जातो. त्यानिमित्ताने आमच्या कार्यालयात आयोजित केलेल्या कार्यक्रमात सर्वांनी आपापल्या वाचनाविषयी आणि आवडत्या पुस्तकांविषयी मनोगत व्यक्त केले. तेव्हा 'एक होता कार्व्हर' बाबत देखील उल्लेख केला गेला. अनेक दिवसांपासून प्रलंबित असलेल्या माझ्या मराठी पुस्तकांमधील हे एक पुस्तक होते.

सध्या मला audiobook ऐकून पुस्तके पूर्ण करणे जास्त सोयीचे झाले आहे आणि त्यामुळे साहजिकच इंग्लिश पुस्तकांची त्या माध्यमात उपलब्धतता सहज असल्याने मराठी पुस्तके वाचणे / ऐकणे जरा मागे पडले होते. म्हणून त्या कार्यक्रमामध्ये मी ठरवले की मराठी वाचन देखील जसेजसे जमेल तसे चालू ठेवायचे आणि यानंतरचे पुस्तक 'एक होता कार्व्हर' वाचायचे.

पुस्तक हे वाचकाला खिळवून ठेवणारे आहे आणि लेखिकेने सहज सोप्या भाषेत डॉक्टर कार्व्हर यांचा जीवन प्रवास उलगडून दाखविला आहे. त्यांच्या चरित्रातून दुर्दम्य आशावाद, अपार कष्ट करण्याची तयारी, स्वाभिमानाशी तडजोड न करता लोकांची मदत स्वीकारण्याची वृत्ती आणि 'बोले तैसा चाले' असे वर्तन ह्या गुणांनी मी प्रभावित झालो. अमेरिकेतील यादवी युद्धानंतर मिळालेल्या स्वातंत्र्याचे चीज करण्यासाठी कृष्णवर्णीयांना दिशा दाखविण्याचे अत्यंत महत्वाचे कार्य त्यांनी प्रदीर्घ काळ केले.

पुस्तकातील लिखाणाकडे अगदी तटस्थपणे पहिले तर लेखिकेने काही सरसकट दावे केल्याचे वाटते. मात्र तरीही एका अज्ञान थोर प्रभृतीची महाराष्ट्राला ओळख करून दिल्याबद्दल त्यांचे अभिनंदन नक्कीच करावे वाटते.

[Durgaprasad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant translation of the original work in English. Mr. Carver was a multi faceted personality. His research work on ground nut and cotton has revolutionised farming. Hailing from a humble back ground in an African American family and achieving success by persistent efforts, the biography is nothing short of iconic. Despite his success, Carver retained his simple lifestyle till the end of his life. A must read.

[Nilesh Bahir · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read book to understand an incredibly talented, kind, and brave human who existed in an unimaginably cruel time of slavery, discrimination, and injustice in the United States of America.
His contribution to the country, community, society and this planet earth is immeasurable.
The book covers known aspects of his life, nature, work, and the impact of his existence on despicably racist US of A of that time and now and on the world.

[Mi_Umakant · Rating 4 out of 5]

माणसाची समाजाप्रती असणारी अतूट सेवावृत्ती, विज्ञानाची कास धरून , समाजाला प्रेरित करून, निसर्गाला देव मानून त्याच्याकडून मिळणारं काहीच टाकाऊ नाही हे दाखवून देणारे, भीषण समयी दीन दुबळ्या ( वर्णभेद न मानणारे पण स्वतः पीडित असलेले ) लोकांचे तारणहार, निरपेक्ष, निरभिमानी! अश्या कितीतरी अनेक गोष्टी लेखिकेने सुंदर भाषेत मांडल्या आहेत. जॉर्ज वॉशिंग्टन कार्व्हर ..नक्कीच खचलेल्ल्यांना प्रेरित करणार व्यक्तिमत्व!

[Rohit Sathe · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best biographies read so far. Carver being a revolutionary scientist, reformist- his story whoever told would be interesting. But Veen Gavankar in her simple words makes it more real and imaginable of the Carver's endeavor.
It should be noted that due to the people such as Carver, US is thus such a great nation.

[Saurabh Shinde · Rating 5 out of 5]

very very awesome experience.
cant keep the book down very easy story telling but touching most of the aspect of his life.
we can feel that how much love and affection writer had about the Character of autobiography.
thankfully I came across this book and fell in love with "George Washington Carver".

[Vinayak Yadav · Rating 5 out of 5]

एक होता कार्व्हर
लेखिका - वीणा गवाणकर

कार्व्हर- महान शेती शास्त्रज्ञ.
लहानपणीच आई वडीलांच छत्र हरवलेले. काळा म्हणून शिक्षण नाकारण्यात आलेले. पोट भरण्यासाठी मिळेल ते काम करीत राहीले. मात्र ज्ञान आत्मसात करून मोठे शास्त्रज्ञ झाले. अनेक शोध लावून देशाला आणि समाजाला मदत करत राहीले. या महान शास्त्रज्ञाची यशोगाथा. नक्की वाचा..

[Vishnu Chipade · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very inspirational life story. Short but providing enough insights into Carver's experiences, struggles, and determination which can inspire the reader to their bit towards the society. It would change the reader's perspective towards nature and life as a whole.

[Santosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best book, I ever read.

I remember engrossing in it fully.

And then I remember gifiting it to others, and after many years to my sister... Then they have started printed it in big-size...

I wonder - is this available in English in the same lucid language?

[Anuja Bhagwat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a real inspiration to me. hard worker, enthusiastic, Nature lover, scientist, painter, Agriculturist, home worker, gardener, and many more roles he played in his life. His journey from birth as a slave to the Pantheon of American icons as Peanut Man.

[Randeep Dahiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very inspiring book. Those who wish to know the meaning of patience and commitment this is the book for them.

I would rather personally thank Mrs Veena Gavandkar if I can get her email.

Randeep Dahiya

[Jayesh Bhaware · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story of great man. Must read.

[Sagar Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motivating...

[Pratik Matel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a very exciting book.........