Special: Banned books : Gujarat connection
GREAT SOUL; MAHATMA GANDHI AND HIS STRUGGLE WITH INDIA
AUTHOR: JOSEPH LELYVELD YEAR: 2011
The biographical book suggested that Mahatma Gandhi was a bisexual. Chief Minister Narendra Modi announced the ban in the state assembly, and the opposition Congress supported the decision. Gandhi’s grandsons Tushar Gandhi, Rajmohan Gandhi and Gopalkrishna Gandhi, however, opposed the ban.
SINDHOODO
POET: ZAVERCHAND MEGHANI YEAR: 1930
The book of nationalistic poems sold almost 10,000 copies immediately after its release in 1930. A rattled British government not only banned it but also jailed Meghani for two years on charges of sedition. The poet had then recited his couplet ‘Chhelli Prarthana’ (last prayer) in court at Dhandhuka which left everyone, including the judge, in tears.
UPJATI
POET: SURESH JOSHI YEAR: 1956
In a unique case of self-issued ban, Joshi withdrew the poetic anthology he had penned at an early age. He disassociated himself from his own creation and appealed to the people to respect the ban.
— Compiled by Priya Adhyaru-Majithia
