Gujarati Literary Academy of North America hosts book release and performance by Shobhit Desai

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The Gujarati Literary Academy of North America (GLAOFNA), held a show named, “Gazalni Gunjati Sargam” on July 20, 2024, at the ITV Gold Auditorium in Edison, NJ. It was attended by some 100 gazal enthusiasts, a press release from the organization said.

The show began with a book release of Chandrakant Shah aka Chandubhai’s unprinted poetries. The former vice president of GLAOFNA, who has authored plays, poetry, and songs, was introduced by Hasmukh Barot, the editor of Gujarat Times. Barot gave a heartwarming speech that included his memories of Chandubhai from their younger days.

Shah’s wife Eshani Shah and her daughter Shailee Shah sang a couple of songs written by Chandubhai.

The book was released by the President of GLAOFNA Ashish Desai, Vice President Gini Malaviya and Barot. Mona Naik, Gini Malaviya and Prarthana Jha recited his poetry.

After the book release, Shobhit Desai’s performance was took place. Raksha Pandya was the master of ceremony of the program. She spoke about Kavi ‘Befam’ and Shobhit Desai took over by giving a tribute to the poet.

Desai began with the most popular song written by Barkat Virani ‘Befam’ “nayan ne bandh Rakhine.”

For every following poet, Shobhit Desai spoke for about 10 to 15 minutes. He recalled his relationship with the poet mentioned and shared gazals written by each of them.

The poets he spoke about are considered the best Gazal writers in Gujarati and well-known all over India.

He also recited Gazals of Kailash Pandit, Shunya Palanpuri, Amrut Ghayal, Saif Palanpuri, Jalan Mahtri, Ramesh Parekh and most popular Mariz.

At the end of the program, he sang Jagjit Singh’s gazal and recited his own gazal, which held the audience in a spell and earning him a standing ovation.

Raksha Pandya also received a standing ovation for her handling of the show.

GLAOFNA thanked Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, as well as Ilayas Quraishi, as well as staff of ITV Gold for providing their facility and supporting the organization.