Umashankar Joshi (alias: Vasuki, Shravan) (Born: July 21, 1911 Died: December 19, 1988) was a noted poet and writer of Gujarati literature. He was honored with the Jnanpith Award in 1967 for his outstanding contribution to Indian and especially Gujarati literature. His life was greatly influenced by Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi. He was the ministerial writer of the Gandhi era. He has plowed in many fields of literature.
Umashankar Joshi was born on July 21, 1911 in Bamana village of Gujarat. His father's name was Jethalal Kamalji Joshi and mother's name was Navalben Joshi. Umashankar Joshi was married to Jyotsnaben in 1937.
Umashankar Joshi had his primary education in Bamana and his secondary education in Idar. Passed matriculation from Gujarat College in Ahmedabad in 1928. He did BA in 1936 from Ahmedabad with history and economics. and M.A. from Elphinstone College, Mumbai in 1938 with subjects in Sanskrit and Gujarati. passed. He passed in first class in MA.
Literary creation of Umashankar Joshi : Major work - Nishith. Poetry- Vishwashanti, Gangotri, Nishith, Mahaprasthan, Abhijna, Satpada, Dharavastra, the entire poem. Verse dramas- Prachina, Mahaprasthan. Ekanki- Sapana Bhara, Haveli, Shaheed. Story collections- Shravani Mela, Visamo, Three and a Half Two. Essay Collection — Ughadi Bari, Goshthi. Research – Gujarat in Puranas, 'Akho' A Study. Criticism - The faith, taste of the poet. Translation Shakuntal, Uttar Ramcharit. Contemplation - Ishavasyopanishad. Travel - Europayatra (English). Editing - Kalant Kavi. Editor - 'Sanskriti' 1947-1984, Budhiprakash.
Awards: Jnanpith Award, Ranjitram Gold Medal, Narmad Gold Medal, Uma-Sneharshmi Award, Soviet Land Nehru Award.
Membership/Positions : President - Gujarati Sahitya Parishad. President - Sahitya Akademi Award-Gujarati. Chancellor – Gujarat University. Member of Rajya Sabha. Chancellor, Visvabharati University - Santiniketan. President - Delhi Sahitya Akademi.
