Natwar Gandhi on Gujarati Diaspora Writing in U.S.A – a few observations

Natwar Gandhi on Gujarati Diaspora Writing in U.S.A – a few observations

By Harish Trivedi, Dayton, Ohio.

© 2010


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(Note: Quotations from Mr. Natwar Gandhi’s article appear in italics)

Natwarbhai Gandhi has offered a thoughtful take on the state of Gujarati NRI (Non Resident Indian) writing, writers and the Gujararti Literary Academy of North America in his article that was published in a periodical published in this country. I received a copy of it from a friend. It was a typed copy and did not carry the name and the issue date of the periodical.

What is apparent from this article that Natwarbhai thinks all the NRI writers crave for attention and approval from critics in India. He also provides some suggestions to the Gujarati NRI writers. And calls upon them to write something based upon their American experience.

If nothing comes out of Natwarbhai’s thoughtful analysis, I hope it foments some much needed debate and discussion on the state of Gujarati NRI writers and writing as well as current trends in Gujarati writing, be it a fiction, poetry, criticism or a play.

I have met Natwarbhai and had also the privilege to sit with him on a panel discussion. Since then I have from a distance admired his professional accomplishments and happily read about it in various publications.

In the article under review, Natwarbhai Gandhi has, with one hurtful punch tried to KO every NRI writer or wannabe writer regardless of him (Natwarbhai) having any specific knowledge of the writers' literary aspirations or expectations. He does not name any names in his analysis of NRI Gujarati writing and writers, although it is easy to guess the identity of writers commented upon by Natwarbhai. In the process he may have settled some scores with NRI writers whom he does not like.

It is not the purpose of this article to speculate on the motives of Natwarbhai in writing this particular article so please allow me to discuss few points he has raised in his article titled Gujarati Diaspora Writing--A Call for Independence.


Natwarbhai has, with one broad sweep managed to offend, probably unintentionally every NRI writer who writes in Gujarati. He has also assumed that each of the NRI writer is anxious to get an approval from the critics back home in India and thus seeking what he calls ‘Good Housekeeping stamp’ of approval from them.

I have quoted relevant paragraphs from Natwarbhai's article and have taken liberty to offer my two-cents worth on the same.

The said article is full of generalizations, repetitions and contradictions.

I shall try to point out these and other issues that he has raised in this article as we go along. Quotes from his article appear in italics.

‘Every spring and summer a group of special Indian visitors descend upon North American soil with the regularity of migratory birds. These are sadhus, swamis, teachers, writers, poets and quacks of all sorts. They come with a balm to soothe us of our immigrant anxiety. One of our continuing fears is that we are losing our unique Indian culture, particularly the religion and language. It is not that we particularly cared for it while we were in India, but once on a foreign soil we miss it. Culture was in environment back home. It was like the air that we breathed. We took it for granted. No special effort was made.’

He is assuming that all these ‘quacks of all sorts’ are descending on this blessed land uninvited. But that is not true. In my opinion, after each visit by these writers, swamis etc the invitees probably gets a booster shot that could help rectify the deficiencies of some cultural element that they, the invitees crave for in the area of literature, religion, language etc.

to be continued...