Rajnikumar Pandya

Rajnikumar Pandya (6 July 1938 – 15 March 2025) was an Indian Gujarati language writer and journalist from Gujarat. He was known for his short stories, novels, biographical essays, and columns. He had a significant contribution to Gujarati literature and journalism, particularly in the field of rural journalism. He was honored with numerous awards throughout his career, including the Kumar Suvarna Chandrak and awards from the Gujarat Sahitya Akademi and Gujarati Sahitya Parishad.

Biography Rajnikumar Pandya was born on 6 July 1938 in Jetpur, British India (now in the Rajkot district, Gujarat, India).

Career Pandya began his writing journey in 1959, with a special interest in short stories. His first collection of short stories, titled Khalel, was published in 1977. From 1980 onwards, he started writing columns, and his "Zabkar" series became very popular. Additionally, his articles published in daily newspapers under the title "Manbilori" and his line drawings titled "Gulmohar" were also well-received by readers. His collected "Zabkar" writings were published as Samagra Zabkar.

His literary works have been translated into several languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, and German. A book titled Rajni Kumar: Aapna Sauna was published in his honor during his sixtieth birthday celebration.

He was known for his contributions to rural journalism. He received a special award from the state government for this work.

Pandya played a crucial role in the digitisation of Vismi Sadi, a Gujarati periodical that had ceased publication in 1920. He also developed a website digitising the Gujarati periodical Prakruti.

Awards and recognitions Rajnikumar Pandya received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his literary and journalistic career, including: Kumar Suvarna Chandrak in 2003 Five awards from the Gujarat Sahitya Akademi Awards from the Gujarati Sahitya Parishad Saroj Pathak Award for short stories Dhumketu Award Gujarat Government's Special Award for Rural Journalism Statesman Award by Kolkata's Statesman newspaper Gujarat Government's Award in Best Journalism Two awards from the Dainik Akhbar Sangh Hari Om Ashram Award