Where Are You, My Madhav! (An Old and Rare Book)

Shri Harindra Dave is one of the giants of modern Gujarati literature. A distinguished poet and novelist, Harindrabhai has won scores of prestigious National Awards of Literature and Journalism.

His literary and journalistic works crossed the boundaries of the Gujarati language enriching India's literature as a whole.

He was the Chief Editor of the well-known Janmabhoomi Group of Newspapers.

This book is an English version of Harindrabhai's book Madhav Kyany Nathi in Gujarati. It is one of his best creations. It has been lovingly and ably translated into English by his talented wife, Smt. Bharatiben Dave. Originally it was serialised in the Bhavan's Journal in the year 1988.

In 1981, the Bhavan had published Harindrabhai's poetic translation of 54 poems of the saint-poets of early 19th century belonging to the Swaminarayan Order entitled The Cup of Love. with an introduction by our mutual friend Shri M.V. Kamath.

Harindra was intimately associated with the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan from 1960. He was very close to Kulapati Munshi, himself a colossus of Gujarati literature. He translated into Gujarati Munshiji's world-famous epic: Krishnavtara, which won the Gujarati Sahitya Academy Award. Harindrabhai was the Editor of Bhavan's Gujarati Fortnightly Samarpan from 1962 to 1970 (rechristened Navaneet Samarpan in 1980). It has set constructive revolutionary trends in the field of literary journalism. Till the God of Death snatched him away prematurely from amidst us, Harindrabhai remained an active and steadfast de facto Editor of Navaneet Samarpan and a staunch friend of the Bhavan.

This novel is an artistic creation of Shri Harindra Dave. The Sri Krishna of this book is based on Mahabharata. Bhagawata and Harivansha: and yet Harindra's Sri Krishna is different. He sees his Krishna through sage Narada's eyes, who, though remaining far away from him, experiences him every moment of his life. In his search for his dear Krishna, how Narada rediscovers his own self is beautifully depicted in the story.

When a devotee and God unite, there are changes in the devotee himself and the image of God in his heart also changes. The moment Narada comes to know that his Lord Krishna, Devaki's eighth child, has been born in the Karagrih.a (jail) of Kamsa, Narada's life transforms. Narada wanders in search of his Krishna, from one place to another. What happens when ultimately he does find him? Well, every reader will have to go through the book to get his own answer!

Harindrabhai had been a very dear friend and colleague of mine. He was a unique great creative poet and writer. Gentle and warm hearted, he was full of humility and compassion.

The Bhavan is happy and proud to publish this volume by the late Master.

**Sample Pages**