Radheshyam Sharma

Radheshyam Sharma (Gujarati: રાધેશ્યામ શર્મા) is a Gujarati language poet, novelist, short story writer, critic and compiler from Gujarat, India. He is known in Gujarati literature for his experimental novels Fero (1968) and Swapnatirtha (1979). His other significant works include Aansu Ane Chandaranu (1963) and Gujarati Navalkatha (with Raghuvir Chaudhari; 1974), a critical works on Gujarati novels. He received Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak in 2004 and Dhanji Kanji Gandhi Suvarna Chandrak in 1995.

He is born on 5 January 1936 in Vavol, a village in Gandhinagar district to Sitaram and Chanchal bahen aka Padmavati. His family is a native of Rupal village in north Gujarat. Sharma inherited a religious bent of mind from his father Sitaram, a priest. He completed Bachelor of Arts from Gujarat College in 1957 with Gujarati and Psychology. he studied M.A. in School of Languages, Gujarat University but did not take examination due to writer's cramp. His father was a religious storyteller. He also delivered religious sermons to people from 1965 to 1983.

He served as an editor of religious periodical Dharmalok from 1965 to 1983. He serves as an editor of Akram Vigyan, a religious monthly founded by Dada Bhagwan. He is also associated with Akar Prakashan, a publication house.

He married Sharda Vyas in 1952 and they have three sons. He lives in Ahmedabad.

His first publication was a short story namely Badsoorat. His works reflects new sensitivity and characteristics of contemporary writers.

His first anthology of poetry was Aansu Ane Chandarnu (1969), followed by Negatives of Eternity (English, 1974), Sanchetna (1983), Nishkaran (1991), Sanpreshan (2002) and Akashni Uddayan Lipi (2006). Fero (1968) and Swapnatirtha (1979) are two of his novels which established him as competent fiction writer of his generation. Bichara, his first short story collection, was published in 1969, followed by Pavanpavdi (1977), Radheshyam Sharma Ni Shrestha Vartao (1984), Vartavaran (1986), Pehla Patthar Kaun Marega (1981), Ghatanalok (2006). His short stories are characterized by brevity and unfamiliar subjects. His critical works are published as Vaachana (1972), Gujarati Navalkatha (1974, with Raghuveer Chaudhari), Samprat (1978), Kavitani Kala (1983), Aalokna (1989), Shabda Samaksha (1991), Karta Kruti Vimarsha (1992), Vivechan No Vidhi (1993), Ullekh (1993), Akshar (1995), Navalkatha Nirdesh, Vartavichar (2000) and Sahitya Sanket (2006).

Dalal Ni Pratinidhi Vartao (1971), Dhumketu Ni Bhavsrushti (1973; with Mafat Ojha), Natak Vishe Dalal (1974), Navi Varta (1975), Samkaleen Gujarati Vartao (1986), Indradhanu 101 (1995), Paramparaparak Vartao (2006), Bhupat Vadodaria ni 27 Vartao, Shaksharo Shakshatkar Vol. I-XIII (1999-2008), Shrimad Bhagvat Mahima, Vedtirth (2005) are his compilations. His translated works include Apano Manviy Varaso (1978) and Ramayan.

He received Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak in 2004 and Dhanji Kanji Gandhi Suvarna Chandrak in 1995 for his contribution in Gujarati literature. He received Critics Award for his story collection, Vartavaran (1987). He received Anantrai Raval Award (1998), Ashok Harsh Award (1999), Chandulal Selarka Award (2000). He has also won prizes from Gujarati Sahitya Parishad and Gujarat Sahitya Akademi.