ABOUT JAY GAJJAR, C.M., M.A..
JAY GAJJAR - SOCIAL WORKER
Gajjar is the First Gujarati in Canada to receive Canada’s highest and the
most prestigious award “Order of Canada” equivalent to our Bharat Ratna in
India, - Dr. Prafulla Mehta
Frank Gale, District Editor, “Western Star”, newspaper wrote, “The
honour of being added to the list of people for the “Order of Canada” could
not go to any one more deserving. Gajjar’s work in the area has been
exemplary.”
Judge Robert Smith described , “Gajjar who chose Canada as his home
in 1970, has celebrated our country with his writings, his works, his services...
Gajjar brings a poet’s sensitivity and imagination that is at times startling. He
brings the evangelist’s zeal. He brings the businessman’s organization and
practicality. He brings a sense of deep appreciation.. the example he has shown
as a community minded person, a dedicated volunteer and a dynamic leader.”
Mr. Manhar Modi, well-known poet of Gujarati, remarked, “Mr. Gajjar
has high influence of East and West and the mixture of both cultures is
profoundly reflected in his creative writings- short stories and novels.”
Ron Huphrey in his book, “Who’s who in Newfoundland”describes Gajjar
as “An unofficial Ambassador to Tourists”
Widely acclaimed by critics- The Shuddering Stones by Jay Gajjar.
What is wrong and what is deemed right by circumstance and human at-
tachment? Is it best to follow a path of wisdom that leads upward in a lonely
spiral or the unlit path of love that might lead to both enslavement and
passion? You, the reader, must decide. - Glenda Ivey
A Life Lost, A Life Gained- While not a religious book, nor propaganda,
this romantic novel from the pen of an international renowned author, asks the
simple question: Can faith in worship, trust in God and the power of true love
make the impossible possible and alter reality? - Glenda Ivey
Gajjar was often honoured and presented medals and awards of
appreciations by several literary and community associations, trusts
and leading news papers and magazines in India and Canada.
Gajjar reading his novel at the Word on the Street Festival, Toronto, Canada
Gajjar’s English books can be purchased from any
local book store or www. jadapress.com or
Amazon.com or Barnes&Noble.com or
yahoo.com. or jaygajjar.com : Gujarati books can
be purchased from Rannnade Prakashan, Gandhi
Road, Ahmedabad, 380 001 or www.rannade.com
Canada: 41 Palomino Dr. Mississauga, Ontario. Canada, L4Z 3H6, Tel.(905)568-8025
Website- www.jaygajjar.com Email: gajjar@mail.com
India: “Neil”, Plot # 207, Sector 29, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382 029 Tel. 23234273 (Apr09)
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& PROMINENT AUTHOR
JAY GAJJAR, C.M., M.A..
Native of Ahmedabad, India
Education:: B.A.(Hons.) M.A. (Second Class)
Honorary Title: C.M. (by the Governor General
of Canada)
Experience: Teacher, Professor, Businessman
Wife : Kavita Gajjar, R.N., R.M., Retired Nurse
Son : Neil Gajjar, born in Stephenville, Newfoundland. He was named ‘The
Student of the Year’ and recognised with several other awards including
Governor General’s Medal. He had received University of Toronto Schol-
arship. Now he practices at his own Dental Office in Mississauga. South
Asian Community Survey, 2007 awarded Dr. Gajjar Top Choice Award.
Professions: Teacher, Asarwa High School, Ahmedabad, 7 Years
Translator, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, 7 Years
Professor, Nav Gujarat College, Ahmedabad, 3 Years
Businessman, Quality Printers, Stephenville, 22 Years
C.E.O., Quality Enterprises Ltd., Stephenville, (Cont’d)
Mr. Gajjar came to Stephenville, Newfoundland, Canada in 1970. He
started his career as a teacher and then he got involved in a Printing Busi-
ness. He started his own printing company ‘Quality Printers in 1974. He
bought Harmon Mall, a shopping Centre of about 10 stores in 1977
He, then joined Lions Club and got involved in many community orga-
nizations. Judge Hon. Robert Smith writes, “Gajjar’s love for the province
and our nation is an extraordinary example of citizenship to all who know
him... It’s the spirit and work of Canadians like Jay Gajjar that make Canada
a great nation.” Mr. Gajjar had been very active in many organizations
such as:
Stephenville Lions Club - President for two years
Chamber of Commerce - President: for two years
Winter Carnival Committee - Chairman for three years
Tourism Committee - Chairman for seven years
Friends of India Association.- Chairman for two years
Hospital Foundation - Corporate Chairman for four years
Indian Head Parks Com.- Vice-Chairman for six years
Business Drive for Jobs- Chairman for three years
Westviking College Board- Govt. appointed Director, five years
Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Comm. - Director for three years
Vishwakarma Association of Canada- President for two years.
In addition, he served as a chairman, member or
advisor of several organizations. Because of his ac-
tive involvement Gajjar was greatly recognized by
the community, province and nation for his dedi-
cated works and services for many years. He was
awarded many awards such as:
Awards and Honours:
1975 “Outstanding New Lion” award by Lions Club
1987 “10 Years Outstanding Service” award by the His Excellency Hon.
Winter Carnival Committee of Stephenville Ramon Hnatyshyn, Gov-
ernor General of Canada,
1988 “Volunteer of the Day” award by CFSX Radio presenting the Order of
Canada to Mr. Jay Gajjar.
1988 “Heart of Gold Award” by the Air Canada
1990 “The Citizen of the Year” the Town of Stephenville
1991 “The Harvey Webber Award” Atlantic Provinces Chamber Commerce
1991 “The Citation for Citizenship” - national award by the, Minister of
Multiculturism & Citizenship, Government of Canada
1991 “The Canada Volunteer”- national award by the Minister, National
Health & Welfare, Govt. of Canada
1993 “ORDER OF CANADA” -the highest national award by the
Governor General of Canada
2003 “The Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal" by the Gov. Gen. of Canada
2007 Nanubhai Surati Prize for the best story published in ‘Navchetan’ a
magazine in India
2008 Best Novelists of the year 2006 prize by the Gujarati Literary Academy,
Gandhinagar, India and awarded third prize to his novel ‘Andhino Ujas’
2008 ‘Gujarat Darpan Prize’ for “Andhino Ujas’ by the Gujarati Sahitya Parishad
for the best book published in the year 2006 by the Overseas Gujarati
writers
Literary Achievements:
Known as a social worker in Canada, Mr. Gajjar is a prominent writer of
about four hundred short stories published in several well known dailies and
magazines of Gujarat, India and USA. Some of his stories and articles were
broadcasted on All India Radio in India and on CBC Television in Canada.
His novel “Paththar Thar Thar Dhruje” was published in a Sunday supple-
ment of a well-known daily “Gujarat Samachar”. This novel was so appreci-
ated by the readers that a TV serial producer has filmed for a TV serial in 52
episodes which will be released soon on TV channels.
His novel “Kachi Matinu Ghar” and “Andhino Ujas” were serialized in
Sunday supplements of ‘Jaihind’ and‘Sandesh’ respectively. His several nov-
els are serialized in Toronto’s weekly newspapers ‘Gujarat Express’,‘Gujarat
Abroad’ and in ‘Gujarat Darpan’ monthly of New Jersey, USA.
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“A Very Enjoyable novel.”
JAY GAJJAR is a prominent novelist of Gujarati one of the Indian
Languages. ‘The Shuddering Stones” was also widely acclaimed by the critics
and well appreciated by the readers. Mr. Gajjar decided to write directly in the
English language and this novel “ A Life Lost, A Life Gained “ is the result of his
very first effort.The final manuscript was very well received by a couple of
publishers in USA, especially because of its subject matter reflecting unique
blend of eastern and western culture and appealing dialogues. Some literary figures
as well as the devotee of Hare Krishna temple in Toronto read the manuscript.
They all liked the story and especially about faith in Hare Krishna religion, which
encouraged readers to develop faith in their own religion and live a spiritual life
with true humanity.
This brought greatest satisfaction to Mr. Jay Gajjar. Now he wants to
present this novel to many avid readers and critics to enjoy and express their
sincere criticism. Respected Subuddhidevi Das of Hare Krishna Temple of Toronto,
Canada was pleased with the story of ‘A Life Lost, A Life Gained.’ She wrote:
“This is very inspiring and worth reading-Enjoyable novel” and added, “The
title of the book is very appropriate as the story depicts.
Ms.Glenda Ivey of the Jada Press summarises, ‘A young American woman
who is happily married has her life devastated when an airliner flying over Scotland
is destroyed by terrorists, killing all aboard, including her husband Bill. With no
warning, Marilyn’s life is altered forever. Driven by her longing and loss, she
searches for a source of wisdom. A young devotee gives her Bhagavad Geeta.
From its pages she finds the spiritual strength to let her life continue to evolve.
She meets Kishan, an illegal immigrant from India, and together they join ISKCON,
a group that embraces the energy and spirit of transcendent love through Lord
Krishna. Yet unknown to her, Bill had survived the plane crash and was suffering
from amnesia. He was cared for in Scotland, but Bill did not remember who he was.
After five long years a doctor recognizes Bill and the story continues on but I
shall not ruin your pleasure by revealing the ending. I will encourage you to
discover it by reading this novel for yourself. -Jay Mandoda, Toronto, Canada
Mr. Ratibhai Chanderia, founder
Mr. Jayanti Dalal (left), well known of Lexicon web dictionary
Novelist unveils Gajjjar’s story book unveills Gajjar’s English novel. Mr
and a novel Prakash Modi reviewed the novel.
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 A renowned author’s romantic novel Gajjar was invited to read a chapter from his new novel ‘Kachi Matinu
Ghar’ in 2004 and ‘Timirna Tej’ in 2005 by the Word on the Street Festival in
What if reality and fate were not written in stone, Toronto, Canada.
but were like clouds rising with the dawn and Mr. Gajjar, is now enjoying his retired life in Mississauga, Ontario with his
transcending heaven and earth? wife Kavita and son Dr. Neil Gajjar, who is practicing at his own Dental
A young American woman who is happily married Office in Mississauga, Ontario. Mr. Gajjar enjoys reading and writing short
has her life devastated when an airliner flying over stories and novels in Gujarati and English reflecting his western and eastern
Scotland is destroyed by terrorists, killing all aboard, experience. Gajjar proudly says, “There is no place on the earth like Canada
including her husband Bill. for a peaceful life and healthy working place.”
With no warning, Marilyn’s life is altered forever.
Driven by her longing and loss, she searches for a Gajjar’s Literary Contributions :
source of wisdom. A young devotee gives her Bhagavad Geeta. From its Published Short Stories Collections :
pages she finds the spiritual strength to let her life continue to evolve. “Tulsino Chhod” (2001) “Prem Diwani” (2006)
She meets Kishan, an illegal immigrant from India, and together they “Sharad Taru Gulab” (2008) Punit Pagala (Short Stories) (In Press)
join ISKCON, a group that embraces the energy and spirit of transcendent Published Novels:
love through Lord Krishna. “Fulde Fulde Foram” (1967) “Antastal”, (1967)
“Sneh Shunya Sarvala”, (1969) “Paththar Thar Thar Dhruje, (2000)
Yet unknown to her, Bill has survived the plane crash and has amnesia.
“Kachi Matinu Ghar (2003) “Timirna Tej”(2004)
He is cared for in Scotland, never remembering who he is. Five long years
“Andhino Ujas” (2006) (Award winning novel by Guj. Literary
will pass...
Academy Award and Gujarati Sahitya Parishad Award)
While not a religious book, nor propaganda, this romantic novel from
“Taro Nedo Lagyo” (2009)
the pen of an international renowned author, asks the simple question: Can
English Publications :
faith in worship, trust in God and the power of true love make the impossible
The Shuddering Stones, Jada Press, USA
possible and alter reality? - Glenda Ivey A Life Lost, A Life Gained, Jada Press, USA
Jada Presss, USA
Inspiring and worth reading-Enjoyable novel Shree Narayanbhai Desai, President of
The title of the book is very appropriate as this story depicts Mira, a Gujarati Sahitya Parishad presenting
woman who lost her husband. She missed him terribly and was searching ‘Gujarat Darpan Prize’ for “Andhino
for something to cure her grief and enlighten her life again. Ujas’ by the Gujarati Sahitya Parishad
The main goal is to reconnect with our origin that is our Lord Krishna for the best book published in the year
Himself, who is telling us in Bhagavad-Gita to surrender to Him and that 2006 by the Overseas Gujarati writers
He will take care of us. God had His plan to separate two lovers and turn
Mira into a seeker of real love. Her visit of ISKCON temple and have
darshan of Krishna developed in her true faith in Krishna. He, with his
sweet voice, will guide us in the right direction... and they will find real
happiness in the association of devotees like Mira, Kishan, and Radha in
this book. Truly speaking, love is eternal. When things adversely happen to Jay Gajjar and Mrs.
you, you may come back to Lord Krishna for the real and true source of Gajjar with Mr.
happiness and bliss. Narendra Modi, Chief
I enjoyed very much reading this inspiring novel. Now, I ask you to read Minister of Gujarat,
it with full faith and make your life worthwhile. Subuddhi Devi Das India (In the middle)
Hare Krishna Temple, Toronto, Canada
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 It should have been the happy ending
to a long story.
Knowing that her mother had been sexually abused
by a co-worker and was being kept in a mental hospital
in India, Meena was making the best of her life as an
air hostess even though there was little hope of her
mother’s recovery because of insufficient funds
required for her treatment.
When Vike set foot on the plane, he was prepared to
deal with the boredom of a long sixteen-hour flight
from Canada to India by contemplating his actions as
a philanthropist. As a middle-aged, wealthy industrialist, he had reached a
point in his life where his main interest was in helping individuals instead of
gaining more wealth. His life should have been fulfilled by his actions—yet
something was missing. Perhaps it was passion?
The young air hostess was just another pretty face at first. Then Vike
discovered that Meena’s outward beauty was covering a deeply shuddering
sadness. Struck by Meena’s intelligence and strength, Vike knew he could
help her... The story could have ended there, but it didn’t.
While Vike found a union of spirit with Meena, she was attracted to
Vike romantically, and their lives intertwined further when Meena later married
a young man who helped Vike’s daughter escape from a kidnapping.
Time passes—the world of these two people shudders as problems are
resolved only to be replaced by the complexity of new problems. When
Meena’s husband cannot father a child, her life is again beyond her control.
Lost in the flight of a deeply moral voyage, Meena looks with longing once
again at Vike.
What is wrong and what is deemed right by circumstance and human
attachment? Is it best to follow a path of wisdom that leads upward in a
lonely spiral or the unlit path of love that might lead to both enslavement and
passion? You, the readers must decide. - Glenda Ivey, Jada Press, USA
Gajjar and Mr. Kirit Shukla with Dr.
Gajjjar with Mr. Bhupat Vadodaria, Balvant Jani (In the middle), Vice
the editor of ‘Abhiyan’ weekly. Chancellor of Saurahra University.
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The Shuddering Stones- a fresh and welcome change
The Shuddering Stones is a fresh and welcome change from the
manuscripts I’ve been receiving lately, and you should feel proud of what
you’ve already accomplished as a writer. Too many writers talk about that
novel they’re always going to write, but too few ever get around to doing
it. By writing a novel, you’ve already joined an elite group.
Not only that, but you’ve done a nice job. I very much like the overall
concept of this story. The story opens with a good characterization of Vike
as he travels back to Indi under different circumstances than he had as a
young man. As Vike meets Meena and observes in her reactions to the
passenger’s, the reader gets a good insight into Vike’s wisdom and
awareness. It is obvious that he has come a long way through the years.
The characters are strong with descriptions, personality traits, motivations,
and appropriate backgrounds for the roles they play. There is a lot of good
dialogue.
The details of physical setting are colorful.
Well, as you can see, I like this story a great deal.
William Greenleaf
Editor and Critic, USA
“The Shuddering Stones” a romantic story reflecting Indian culture
The title is excellent (it immediately arouses the reader’s
curiosity), and you have a likeable protagonist. I like the fact that
he’s about fifty instead of twenty-five or thirty. And although
any reader can identify with a protagonist in a bustling airport
undergoing the ordeal of a security check, it’s an interesting twist
to have your protagonist watching the other passengers without
going through the check himself. The distinctively Indian character
of the passengers sets them apart from the passengers on a typical
American (or Canadian) flight and arouses the curiosity of readers
unfamiliar with Indian culture. I especially like the Indian women
putting on coats and sweaters to hide their gold bangles. I’ve never
seen an American woman do that. And the conversation between
a rich middle-aged businessman who has the cabin to himself
and a pretty young flight attendant sets up a bit of tension, causing
the reader to wonder whether Vike is going to be unfaithful to his
wife. I like the little references to Abha, so that she seems more
real than she would if you simply mentioned his wife. The nine-
hundred dollar gold pen is a great detail shown.
- Carol Smith,
Editor and Critic, USA