Kumar, a pioneering cultural magazine in Gujarat, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, marking a century of contributions to the fields of art and literature in the state. Founded in 1924 by the renowned artist, journalist, and teacher Ravi Shankar Raval, Kumar has left an indelible impact on Gujarat’s literary and artistic landscape. What began as a magazine for adolescents featuring pictures and paintings has evolved into a publication revered for its role in shaping Gujarat’s cultural discourse. Despite the challenges it has faced over the years, Kumar continues to be an important institution in the state.
Kapilbhai Ojha, an 82-year-old engineer who has been reading Kumar for over 70 years, credits the magazine for shaping his character and personality. For Ojha and many others, the magazine has been an educational and cultural cornerstone, providing a gateway to Gujarat’s artistic and literary heritage. Initially launched from a solicitor’s house in Khadia, in the Walled City of Ahmedabad, Kumar began as a pictorial journal for young readers, offering both entertainment and education. Today, it continues to attract a dedicated readership, including senior citizens and younger generations, despite the rise of digital journalism.
Origins and Evolution
Ravi Shankar Raval, the founder, was a prolific painter, art critic, and journalist. After the closure of Vismi Sadi, a magazine where he had worked, Raval launched Kumar to fill a void in the realm of cultural journalism for adolescents. Alongside his collaborators, poet Deshalji Parmar and Bachubhai Rawat, Raval envisioned a magazine that would broaden the horizons of young readers. The first issues of Kumar were printed at the Navjivan Press in Ahmedabad’s Walled City. Within a year, the team established their own printing press and a fixed format for the magazine, complete with cover paintings that became a signature of the publication.
Over the years, Kumar became more than just a magazine; it evolved into a cultural hub for poets, artists, and intellectuals. In the 1930s, during the height of the Indian freedom struggle, the magazine’s office, known as Kumar Karyalaya, hosted gatherings where prominent figures, including Ramprasad Shukla, would meet and discuss art and literature. These gatherings laid the foundation for the Buddhvariyu, a weekly Wednesday meeting inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s Shantiniketan. This informal poetry circle became a hallmark of Kumar and fostered the development of many of Gujarat’s prominent poets.
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Contributions to Art and Literature
Kumar is credited with creating a platform for emerging talent in Gujarat. Through its long-running Buddh Sabha, the magazine has been instrumental in promoting poetry and literature. The magazine’s founding figures, particularly Bachubhai Rawat, were dedicated to nurturing the artistic and literary scene. Rawat’s commitment to the Buddhvariyu poets’ circle made it an informal school for poets, where works were read and discussed in a collaborative spirit. This tradition, which began in the 1920s, continues to influence Gujarat’s literary landscape.
Beyond poetry, Kumar also played a significant role in documenting the Ashram life of Mahatma Gandhi during his time in South Africa. Additionally, the magazine fostered other artistic disciplines. A photography club called Niharika was born when retired Colonel Balwant Bhatt offered free photography classes at Kumar Karyalaya. The club became a crucial platform for black-and-white photography, with many of the photographs published in Kumar.
Challenges and Resilience
Like many long-running publications, Kumar has faced its share of challenges. In 1932, the British government confiscated copies of the magazine and closed down its press after Kumar published a play about India’s independence. The magazine also faced financial struggles from 1987 to 1990, which forced it to temporarily cease publication. Despite these difficulties, Kumar managed to bounce back with the support of its readers.
Today, under the leadership of editor Prafull Raval, who took over after Dhirubhai Parikh’s death in 2021, Kumar continues to inspire readers. While the magazine’s printing press has been closed since the late 1990s, the publication persists, and there are plans to engage younger readers by featuring contemporary talent. Though the magazine has yet to fully embrace digital platforms, Raval is hopeful about launching an online edition to reach new audiences.
For a century, Kumar has been a beacon of Gujarat’s cultural heritage, fostering artistic talent and contributing to the state’s literary richness. As it enters its second century, the magazine remains a vital institution, cherished by generations of readers and creators.
