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ABOUT JAY GAJJAR, C.M., M.A.. 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 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 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 - Glenda Ivey make the impossible possible and alter reality?

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: [email protected] India: “Neil”, Plot # 207, Sector 29, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382 029 Tel. 23234273 (Apr09)

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JAY GAJJAR - SOCIAL WORKER & 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 Scholarship. 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 Business. 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 organizations. 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 JobsChairman for three years Westviking College BoardGovt. appointed Director, five years Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Comm. - Director for three years Vishwakarma Association of Canada- President for two years.

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In addition, he served as a chairman, member or advisor of several organizations. Because of his active involvement Gajjar was greatly recognized by the community, province and nation for his dedicated 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. Ramon Hnatyshyn, GovWinter Carnival Committee of Stephenville 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 supplement of a well-known daily “Gujarat Samachar”. This novel was so appreciated 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 novels 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 of Lexicon web dictionary unveills Gajjar’s English novel. Mr Prakash Modi reviewed the novel.

Mr. Jayanti Dalal (left), well known Novelist unveils Gajjjar’s story book and a novel

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A renowned author’s romantic novel What if reality and fate were not written in stone, but were like clouds rising with the dawn and transcending heaven and earth? 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 has survived the plane crash and has amnesia. He is cared for in Scotland, never remembering who he is. Five long years will pass... 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 - Glenda Ivey possible and alter reality? Jada Presss, USA Inspiring and worth reading-Enjoyable novel The title of the book is very appropriate as this story depicts Mira, a woman who lost her husband. She missed him terribly and was searching for something to cure her grief and enlighten her life again. The main goal is to reconnect with our origin that is our Lord Krishna Himself, who is telling us in Bhagavad-Gita to surrender to Him and that 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 you, you may come back to Lord Krishna for the real and true source of happiness and bliss. I enjoyed very much reading this inspiring novel. Now, I ask you to read it with full faith and make your life worthwhile. Subuddhi Devi Das Hare Krishna Temple, Toronto, Canada

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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 Toronto, Canada. Mr. Gajjar, is now enjoying his retired life in Mississauga, Ontario with his wife Kavita and son Dr. Neil Gajjar, who is practicing at his own Dental Office in Mississauga, Ontario. Mr. Gajjar enjoys reading and writing short stories and novels in Gujarati and English reflecting his western and eastern experience. Gajjar proudly says, “There is no place on the earth like Canada for a peaceful life and healthy working place.”

Gajjar’s Literary Contributions : Published Short Stories Collections : “Tulsino Chhod” (2001) “Prem Diwani” (2006) “Sharad Taru Gulab” (2008) Punit Pagala (Short Stories) (In Press) Published Novels: “Fulde Fulde Foram” (1967) “Antastal”, (1967) “Sneh Shunya Sarvala”, (1969) “Paththar Thar Thar Dhruje, (2000) “Kachi Matinu Ghar (2003) “Timirna Tej”(2004) “Andhino Ujas” (2006) (Award winning novel by Guj. Literary Academy Award and Gujarati Sahitya Parishad Award) “Taro Nedo Lagyo” (2009) English Publications : The Shuddering Stones, Jada Press, USA A Life Lost, A Life Gained, Jada Press, USA

Shree Narayanbhai Desai, President of Gujarati Sahitya Parishad presenting ‘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

Jay Gajjar and Mrs. Gajjar with Mr. Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat, India (In the middle)

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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 - Glenda Ivey, Jada Press, USA passion? You, the readers must decide.

Gajjjar with Mr. Bhupat Vadodaria, the editor of ‘Abhiyan’ weekly.

Gajjar and Mr. Kirit Shukla with Dr. Balvant Jani (In the middle), Vice 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 ninehundred dollar gold pen is a great detail shown. - Carol Smith, Editor and Critic, USA

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