National Poet of Gujarat | Folklorist | Freedom Fighter
Zaverchand Kalidas Meghani was born on August 28, 1896, in Chotila, Gujarat. A prolific writer, poet, journalist, and social reformer, Meghani is best known for collecting and preserving the folk songs and stories of Gujarat, earning him the title "Raashtreeya Kavi" (National Poet) from Mahatma Gandhi. Meghani’s deep love for Gujarati culture led him to travel extensively across rural Gujarat, documenting the oral traditions of its people. His famous work, “Saurashtra Ni Rasdhar”, is a treasured collection of Saurashtrian folktales. He authored over 100 books, including poetry. He passed away in 1947, just months before India’s independence, but his legacy lives on in schools, literature, and songs throughout Gujarat. His life remains a testament to the power of language, culture, and courage.