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first
equivalent of ‘The Reader’s Digest’ in any Indian language.
For several years conducted a program of international
exchange of young people. (For better understanding of each
other's country.) Went to USSR, Poland and Yugoslavia as a
member of press delegation accompanying Prime Minister
Nehru.
Established Lok-Milap Trust , a non-profit organization
devoted to the promotion of good books and various other
cultural activities. During 1969, the Gandhi centenary year,
undertook the ‘Discovering India’ project of exhibition of
Indian books in five continents and went with the book
display to Europe and America. Has since traveled
extensively to Africa, America, Asia, Europe and New Zealand
to promote understanding about India through Indian books.
Since 1972 he has successfully implemented projects to
publish outstanding literary works of Gujarati language at
very low cost with large print orders. Through Lok-Milap
Trust he has organized book fairs at various places in
Gujarat. Has conducted ‘Film-Milap’ activity to promote
better cinema, especially children’s movies. Since 1987 he
has been traveling in the nooks and corners of Gujarat
giving readings from outstanding biographical writings of
Gujarati literature. In 1988 he had taken up a major,
unprecedented project to publish 1,00,000 copies of a
100-pages compilation of a selection from these readings at
one-fifth of the market price.
He has translated into Gujarati Victor Hugo ‘Ninety-Three’,
Thor Heyerdahl’s ‘Kon-Tiki Expedition ‘ and Henrik Herrer
‘Seven Years In Tibet ‘. Has also written, translated and
edited many other books.
Shree Mahendrabhai started this activity of publication
right from 1972. He made a record by publishing the best
Gujarati literature in economical rates. All the copies of
those publications were sold out even before publishing due
to advanced order registration.
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