Veteran diamantaire Kanubhai B. Shah released ‘Gulmohar – Maari Laganino’, a book containing a compilation of his favourite poems and verses collected over the last many years. The book was released at a function organised by Image Publications at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan on August 12. The book was released by famous Poet & Ghazalkar Shri Khalil Dhantejvi, while others on the dais included Dr Prakash Kothari, Poet & Orator/Compere Shri Ankit Trivedi, Poet & Orator Shri Suren Thakkar (‘Mehul’), Writer Utpalbhayani, Kanubhai and his son Sanjay K.Shah.

A number of Kanubhai's wellwishers, family members and other close associates were present on the occasion.

Writing in the book, Kanubhai, who is well known for his prowess in reciting appropriate poems, ghazals etc at different social occasions, said that the present compilation is a reflection of his emotional journey over the last five decades. He was attracted to poems and ghazals in his early days when he understood that just a couple of lines carry such intense and immense meaning, convey deep messages, and spur the imagination to see a larger story in such an effective manner!

In this process he got attracted to and began following the literature of different poets. He started noting down lines and stanzas in which he found something that touched him personally each time he heard or read the creations of various poets & ghazalkars and felt the powerful impact of those few lines. He collected a vast bank of such verses that have helped him in the many different phases of his life, some retained in his memory and others jotted down in his diary. He would quote or present something relevant to the mood at different times to various groups of friends and admirers. Often family and friends have requested him to publish a book like this, and taking inspiration from his wife Late Smt. Indiraben, and with help from many, including Late Shri Suresh Dalal, Dr  Prakash Kothari, Shri Ankit Trivedi, Shri Suren Thakkar (‘Mehul’), Utpal Bhayani , Hiten Anandpara and Apoorva Asar of Image Publications and many others, he finally brought out the volume.

‘Gulmohar’ contains many different types of poems and verses, including extracts from the verses in the letters he wrote to this wife just before their marriage many decades ago when he was in then Calcutta and she was in Madras. Besides, there are many others that reflect his varied emotions, his literary journey and his travels as part of his business.

Kanubhai notes that the journey doesn't end here, and his quest for poems & ghazals will remain never ending. His select work & select extracts would be endeared & cherished by admirers of this form of literature for years to come! He says that 'Gulmohar' and the verses and poems in it are being specially presented to his many friends and well wishers as part of his inheritance -- "Till yesterday it was mine, but from now it is also  for all of  you!".