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{{short description|Indian writer and journalist (born 1971)}} | {{short description|Indian writer and journalist (born 1971)}} | ||
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| name = Salil Gewali | | name = Salil Gewali | ||
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| notablework = ''Great Minds on India'' | | notablework = ''Great Minds on India (1998)'', ''Know Your India (2022)'' | ||
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'''Salil Gewali''' (born 21 January 1971) is an Indian | '''Salil Gewali''' (born 21 January 1971) is an Indian [[research]]er, writer and [[journalist]]. He is a writer of 18 books, including school textbooks.<ref>{{cite web |title=Salil Gewali |url=https://www.newsbharati.com/authors/Salil_Gewali.html |website=www.newsbharati.com |access-date=11 May 2021 |language=en}}</ref> He is best known for the [[publication]] of the book ''Great Minds on India''. The outcome of an extensive research spanning over two decades, the title by Gewali has been translated into fifteen languages.<ref>{{cite news |title=CM releases German edition of Salil Gewali's "Great Minds of India" |url= https://themeghalayan.com/cm-releases-german-edition-of-salil-gewalis-great-minds-of-india/ |date=11 November 2022}}</ref> | ||
== Early life and education== | ==Early life and education== | ||
Gewali was born in [[Shillong]], [[Meghalaya]] in 1971 | Gewali was born in [[Shillong]], [[Meghalaya]] in 1971 to Krishna Parsad Gewali and Bharati Gewali. His father was a scholar of ancient scriptures and also a writer. Salil Gewali passed his School Leaving Certificate examination from Mawprem Modern High School in 1986 and joined St. Anthony's College, Shillong, Meghalaya for further studies.{{fact|date=November 2025}} | ||
==Literary career== | ==Literary career== | ||
Gewali started his career as a freelance writer in late 1980s. Gewali is credited with several articles on social menaces, such as drug abuse, alcoholism and social media addiction among youths discussing how they have adversely affected society at large. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsgram.com/general/2020/10/05/the-rise-of-drug-addiction-among-youth |title = The Rise of Drug Addiction Among Youth |date = 5 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsbharati.com/Encyc/2018/7/18/Drug-menace-taking-a-heavy-toll-on-modern-society.amp.html |title = Drug menace taking a heavy toll on modern society |date = 18 July 2018}}</ref> He has prolifically written to raise awareness about the environmental fallout due to excessive exploitation of the | Gewali started his career as a freelance writer in late 1980s. Gewali is credited with several articles on social menaces, such as drug abuse, alcoholism and social media addiction among youths discussing how they have adversely affected society at large.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsgram.com/general/2020/10/05/the-rise-of-drug-addiction-among-youth |title = The Rise of Drug Addiction Among Youth |date = 5 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsbharati.com/Encyc/2018/7/18/Drug-menace-taking-a-heavy-toll-on-modern-society.amp.html |title = Drug menace taking a heavy toll on modern society |date = 18 July 2018}}</ref> He has prolifically written to raise awareness about the environmental fallout due to excessive exploitation of the Earth's crust and greenhouse gas emissions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsbharati.com/Encyc/2018/7/18/Drug-menace-taking-a-heavy-toll-on-modern-society.amp.html |title = Opinion I Mega oil palm plantations may upset the environment |date = 6 September 2021}}</ref> His articles and letters appear in several local, national and international newspapers and magazines.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bio-Profile of Salil Gewali |url= https://www.worldhindunews.com/bio-profile-of-salil-gewali/ |website=World Hindu News |access-date=11 May 2021 |date=7 August 2014}}</ref> | ||
From an early age, Gewali was inspired to study various ancient texts, and the philosophy of Vedanta and the Bhagavad Gita fascinated him the most.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldhindunews.com/western-greats-awestruck-by-indian-wisdom-sandhya-regmi-vietnam/ |title = Western greats awestruck by Indian wisdom – Sandhya Regmi (Vietnam) |date = 3 October 2015}}</ref> Gewali was convinced from early age that world-renowned [[Quantum mechanics|Quantum physicists]] including [[Erwin Schrödinger]], [[Niels Bohr]], [[J. Robert Oppenheimer|Julius Oppenheimer]], [[Werner Heisenberg]], and [[Brian David Josephson]]; and also front-ranking philosophers of the modern times including [[Voltaire]], [[Johann Wolfgang von Goethe|Johann Goethe]], [[Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel|Hegel]], [[Ralph Waldo Emerson]] and [[Henry David Thoreau|Henry Thoreau]] had obtained ideas for their researches and writings from the [[Indian literature|ancient Indian literature]]. Gewali had undertaken his research from this belief and it also greatly influenced writing of his book ''Great Minds on India''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Indian Author launches book highlighting Glory of India, gets support from NASA {{sic|Cheif|nolink=yes}} Scientist |first=Mrityunjay |last=Chaubey |url=https://www.theyouth.in/2019/07/11/indian-author-launches-book-highlighting-glory-of-india-gets-support-from-nasa-cheif-scientist/ |access-date=2022-12-05 |work=The Youth |date=11 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112213744/https://www.theyouth.in/2019/07/11/indian-author-launches-book-highlighting-glory-of-india-gets-support-from-nasa-cheif-scientist/|archive-date=12 January 2021}}</ref> | |||
Gewali is also an India correspondent for Davidvance media of London, UK.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://davidvance.net/in-honor-of-salil-gewali-great-minds-on-india/| title = In Honor of Salil Gewali's Great Minds on India |date = 3 April 2023}}</ref> He is appointed as a volunteer of ''International Human Rights Commission'', Zürich, Switzerland in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/lessons-from-ghastly-murder-of-shraddha-walker/|title = Lessons from ghastly murder of shraddha walker |date = 3 December 2022}}</ref> | |||
=== ''Great Minds on India'' === | |||
{{ISBN|978-81-920846-0-2}} | |||
Gewali published his book entitled ''Great Minds on India'' from [[Penguin Books]] in 2013. The first edition of the book was published in Xerox format in 1998 and the regular print was published in 2009 which was formally launched by the Governor of Meghalaya – [[Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsgram.com/general/2018/06/12/documentary-on-great-minds-on-india-launched |title = Documentary on ''Great Minds on India'' Launched |date = 12 June 2018}}</ref> Later, the book was translated in fifteen languages including German, Urdu, Arabic, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati and Nepali.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://thenortheastaffairs.com/urdu-edition-of-great-minds-of-india-released-by-assam-guv/|title=Urdu edition of 'Great Minds of India' released by Assam Guv book released|date=14 June 2023|publisher=}}</ref> It is a collection of the thoughts and quotes of world-renowned personalities on India's cultural heritage and ancient wisdom.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2W4WooQGUkMC&q=Salil+Gewali|title=''Great Minds on India''|last=Gewali|first=Salil|date=2013-02-15|publisher=Penguin UK|isbn=9788184759266|language=en}}</ref> It is edited by a former NASA scientist – Prof A.V. Murali of [[Houston, USA]] and prefaced by a [[NASA]] Chief scientist – Dr. Kamlesh Lulla of [[Texas, USA]]. The book was launched by the respective [[Government of Gujarat]], Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Meghalaya.{{fact|date=November 2025}} | |||
The Bengali version of the book was released on 5 July 2019, by the Governor of West Bengal [[Keshari Nath Tripathi]] at Raj Bhavan in Kolkata. The book has been translated by Dr RN Das and edited by Prof. Nirmal Maity of Kolkata.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.millenniumpost.in/features/governor-of-west-bengal-releases-book-on-rich-indian-civilisation-362230|title=Governor of West Bengal releases book on 'Rich Indian civilisation'|last=MP|first=Team|date=2019-07-08|website=www.millenniumpost.in|language=en|access-date=2019-07-23}}</ref> | |||
The German edition of ''Great Minds on India'' has been translated by Caroline Hagen of [[Cologne|Cologne, Germany]]. | |||
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theshillongtimes.com/2019/12/17/book-by-city-based-author-to-be-translated-into-german/|title = Book by city-based author to be translated into German|date = 17 December 2019}}</ref> In 2022 the German edition of ''Great Minds on India'' was released by the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, [[Conrad Sangma]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hubnetwork.in/meghalaya-cm-releases-german-edition-of-great-minds-on-india/|title = Meghalaya CM releases German edition of ''Great Minds on India''|date = 10 November 2022}}</ref> On 9 December 2022, the Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh and the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, jointly released the Manipuri edition of Gewali's book in Manipur.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://highlandpost.com/shillong-author-releases-manipuri-edition-of-book/ |title = Shillong author releases Manipuri edition of book |date = 13 December 2022}}</ref> The Urdu edition has been translated by Dr. Syed Hussain, edited by Abdul Khalique and published by a Muslim organisation, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Foundation of [[Howrah|Howrah, West Bengal]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theshillongtimes.com/2022/03/21/city-authors-book-translated-in-urdu/|title = City author's book translated in Urdu |date = 21 March 2022}}</ref> The Urdu edition was released by the Governor of Assam, [[Gulab Chand Kataria]] on 13 June 2023, at Raj Bhavan, Guwahati.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenortheastjournal.com/urdu-edition-of-acclaimed-book-great-minds-on-india-by-salil-gewali-released-by-assam-governor/?fbclid=IwAR0GnFHKTgwDnCXga-zfJOhBwdbH5MeRrjRRvi2XtKx3XUIsDHg0UjkvC1U|title=Urdu edition of acclaimed book 'Great Minds on India' by Salil Gewali released by Assam Governor|date=19 June 2023|access-date=23 June 2023|archive-date=23 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623164053/https://thenortheastjournal.com/urdu-edition-of-acclaimed-book-great-minds-on-india-by-salil-gewali-released-by-assam-governor/?fbclid=IwAR0GnFHKTgwDnCXga-zfJOhBwdbH5MeRrjRRvi2XtKx3XUIsDHg0UjkvC1U|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
==== Arabic edition ==== | |||
On 4 October 2024, the Arabic edition of ''Great Minds on India'' was officially launched in Doha, Qatar, at a literary event hosted by ''Anjuman Muhibban-E-Urdu-Hind'' in the presence of eminent writers, media journalists, and filmmakers from Qatar, Pakistan, and India. The Arabic translation was carried out by Prof. Mohammed Ramzan Ali Miya, a noted writer from Doha, while the edition was edited by Hamdan Bin Rashid of Madrid, Spain. Prior to this, the book was also released in Dubai by renowned business magnate and philanthropist Dr. Bu Abdullah. The title was published by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Foundation, Howrah, West Bengal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenortheastaffairs.com/northeast-indian-book-launched-in-doha-and-dubai/ |title = Northeast Indian book launched in Doha and Dubai |date = 7 October 2024}}</ref> | |||
==== Punjabi edition ==== | |||
On 7 April 2025, the Punjabi edition of ''Great Minds on India'' was launched in Patiala, Punjab, by eminent poet and writer Jaswant Singh Zafar, who also serves as the Director of the Language Department, Government of Punjab. The book was translated from its original English version to Punjabi by Assistant Director Shri Aalok Chawla of the Language Department, featuring a foreword by former Director Dr. Veerpal Kaur.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hillpost.in/2025/04/punjabi-edition-of-great-minds-on-india-launched-in-patiala/166406/|title = Punjabi Edition of ‘Great Minds on India’ Launched in Patiala |date = 9 April 2025}}</ref> | |||
Governments of Karnataka and Assam have also consented to translate ''Great Minds on India'' into their respective states' official languages such as— Kannada and Assamese.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theshillongtimes.com/2021/10/27/assam-to-translate-city-authors-book/|title = Assam to translate city author's book |date = 27 October 2021}}</ref> The book has also been prescribed by some schools in India and academic institutes run by NRIs in Virginia, USA.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://davidvance.net/in-honor-of-salil-gewali-great-minds-on-india/|title = In Honor of Salil Gewali's Great Minds on India |date = 3 April 2023}}</ref> | |||
=== Reception === | |||
In 2019, the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, acquired ''Great Minds on India'' for placement in embassy libraries worldwide, acknowledging its role in showcasing India's philosophical and cultural legacy to global audiences.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://meghalayamonitor.com/ekta-mahila-samiti-honours-salil-gewali-for-literary-contributions/|title=ekta mahila samiti honours salil gewali for literary contributions |date=21 June 2024|publisher=}}</ref> <br> | |||
NASA Chief Scientist and Director Dr. Kamlesh Lulla of Houston comments on the book: <br> | |||
''"Once in a while, a rare and thoughtful publication comes to life that transforms you, enlightens you, and enriches your knowledge. Mr. Salil Gewali's Great Minds on India is such a publication. Its timely arrival offers readers deep insights into India’s immense contributions to global thought, through the words of some of the world’s greatest minds." ''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://davidvance.net/nation-applauds-gewalis-efforts-to-showcase-indias-greatness/|title=Nation Applauds Gewali’s Efforts to Showcase India’s Greatness |date=3 July 2025|publisher=}}</ref> | |||
''Know Your India'' | === ''Know Your India'' === | ||
{{ISBN|978-81-955377-6-1}} | |||
''Know Your India'' is Gewali's other title published in 2022 which was released by the Chief Minister of Sikkim, [[Prem Singh Tamang]] in Gangtok. The forewords to the book were written by an eminent Lahore-born scholar from London – Khalid Umar and another scholar Linda Epton from Perth, Australia. ''Know Your India'' is a collection of articles that are essentially about the significance of the literary wisdom of ancient India and its relevance in modern times.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://meghalayamonitor.com/city-writers-book-released-by-sikkim-cm/|title=City writer's book released by Sikkim CM |date=25 July 2022|publisher=}}</ref> The book has been approved for use as a textbook for higher classes by Agrasain Balika Siksha Sadan, Howrah, West Bengal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://highlandpost.com/shillong-authors-book-approved-for-academic-use/|title = Shillong author's book approved for academic use |date = 25 March 2023}}</ref> | |||
Gewali has written a series of school textbooks that are prescribed by the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) of the Government of Meghalaya.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsbharati.com/authors/Salil_Gewali.html|title = About Salil Gewali }}</ref> Some of the titles have also been approved as reference books for the Meghalaya Teacher Eligibility Test (MTET).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jobriya.in/meghalaya-tet-syllabus-2021/ |title = Meghalaya TET Syllabus 2021 MTET Paper I & Paper II Exam Pattern |date = 2 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://megeducation.gov.in/dert/MTET%20Syllabus/2021/MTET%20Syllabus%20(2021)%20PAPER-II.pdf |title = MEGHALAYA TEACHER ELIGIBILITY TEST (MTET) | In June 2018, a short documentary on ''Great Minds on India'' was released by a Mumbai-based media house - Manthanhub.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsgram.com/documentary-on-great-minds-on-india-launched|title=Documentary on ''Great Minds on India'' Launched - NewsGram|date=12 June 2018|publisher=}}</ref> | ||
}}</ref> | |||
Gewali has written a series of school textbooks that are prescribed by the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) of the Government of Meghalaya.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsbharati.com/authors/Salil_Gewali.html|title = About Salil Gewali }}</ref> Some of the titles have also been approved as reference books for the Meghalaya Teacher Eligibility Test (MTET).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jobriya.in/meghalaya-tet-syllabus-2021/ |title = Meghalaya TET Syllabus 2021 MTET Paper I & Paper II Exam Pattern |date = 2 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://megeducation.gov.in/dert/MTET%20Syllabus/2021/MTET%20Syllabus%20(2021)%20PAPER-II.pdf |title=MEGHALAYA TEACHER ELIGIBILITY TEST (MTET) |access-date=6 January 2023 |archive-date=28 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128223310/http://www.megeducation.gov.in/dert/MTET%20Syllabus/2021/MTET%20Syllabus%20(2021)%20PAPER-II.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
=== ''Learn Hindi Learn Khasi'' === | |||
{{ISBN|978-93-591299-8-3}} | |||
''Learn Hindi Learn Khasi'' is Gewali's first book published in 1991. In 2014 the book was formally approved for use in secondary classes by the Meghalaya Board of School Education, Meghalaya. The book has its Garo edition entitled ''Learn Hindi Learn Garo''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://larseklund.in/Old.sasnet.lu.se-23.april/sasnet.lu.se/wwwroot/EASASpapers/26Gruessner.pdf|title = Khasi: a minority language of North –East India |date = 9 July 2004}}</ref> | |||
=== ''Awards and accolades'' === | |||
[[File:Gewali receives award.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Gewali receives ''"Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Rashtra Gaurav Samman Award"'' from the Governor of Assam, Gulab Chand Kataria, at Raj Bhavan, Guwahati.]] | |||
Gewali has been honored with numerous awards for his literary and creative works since his early school days. From 1980 to 1984, he received consecutive Ananda ''Sammelan Puraskars'' and ''Bhanu Awards'' for his self-composed poems and essay writing. In 2011, he was recognized with the Thomas Jones Award by the United Christian Writers' Association for his literary contributions and service rendered to the nation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theshillongtimes.com/2011/09/04/writing-a-powerful-means-of-communication/ |title = Writing a powerful means of communication |date = 13 June 2023}}</ref> On 13 June 2023, Gewali was honored with "Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Rashtra Gaurav Samman" by the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Foundation of Howrah, West Bengal, for his contributions to the nation. The award was formally presented to him by the Governor of Assam, [[Gulab Chand Kataria]], at Raj Bhavan, Guwahati.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eastmojo.com/assam/2023/06/16/assam-guv-releases-urdu-edition-of-book-great-minds-on-india/ |title = Assam Guv releases Urdu edition of book 'Great Minds on India' |date = 16 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiablooms.com/life-details/LIT/7332/assam-governor-releases-urdu-edition-of-great-minds-on-india-salil-gewali-honored-with-dr-apj-abdul-kalam-award.html |title = Assam Governor releases Urdu edition of 'Great Minds on India', Salil Gewali honored with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Award |date = 20 June 2023}}</ref> Gewali also received the ''Literary Excellence Award'' from the All Assam Gorkha Students' Union for his contributions to literature and the propagation of Indian culture and heritage on 25 December 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://meghalayamonitor.com/gewali-gets-literary-excellence-award/ |title = Gewali gets literary excellence award |date = 29 December 2023}}</ref> He was conferred the ''Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Rashtra Prem Samman'' award in June 2025 by the Mumbai-based youth organization, Yuva Heet Karini Sangh, in recognition of his patriotic service to the country through his research-based book and journalism.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theshillongtimes.com/2025/07/03/author-of-great-minds-on-india-feted-by-mumbai-youth-body/ |title = Author of Great Minds on India feted by Mumbai youth body |date = 3 July 2025}}</ref> In October 2025, the Meghalaya Bihari Yuva Munch honoured Gewali with the ''Matribhumi Seva Puraskar''.<ref>{{cite news |date=2025-11-01 |title=Matribhumi Seva Award to city writer |url=https://meghalayamonitor.com/matribhumi-seva-award-to-city-writer/ |access-date=2025-11-16 |work=Meghalaya Monitor}}</ref> | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
== External links == | ==External links== | ||
* [http://www.millenniumpost.in/features/governor-of-west-bengal-releases-book-on-rich-indian-civilisation-362230/ Book release by the West Bengal Governor]; ''Millennium Post'' | * [http://www.millenniumpost.in/features/governor-of-west-bengal-releases-book-on-rich-indian-civilisation-362230/ Book release by the West Bengal Governor]; ''Millennium Post'' | ||
* [https://theshillongtimes.com/2019/12/17/book-by-city-based-author-to-be-translated-into-german/ German translation] | * [https://theshillongtimes.com/2019/12/17/book-by-city-based-author-to-be-translated-into-german/ German translation] | ||
* [https://davidvance.net/in-honor-of-salil-gewali-great-minds-on-india/ In Honor of Salil Gewali’s Great Minds on India ] | |||
{{Authority control}} | {{Authority control}} | ||
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[[Category:Living people]] | [[Category:Living people]] | ||
[[Category:People from Shillong]] | [[Category:People from Shillong]] | ||
[[Category:English-language writers | [[Category:English-language Indian writers]] | ||
[[Category:1971 births]] | [[Category:1971 births]] | ||
Latest revision as of 06:09, 3 February 2026
Salil Gewali | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 21 January 1971 Shillong, Meghalaya, India |
| Occupation | Writer, publisher, and journalist |
| Genre | Philosophy, history |
| Notable work | Great Minds on India (1998), Know Your India (2022) |
| Years active | 1980–present |
| Spouse | Ganga Gewali |
Salil Gewali (born 21 January 1971) is an Indian researcher, writer and journalist. He is a writer of 18 books, including school textbooks.[1] He is best known for the publication of the book Great Minds on India. The outcome of an extensive research spanning over two decades, the title by Gewali has been translated into fifteen languages.[2]
Early life and education[edit | edit source]
Gewali was born in Shillong, Meghalaya in 1971 to Krishna Parsad Gewali and Bharati Gewali. His father was a scholar of ancient scriptures and also a writer. Salil Gewali passed his School Leaving Certificate examination from Mawprem Modern High School in 1986 and joined St. Anthony's College, Shillong, Meghalaya for further studies.[citation needed]
Literary career[edit | edit source]
Gewali started his career as a freelance writer in late 1980s. Gewali is credited with several articles on social menaces, such as drug abuse, alcoholism and social media addiction among youths discussing how they have adversely affected society at large.[3][4] He has prolifically written to raise awareness about the environmental fallout due to excessive exploitation of the Earth's crust and greenhouse gas emissions.[5] His articles and letters appear in several local, national and international newspapers and magazines.[6]
From an early age, Gewali was inspired to study various ancient texts, and the philosophy of Vedanta and the Bhagavad Gita fascinated him the most.[7] Gewali was convinced from early age that world-renowned Quantum physicists including Erwin Schrödinger, Niels Bohr, Julius Oppenheimer, Werner Heisenberg, and Brian David Josephson; and also front-ranking philosophers of the modern times including Voltaire, Johann Goethe, Hegel, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry Thoreau had obtained ideas for their researches and writings from the ancient Indian literature. Gewali had undertaken his research from this belief and it also greatly influenced writing of his book Great Minds on India.[8]
Gewali is also an India correspondent for Davidvance media of London, UK.[9] He is appointed as a volunteer of International Human Rights Commission, Zürich, Switzerland in 2022.[10]
Great Minds on India[edit | edit source]
Gewali published his book entitled Great Minds on India from Penguin Books in 2013. The first edition of the book was published in Xerox format in 1998 and the regular print was published in 2009 which was formally launched by the Governor of Meghalaya – Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary.[11] Later, the book was translated in fifteen languages including German, Urdu, Arabic, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati and Nepali.[12] It is a collection of the thoughts and quotes of world-renowned personalities on India's cultural heritage and ancient wisdom.[13] It is edited by a former NASA scientist – Prof A.V. Murali of Houston, USA and prefaced by a NASA Chief scientist – Dr. Kamlesh Lulla of Texas, USA. The book was launched by the respective Government of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Meghalaya.[citation needed]
The Bengali version of the book was released on 5 July 2019, by the Governor of West Bengal Keshari Nath Tripathi at Raj Bhavan in Kolkata. The book has been translated by Dr RN Das and edited by Prof. Nirmal Maity of Kolkata.[14] The German edition of Great Minds on India has been translated by Caroline Hagen of Cologne, Germany. [15] In 2022 the German edition of Great Minds on India was released by the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma.[16] On 9 December 2022, the Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh and the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, jointly released the Manipuri edition of Gewali's book in Manipur.[17] The Urdu edition has been translated by Dr. Syed Hussain, edited by Abdul Khalique and published by a Muslim organisation, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Foundation of Howrah, West Bengal.[18] The Urdu edition was released by the Governor of Assam, Gulab Chand Kataria on 13 June 2023, at Raj Bhavan, Guwahati.[19]
Arabic edition[edit | edit source]
On 4 October 2024, the Arabic edition of Great Minds on India was officially launched in Doha, Qatar, at a literary event hosted by Anjuman Muhibban-E-Urdu-Hind in the presence of eminent writers, media journalists, and filmmakers from Qatar, Pakistan, and India. The Arabic translation was carried out by Prof. Mohammed Ramzan Ali Miya, a noted writer from Doha, while the edition was edited by Hamdan Bin Rashid of Madrid, Spain. Prior to this, the book was also released in Dubai by renowned business magnate and philanthropist Dr. Bu Abdullah. The title was published by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Foundation, Howrah, West Bengal.[20]
Punjabi edition[edit | edit source]
On 7 April 2025, the Punjabi edition of Great Minds on India was launched in Patiala, Punjab, by eminent poet and writer Jaswant Singh Zafar, who also serves as the Director of the Language Department, Government of Punjab. The book was translated from its original English version to Punjabi by Assistant Director Shri Aalok Chawla of the Language Department, featuring a foreword by former Director Dr. Veerpal Kaur.[21]
Governments of Karnataka and Assam have also consented to translate Great Minds on India into their respective states' official languages such as— Kannada and Assamese.[22] The book has also been prescribed by some schools in India and academic institutes run by NRIs in Virginia, USA.[23]
Reception[edit | edit source]
In 2019, the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, acquired Great Minds on India for placement in embassy libraries worldwide, acknowledging its role in showcasing India's philosophical and cultural legacy to global audiences.[24]
NASA Chief Scientist and Director Dr. Kamlesh Lulla of Houston comments on the book:
"Once in a while, a rare and thoughtful publication comes to life that transforms you, enlightens you, and enriches your knowledge. Mr. Salil Gewali's Great Minds on India is such a publication. Its timely arrival offers readers deep insights into India’s immense contributions to global thought, through the words of some of the world’s greatest minds." [25]
Know Your India[edit | edit source]
Know Your India is Gewali's other title published in 2022 which was released by the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang in Gangtok. The forewords to the book were written by an eminent Lahore-born scholar from London – Khalid Umar and another scholar Linda Epton from Perth, Australia. Know Your India is a collection of articles that are essentially about the significance of the literary wisdom of ancient India and its relevance in modern times.[26] The book has been approved for use as a textbook for higher classes by Agrasain Balika Siksha Sadan, Howrah, West Bengal.[27]
In June 2018, a short documentary on Great Minds on India was released by a Mumbai-based media house - Manthanhub.[28]
Gewali has written a series of school textbooks that are prescribed by the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) of the Government of Meghalaya.[29] Some of the titles have also been approved as reference books for the Meghalaya Teacher Eligibility Test (MTET).[30][31]
Learn Hindi Learn Khasi[edit | edit source]
Learn Hindi Learn Khasi is Gewali's first book published in 1991. In 2014 the book was formally approved for use in secondary classes by the Meghalaya Board of School Education, Meghalaya. The book has its Garo edition entitled Learn Hindi Learn Garo.[32]
Awards and accolades[edit | edit source]
Gewali has been honored with numerous awards for his literary and creative works since his early school days. From 1980 to 1984, he received consecutive Ananda Sammelan Puraskars and Bhanu Awards for his self-composed poems and essay writing. In 2011, he was recognized with the Thomas Jones Award by the United Christian Writers' Association for his literary contributions and service rendered to the nation.[33] On 13 June 2023, Gewali was honored with "Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Rashtra Gaurav Samman" by the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Foundation of Howrah, West Bengal, for his contributions to the nation. The award was formally presented to him by the Governor of Assam, Gulab Chand Kataria, at Raj Bhavan, Guwahati.[34][35] Gewali also received the Literary Excellence Award from the All Assam Gorkha Students' Union for his contributions to literature and the propagation of Indian culture and heritage on 25 December 2023.[36] He was conferred the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Rashtra Prem Samman award in June 2025 by the Mumbai-based youth organization, Yuva Heet Karini Sangh, in recognition of his patriotic service to the country through his research-based book and journalism.[37] In October 2025, the Meghalaya Bihari Yuva Munch honoured Gewali with the Matribhumi Seva Puraskar.[38]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "Salil Gewali". www.newsbharati.com. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
- ↑ "CM releases German edition of Salil Gewali's "Great Minds of India"". 11 November 2022.
- ↑ "The Rise of Drug Addiction Among Youth". 5 October 2020.
- ↑ "Drug menace taking a heavy toll on modern society". 18 July 2018.
- ↑ "Opinion I Mega oil palm plantations may upset the environment". 6 September 2021.
- ↑ "Bio-Profile of Salil Gewali". World Hindu News. 7 August 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
- ↑ "Western greats awestruck by Indian wisdom – Sandhya Regmi (Vietnam)". 3 October 2015.
- ↑ Chaubey, Mrityunjay (11 July 2019). "Indian Author launches book highlighting Glory of India, gets support from NASA Cheif [sic] Scientist". The Youth. Archived from the original on 12 January 2021. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
- ↑ "In Honor of Salil Gewali's Great Minds on India". 3 April 2023.
- ↑ "Lessons from ghastly murder of shraddha walker". 3 December 2022.
- ↑ "Documentary on Great Minds on India Launched". 12 June 2018.
- ↑ "Urdu edition of 'Great Minds of India' released by Assam Guv book released". 14 June 2023.
- ↑ Gewali, Salil (15 February 2013). Great Minds on India. Penguin UK. ISBN 9788184759266.
- ↑ MP, Team (8 July 2019). "Governor of West Bengal releases book on 'Rich Indian civilisation'". www.millenniumpost.in. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
- ↑ "Book by city-based author to be translated into German". 17 December 2019.
- ↑ "Meghalaya CM releases German edition of Great Minds on India". 10 November 2022.
- ↑ "Shillong author releases Manipuri edition of book". 13 December 2022.
- ↑ "City author's book translated in Urdu". 21 March 2022.
- ↑ "Urdu edition of acclaimed book 'Great Minds on India' by Salil Gewali released by Assam Governor". 19 June 2023. Archived from the original on 23 June 2023. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
- ↑ "Northeast Indian book launched in Doha and Dubai". 7 October 2024.
- ↑ "Punjabi Edition of 'Great Minds on India' Launched in Patiala". 9 April 2025.
- ↑ "Assam to translate city author's book". 27 October 2021.
- ↑ "In Honor of Salil Gewali's Great Minds on India". 3 April 2023.
- ↑ "ekta mahila samiti honours salil gewali for literary contributions". 21 June 2024.
- ↑ "Nation Applauds Gewali's Efforts to Showcase India's Greatness". 3 July 2025.
- ↑ "City writer's book released by Sikkim CM". 25 July 2022.
- ↑ "Shillong author's book approved for academic use". 25 March 2023.
- ↑ "Documentary on Great Minds on India Launched - NewsGram". 12 June 2018.
- ↑ "About Salil Gewali".
- ↑ "Meghalaya TET Syllabus 2021 MTET Paper I & Paper II Exam Pattern". 2 October 2021.
- ↑ "MEGHALAYA TEACHER ELIGIBILITY TEST (MTET)" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
- ↑ "Khasi: a minority language of North –East India" (PDF). 9 July 2004.
- ↑ "Writing a powerful means of communication". 13 June 2023.
- ↑ "Assam Guv releases Urdu edition of book 'Great Minds on India'". 16 June 2023.
- ↑ "Assam Governor releases Urdu edition of 'Great Minds on India', Salil Gewali honored with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Award". 20 June 2023.
- ↑ "Gewali gets literary excellence award". 29 December 2023.
- ↑ "Author of Great Minds on India feted by Mumbai youth body". 3 July 2025.
- ↑ "Matribhumi Seva Award to city writer". Meghalaya Monitor. 1 November 2025. Retrieved 16 November 2025.