Renowned Gujarati poet, lyricist, and essayist Anil Joshi is known for his poignant and sensitive compositions like ‘Mari koi dalkhima paandada nathi, mane paankharni beek na batavo!’  (I don’t have leaves on any branches, don’t show me the fear of autumn!) passed away at the age of 84 on Wednesday morning in Mumbai. His last rites were performed in Mumbai.  

After spending two weeks in the hospital, he returned home, where he passed away. However, until his last moments, he remained active on social media. His son and daughter announced his demise through social media posts.  

Joshi, who received the Sahitya Akademi Award for his essay collection Statue, was born on July 28, 1940, in Gondal. Known as a poet and essayist, he completed his B A in Gujarati and Sanskrit from H K Arts College, Ahmedabad, in 1964. 

From 1962 to 1969, he worked as a Gujarati teacher in schools in Himatnagar and Amreli. Later, he joined the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Language Development Project as a Gujarati language advisor, a position specially created for him. Interestingly, after his retirement, the position was abolished.  

Considered a significant poet of the 1970s-80s, his poetry collections include Kadach and Barafna Pankhi.

His collection of philosophical writings, Rang Sang Kiratar and his short story collection, Anil Joshini Ketlik Vartao are also well-known. His essay collection Statue gained immense popularity. Additionally, his autobiography Transdi Upadi Seth reflects his candid writing style.  

Joshi was highly active on social media and expressed his thoughts fearlessly. He was associated with the modernist literary movement Re Math in Gujarati literature. 

He shared a deep friendship with the late Ramesh Parekh, and their camaraderie is well-remembered. Just two days before his passing, he had posted on social media, “Standing under the open skies, after being in the ICU for almost two weeks.”