Manisha Gala

Born, brought up and living in Mumbai, Manisha Gala is an eminent Jainism scholar and an award winner Gujarati novelist. Being a member of a Jain family, learning, understanding and following values of Jainism were a part of her upbringing. Reading the books of Jain stories and preaching of Jain monks was her favourite pastime during childhood. Knowing the importance of academics and career, Manisha procured a Bachelor’s degree in science with physics as a major, followed by a diploma in computer studies. She then took up a full time job as a head software programmer. Marriage and the birth of her first son in 1996 demanded a break from work and switch to the role of a homemaker. All this while her study of Jainism continued. In 2004, a new career opportunity arose of running a children’s weekly newspaper in English. Manisha became the publisher and editor of Navneet NewsHouse. After successfully running the newspaper for seven years, once again the family needed Manisha to be at home. This happened to be another turning point in her life. Manisha was requested to translate a book on advanced karma theory of Jainism, from Gujarati to English. She wasn’t sure, but Acharya Shri Mulchandji Swami was confident about her competency in language and Jainism. With his blessings and guidance, Manisha Gala successfully completed the translation work. Although that work never got published, it opened a new writing career for Manisha. It gave her the confidence to write a Gujarati novel. Meanwhile, she also joined a creative writing course at Xavier’s college (Mumbai) and polished her writing skills. Presently, Manisha Gala is a published author of three Gujarati novels and one book on Jainism. Her first novel ‘Facebook mana Chahera’ bagged the second prize from Gujarat Sahitya Academy, under the ‘Best Novel’ category (year 2016). ‘Jainism: Life Science’ was her fourth book, and the first one written in English. ‘Jainism: FAQs’ is her second published book on Jainism, with many more in the making.