Manilal's best-known poem, the ghazal "Amar Asha" (Eternal hope), was reviewed by Mahatma Gandhi, who published it in his magazine, Indian Opinion, in South Africa.

In 1959, Gujarati writer Dhirubhai Thaker published the third edition of the book, which included another 10 previously unpublished poems taken from Manilal's handwritten diary.

[1] Poetry is the finest essence of our otherwise gross nature; it is the fire that purifies our thoughts and sublimates our feelings; it is the collyrium that enables us to blend the past and future with the present.

Manilal's poetic ideal was influenced by his association with Gujarati writer and poet Narmad, and also by his own philosophical outlook and study of English poetry.

Of these, according to Dhirubhai Thaker, "Gagane aaj premni zalak chhai re" (Glimpses of love cover the sky today), "Drig ras bhar more dil chhai rahi" (Lovely eyes pervade my heart), "Udi ja tu gafel gabhara" (Fly away, you gullible weakling!

"[2] Thaker considers that Manilal's contribution to modern Gujarati poetry lies in the touch of philosophical seriousness he brings to it through Atmanimajjan.

However, the few pieces he has left are appreciated by lovers of poetry on account of their romantic mood, philosophical content and variety of poetic forms.

[2]In his poems "Upahar" (Gift) and "Janmadivas" (Birthday), to express his poetic thoughts and feelings Manilal experiments with prithvi, a meter from Sanskrit prosody.

[3] Atmanimajjan contains 12 ghazals,[3] among which the critics Chimanlal Trivedi, Vijayray Vaidya, and Thaker identify "Kismat" (Destiny), "Anandormi", "Jame Ishq" (Cup of love), "Aha!