Pune: The upcoming 99th all-India Marathi literary meet in Satara holds special historical significance. Satara’s Yamai Shriniwas School, run by the Aundh Shikshan Mandal in Aundh, a town in the district, has the rare distinction of nurturing five stalwarts who have presided over this prestigious literary conclave. Among them were the celebrated Madgulkar brothers—Gajanan Digambar Madgulkar (GaDiMa) and Vyankatesh Madgulkar—whose contributions to poetry, film, and prose have enriched Marathi literature. Eminent historian and writer Shankarrao Kharat, renowned novelist NS Inamdar, and Bhavanrao Pantapratinidhi, a visionary who established a vast museum of cultural artefacts are the others. Experts said their journey from a modest school in Satara to the highest literary stage is testament to the region’s rich educational and cultural heritage. Their achievements not only brought glory to Satara but also highlighted the transformative power of education and culture in shaping thinkers.GaDiMa, often hailed as a “modern Valmiki,” left an indelible mark through his poetry, songs, and film lyrics, becoming president of the 44th meet. His younger brother Vyankatesh, popular for his realistic short stories capturing rural life, presided over the 57th meet at Ambajogai. Their rise from the classrooms of Satara to national literary acclaim remains unmatched, as they are the only siblings to be the sammelan’s president.Bhavanrao Pantapratinidhi, the sammelan’s 21st president, made significant contribution to literature and culture. Kharat, a noted writer and historian, presided over the 58th meet. A strong voice against caste oppression, his writings continue to resonate with themes of social justice and equality.Vinod Kul, organiser of this year’s meet said, “Satara district revived the interrupted tradition of the literary event. The meet’s 99-year journey cannot be written without mentioning Satara. This event will create history.”Inamdar, who became president of the 70th meet, is remembered for his celebrated historical novels, including Jhunza, Rau, Shahenshah, Rajshree, and Shikasta. Rau, based on the love story of Bajirao and Mastani, went on to inspire the film Bajirao Mastani, bringing his vision to a global audience.Milind Joshi, president of All-India Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal, said, “That one school gave five brilliant presidents to the sammelan is a matter of immense pride. The Madgulkar brothers and Kharat were born in drought-prone areas and grew up in difficult circumstances. Yet, they proved through their literary works that where there is drought in the soil, there is often abundance in talent.”Joshi added that the selection of noted novelist Vishwas Patil whose works are deeply connected with the history of Satara as the president of this sammelan has added to its grandeur. “It will be an unprecedented gathering of eminent writers and thinkers,” he said. Sanjay Jagannath Nikam, joint secretary of Aundh Shikshan Mandal, said the meet is the greatest festival of the Marathi language and literature and in the minds of society, the president is the intellectual leader of Maharashtra, and therefore the position is one of immense honour. “People look forward to the president’s address with great hope. As Satara prepares to host the literary meet once again, this history serves as a reminder that great institutions can inspire generations, and that literature, rooted in local soil, can reach the heights of universal significance,” he added.
