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After 32 years, Satara to host Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan
The last time the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan was held in Satara, the Babri Masjid had just been demolished, and the country was in turmoil. There was also a movement to rename Marathwada University as Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar University. This was the 66th edition of the Sammelan, and the eminent playwright Vidyadhar Gokhale was the chairman.
'It is customary for the president of a Sammelan to reflect on pressing concerns of the country in their speeches, and these were the two major issues,' says Prof Milind Joshi, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal.
The Mahamandal has announced that the forthcoming 99th edition of the Sammelan will be held in Satara. This unanimous decision was made during a meeting of the All-India Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal in Pune. 'The meeting was attended by Vice President Guruyya Swami, Executive Officer Sunitaraje Pawar, Treasurer Vinod Kulkarni, and representatives from all associated, affiliated, and constituent institutions,' said Prof Joshi.
The Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan is an annual conference by and for Marathi literary figures. The first edition was held in 1878, when Mahadev Govind Ranade—a social reformer, writer, and judge—was the chairman. Since then, the event has been one of the most important platforms for discussions and debates in the Marathi language. The 98th Sammelan was held in February this year in Delhi and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Shahupuri branch of the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad and the Mavala Foundation will be responsible for the event. They had been trying to host the event for 12 years. Satara has hosted the Sammelan twice before: in 1905, with the venerable Raghunath Karandikar at the helm, and in 1962, when N V Gadgil was the head. That was the 44th edition of the meet. 'Our Shahupuri branch has played an active role in gaining classical language status for Marathi,' said Prof Joshi.
Others who wished to host the event included Sadanand Sahitya Mandal (Audumbar), the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad Ichalkaranji Branch, and the Dakshin Maharashtra Sahitya Sabha (Kolhapur). Satara was selected after the committee in charge of selection visited all applicant organisations.
The Sammelan will return to its 1993 venue, Chhatrapati Shahu Stadium, which can host 25,000 people across 14 acres. Among the architectural highlights of the address will be the main pavilion, two other pavilions, space for a major book exhibition, and sites for poetry and ghazal renditions. Food will also be available at the venue. 'The venue is within walking distance from the Satara bus stand and centrally located, ensuring easy access for local and visiting literary enthusiasts. Behind the stadium lies an 8-acre police parade ground, which will be used for parking,' said Prof Joshi.
Dipanita Nath is interested in the climate crisis and sustainability. She has written extensively on social trends, heritage, theatre and startups. She has worked with major news organizations such as Hindustan Times, The Times of India and Mint. ... Read More
