Mumbai: The University of Mumbai on Thursday conferred this year’s A.K. Priyolkar Award upon veteran researcher, playwright, writer, and critic Dr. Datta Bhagat as part of the Marathi Language Pride Day celebrations. The award recognises Dr. Bhagat’s immense contribution to Marathi literature, particularly in the realm of socially conscious theatre and literary criticism.
The award was presented at a special ceremony held at the Kusumagraj Marathi Language and Literature Bhavan at the university’s Vidyanagari campus. The event, graced by eminent scholars and literary figures, also included the felicitation of other distinguished individuals for their contributions to Marathi language and literature.
Dr. Bhagat, an acclaimed playwright known for works such as Wata-Palwata, Aavart, Ashmak, Kheliya, and Jahaj Futla, has been instrumental in using theatre as a medium to highlight social issues. Expressing his gratitude upon receiving the award, he remarked that Marathi Language Pride Day is not only a celebration of the language but also an occasion to reflect on linguistic freedom and cultural identity.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Ramdas Bhatkal spoke on The Nature and Evolution of the Marathi Language, emphasising the importance of linguistic diversity and decentralisation in education and culture.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mumbai, Prof. Ravindra Kulkarni, outlined plans to promote Indian languages through the university’s newly established Indian Language Promotion and Dissemination Centre. This initiative aims to translate classic Marathi literary works into other languages while also making prominent literary works from different languages accessible to Marathi readers.
In addition to the A.K. Priyolkar Award, the Best Research Paper Award was presented to Dr. Neha Sawant for her research: A Critical Study of Literature in Kupari Dialect. The university also introduced the Rajkavi Bhaskarrao Tambe Award, honouring the highest-scoring student in the Marathi department, which was conferred upon Nikhil Bagde.
The celebrations also included ‘Abhivyakti: A Festival of Our Beloved Marathi’, a series of competitions such as self-composed poetry recitation, elocution, essay writing, and dramatic readings. Students from various affiliated colleges participated in the event, reflecting the vibrant engagement with the Marathi language.
