Latest news with #VidarbhaSahityaSangh
Time of India
27-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
‘Translating Chitampalli's work will bring wider recognition he deserves'
Nagpur: Padma Shri Maruti Chitampalli, fondly known as Aranya Rishi, and revered for bringing Maharashtra's forests alive through his words, was paid heartfelt tributes in Nagpur on Friday. The condolence meeting organised by Vidarbha Sahitya Sangh (VSS) at Ameya Hall turned into an emotional homage, with speakers unanimously describing Chitampalli as a literary figure of global calibre whose legacy deserves to transcend linguistic boundaries. VSS president Pradeep Date presided over the meeting. On stage were prominent editors and personalities, including Shrimant Mane (editor, Lokmat), Shailesh Pande (editor, Tarun Bharat), Shripad Aparajit (editor, Maharashtra Times), Pramod Kalbande (editor, Sakal), ornithologist Dr Anil Pimpalapure, retired forest officer Kishor Mishrikotkar, and former information officer Anil Gadekar. Speakers drew comparisons between Chitampalli's writing and world-renowned nature writers like American naturalist Henry David Thoreau and English author Ruskin Bond. Yet, as many pointed out, while Chitampalli's works are of international standard, they have remained 'local' purely because they are available only in Marathi. "Translating at least ten of his select works into other languages would be the truest tribute we can pay him," several speakers suggested. Dr Anil Pimpalapure described Chitampalli as a writer with extraordinary observational skills and gentle, nuanced prose. "He worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between environmental science and society," he said. He proposed naming the Ambazari Biodiversity Park in Nagpur after Chitampalli as a fitting tribute. Retired forest officer Kishor Mishrikotkar reflected on Chitampalli's unique ability to teach people how to 'walk through and read the forest'. "If you want to understand the jungle, you must walk through it on foot. He taught us how to write in a simple, scientific, and evidence-based manner," Mishrikotkar said. He proposed naming the Navegaon Tiger Project after Chitampalli, instituting an award in his name, and establishing a memorial at Navegaon, his karmabhoomi. Shripad Aparajit called Chitampalli a true 'Vansakha' — a friend of the forest — and emphasised that compiling a comprehensive collection of his writings would be the ideal homage. Shrimant Mane highlighted Chitampalli's pioneering concepts like jungle reading and forest reading and credited him for bringing medicinal uses of trees to public awareness. Pramod Kalbande said Chitampalli's work helped people understand forests, birds, animals, and ecological intricacies, calling for more scientific study of his writings. Shailesh Pande observed that Chitampalli lived as an integral part of the forest ecosystem. In his presidential remarks, Pradeep Date said Chitampalli carved a 'green path' in Marathi literature through his intimate connection with nature. In his introductory address, Anil Gadekar traced Chitampalli's remarkable journey, recalling how Vidarbha embraced his literature and how VSS once honoured him by naming him the president of its literary convention. The condolence meet saw participation from various literary and environmental personalities, including Vilas Manekar, Dr Pinak Dande, Ashutosh Shewalkar, Prakash Edlabadkar, and Teerthraj Kapgate.
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Powerful solo play on Ahilyabai Holkar enthralls audience
1 2 Nagpur: A captivating solo theatrical performance titled 'Punyashlok Devi Ahilyabai' was staged in the city on Friday, drawing an enthusiastic response from the audience. The event, organised by Vidarbha Sahitya Sangh (VSS) to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, featured a powerful enactment by noted theatre artist Dr Deepali Ghonge. Through expressive narration and graceful stage presence, Dr Ghonge vividly portrayed the life and legacy of the legendary queen — from her personal struggles to her enlightened political decisions. She skilfully highlighted how Ahilyabai embodied the synergy of spirituality and governance, and how she overcame personal tragedies, including the death of her husband Khanderao Holkar, to emerge as a just and visionary ruler. The play was written, directed, and performed by Dr Ghonge herself, with a special focus on educating the youth about Ahilyabai's inspiring life. She also stages this performance in schools and colleges to create awareness through edutainment. The evening began with a prayer and ceremonial lamp lighting. Vidarbha Sahitya Sangh president Pradeep Date chaired the event, with general secretary Vilas Manekar, vice president Dr Rajendra Dolke, and library head Dr Vivek Aloni in attendance. Dr Aloni also conducted the proceedings. Following the performance, Dr Ghonge was felicitated with a memento by Date and Manekar in appreciation of her stirring portrayal.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Poetry blooms as ‘Kavya Vasant' celebrates the spirit of spring
Nagpur: Vidarbha Sahitya Sangh 's Ameya Hall came alive on Friday evening with the fragrance of spring — not through blossoms, but through verses. In a heartfelt celebration titled, ' Kavya Vasant ', poets and poetry lovers gathered to explore and express the enchanting moods of spring. Organised by VSS, the event was a poetic springtime festival based on Vasant — the season of renewal. VSS president Pradeep Date, general secretary Vilas Manekar, Rajendra Dolke, Prakash Edlabadkar, library director, Prof Vivek Alone, and veteran poet Shyam Madhav Dhond were prominently present to encourage poets. The evening opened with a serene Ganesh Vandana — a dance presented by Sheetal Pote, Avani Kashikar, and Shabari Puranik, followed by another graceful number set to the classic 'Kokila Ga Ga Re', capturing the spirit of the singing koel that often marks spring's arrival. Kavya Vasant unfolded in three poetic segments, each lovingly curated and presented. The first session, compered by Jayshree Ambaskar, painted spring in shades of lyrical joy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Apart from her, Ved Ghulgule, Prasanna Shembekar, Dhanashree Patil, and Vrunda Joglekar gave a melodic rendition of their respective poems. The second segment, introduced by Shalaka Joshi, carried the lyrical thread forward. Rashmi Padwad, Anand Deshpande, Vishal Devtale, and Vrushali Deshpande presented poems. Vinay Modak led the third and final group, beginning with his poem. Megha Deshpande, Mruga Page, and Dr Amruta Indurkar presented poems in this session. The entire concept and narration of the event were envisioned and executed by Prof Vivek Alone, who ensured that every poem felt like a petal unfurling in the garden of the evening.
