Pune: In a historic decision, Dr. Tara Bhavalkar, a distinguished scholar of folk literature and culture, has been unanimously chosen as the president of the 98th All India Marathi Literary Conference.
The conference is set to take place in Delhi on February 21, 22, and 23, 2024. The All India Marathi Literary Federation, in a meeting held in Pune on Sunday (October 6), reached this decision, marking Dr. Bhavalkar as the sixth woman to ever hold this prestigious position in the event's long history.
Dr. Bhavalkar joins an elite group of previous female presidents, which includes literary stalwarts like Kusumavati Deshpande, Durga Bhagwat, Shanta Shelke, Vijaya Rajadhyaksha, and Dr. Aruna Dhere.
The last woman to hold this position was Dr. Dhere, who presided over the Yavatmal conference in 2019. The selection of a female president after a five-year hiatus signals the federation’s commitment to honoring the contributions of women to Marathi literature.
This year, the choice of the conference president sparked much anticipation, with notable literary figures such as novelist Vishwas Patil, veteran writer Baba Bhand, renowned social activist Dr. Abhay Bang, and former bureaucrat Dnyaneshwar Mule also being considered.
However, the federation ultimately favored Dr. Bhavalkar for her significant contributions to the study of Marathi folk literature and her scholarly impact on Indian culture.
The upcoming conference in Delhi holds historical significance, as the last event held in the national capital was in 1954, presided over by Tarkteerth Laxmanshastri Joshi.
With this in mind, the selection committee faced the challenge of choosing a literary figure with national prominence and a respected legacy. The federation was keen to avoid controversy and ensure widespread agreement on the selection, making Dr. Bhavalkar a fitting choice.
The 98th All India Marathi Literary Conference promises to celebrate the richness of Marathi literature and culture, with Dr. Bhavalkar's leadership expected to bring a renewed focus on folk traditions and their relevance in contemporary literature.