Pune: Veteran Marathi writer and celebrated travelogue author Dr. Meena Prabhu passed away on Saturday (March 1) afternoon at the age of 85. She breathed her last at her residence in Pune following a brief illness. Her final rites were performed in the evening at Vaikunth Crematorium.
Dr. Prabhu is survived by two sons, a daughter, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. Born and raised in Pune, she pursued an MBBS degree in the city before completing her postgraduate studies in Mumbai and London. After her marriage, she settled in London, where she penned her first travelogue, "Majha London" (My London), which was highly appreciated by readers.
Her writing stood out for being not just informative but deeply engaging and insightful. Through her travelogues, she took readers on immersive journeys across different countries, offering them vivid experiences filled with emotions, excitement, and cultural insights.
Dr. Prabhu significantly contributed to Marathi travel literature, enriching the genre with her unique storytelling. Her works were known for seamlessly blending detailed travel experiences with compelling narratives, making global destinations accessible to Marathi-speaking readers.
Among her most popular books are:
"Egyptayan"
"Apurvarang" (a four-part series)
"Dakshinarang"
"Mexicoparv"
"Turknama"
"Gatha Irani"
"Greekanjali"
"Chini Mati"
Apart from travelogues, she also wrote a poetry collection, "Sukhnidhi Tujha Majha," and the book "Mukhwatyadche Chehre." Her works were widely published in various newspapers, magazines, and Diwali special editions.
Recognized with Numerous Literary Awards
Dr. Meena Prabhu was honored with several prestigious awards throughout her literary career. She presided over the Women’s Literature Conference in Goa and received multiple literary awards from the Maharashtra government.
In 2023, she was honored with the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Other notable recognitions include:
D. B. Mokashi Award
Mrunmayee Award (in memory of writer Go. Ni. Dandekar)
N. Ch. Kelkar Award