Pune: For the first time in nearly seven decades, Delhi will host the 98th All India Marathi Literary Conference, with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief and acclaimed cartoonist Raj Thackeray set to select and unveil the emblem for the event.

The Sarhad Foundation has been entrusted with the honor of organizing the conference, marking a significant occasion as it returns to the national capital after 70 years.

Scheduled for the last week of February, the 98th All India Marathi Literary Conference will bring together Marathi literati and enthusiasts from across the country.

In preparation, the Sarhad Foundation launched a nationwide emblem design competition, attracting participation from over a hundred artists. The selected emblem, which will symbolize the conference, will be chosen by Raj Thackeray and unveiled in a special ceremony.

The last time the Marathi Literary Conference was held in Delhi was in 1954, under the presidency of Tarkateerth Lakshmanshastri Joshi.

Since then, the event has not returned to Delhi, making this gathering especially significant as it will be the first time the Marathi literary community convenes in the capital following the formation of Maharashtra as a unified state.

Raj Thackeray’s involvement in selecting the emblem adds a unique touch to the event, given his reputation as a distinguished cartoonist and cultural figure. His artistic vision is expected to capture the spirit and heritage of Marathi literature, reflecting its rich history and contemporary relevance.

The emblem unveiling will be a key highlight in the lead-up to the conference, symbolizing not only the event but also the enduring legacy of Marathi literature in India's cultural landscape.

Organizers hope that the conference will foster greater appreciation and engagement with Marathi literature on a national stage, while also celebrating its vibrant tradition and future potential.