Pune: Dr. Ashok Kamat, a celebrated scholar, writer, and former head of the Sant Namdev Chair at Savitribai Phule Pune University, passed away on Sunday (January 26) at the age of 83.
Known for his profound contributions to saint literature, Dr. Kamat’s passing marks the end of an era in academic and literary circles. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, a son, a daughter-in-law, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. His last rites were performed on Sunday night.
Dr. Kamat held a Master’s degree and Ph.D. in both Hindi and Marathi and was the author of several acclaimed works. He began his career as the head of the Sant Namdev Chair at Savitribai Phule Pune University, where he served for many years until his retirement.
He earned his first Ph.D. in Hindi for his research on Maharashtra ke Nathpanthi Kaviyonka Hindi Kavya, which was later published by the Jawahar Library in Mathura. In 1984, he obtained his second Ph.D. in Marathi for his work on Revisiting the Life and Poetry of Namdev in Hindi and Marathi.
Over his lifetime, Dr. Kamat authored a treasure trove of literature, including seminal works such as Sant Rohidas, Kabir, Shivvichar, Pasaydan, and Sant Namdev Ani Sant Eknath.
His writings, which spanned Marathi and Hindi, also included studies on saints such as Dnyandev, Muktabai, and Guru Nanakdev. In addition to his independent writing, he co-edited and compiled several texts on devotional poetry and saint literature.
Dr. Kamat’s scholarly achievements were recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Government of India’s Non-Hindi Author Award, Kumar Sahitya Award, Rashtramitra Award, and the Maharashtra Granthottejak Award. In 2018, he was honored with the Uttar Pradesh Government’s Saurabh Puraskar.
To ensure that literature remained accessible, Dr. Kamat founded the Gurukul Pratishthan Trust, which published books at affordable prices. As a mentor, he guided over 20 students to earn their Ph.D.s at the Sant Namdev Chair.
Dr. Kamat was also an active member of various committees, such as the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad and Tilak Maharashtra University’s Marathi Exam Committee.
Until his final days, Dr. Kamat remained committed to the propagation of saint literature through the Satsang Pratishthan organization, leaving behind a rich legacy of knowledge, culture, and spirituality.