I am most excited by the literary awakening in rural parts

Tara Bhawalkar, 86, a senior scholar in Marathi folk literature and president of the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, is a powerful voice in literary and social discourse.

- Tara Bhawalkar, Scholar in Marathi folk literature

NEW DELHI: She has made a significant impact on Marathi literature, particularly in exploring female representation in Indian culture and the female psyche. Bhawalkar has authored 41 books and contributed key entries to more than five different Marathi encyclopaedias.

She was also the first president of the Marathi Mahila Sahitya Sammelan. Some of her books have been translated into Kannada, expanding her literary reach. In addition to writing plays, books and research papers, she has presided over nine different literary conventions and held key positions in organizations dedicated to promoting Marathi literature. Her contributions have earned her numerous prestigious awards, in recognition of her invaluable work in the field.

In an interview with Niraj Pandit at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sahitya Nagari (Talkatora Stadium) New Delhi, Bhawalkar expressed concerns over the resurgence of old traditions and rituals, their impact on society and the role of literature in shaping progressive thought.

As the president of the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, what are your thoughts on Marathi literature and the literary conference?

What excites me the most is the literary awakening taking place in rural areas. A significant number of new writers are emerging from villages—young boys and girls from homes where reading and writing were once uncommon are now actively participating in literary creation. With the rise of digital platforms, many writers and poets are finding new ways to express themselves. While national-level literary conventions have limited space for emerging writers, smaller literary gatherings are thriving at the local level. In my district of Sangli alone, 10-15 such conventions are held annually, providing aspiring writers with a much-needed platform.