Daya Pawar Memorial Award received by Pratima Joshi and Bhimsen Dethe
By Yogesh Maitreya, TwoCircles.net,
This year, ‘Padmashri Daya Pawar Smruti Puraskar’ (Padmashri Daya Pawar Memorial Award) was given to journalist Pratima Joshi and novelist and poet Bhimsen Dethe, on September 20, 2015, at an award ceremony held at Karnatak Sangh Hall, Matunga, Mumbai.
Daya Pawar was a novelist, poet and writer from Ambedkarite literary tradition and his autobiographical novel ‘Baluta’ was one of the first works of literary genius from Dalit/Ambedkarite literary tradition; Baluta has also won several awards and went for numerous editions for publications. ‘Padmashri Daya Pawar Memorial Award’, stands for commemoration of Daya Pawar and his literary contribution and to appreciate the literary contribution of contemporary writers, poets and novelists within progressive movement.
Commenting on the fascist wave going on in Maharashtra, recipient of the award, Pratima Joshi said, ‘in the time of receiving threats, poets must speak loudly. Responsibility to fight against fascist organisations isn’t a task of one or two, it is of entire society’. Known journalist from Maharashtra, Mr. Nikhil Wagale was also present at the event and spoke on the recent issue of him receiving threats from fascist ‘Sanatan Sanstha’.
The award ceremony presided by poet Satish Kalsekar, President of ‘Daya Pawar Memorial Award Foundation’ Ms. Hira Pawar gave introductory speech. It was anchored by poet Vaibhav Chhaya.