‘Shobhane’s writing has ability to inspire budding authors’

Nagpur: To celebrate the 60th birthday of the celebrated littérateur Ravindra Shobhane, a felicitation function was organized at Vidarbha Sahitya Sangh (VSS) Cultural Complex, Sitabuldi, on Wednesday. Educationist, Marathi writer and ex vice chancellor of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University Aurangabad, Nagnath Lalujirao Kottapalle presided over the programme.

President of Vanarai Foundation Girish Gandhi was the chief guest. Shobhane's wife Aruna and editors Rajendra Salalkar, Anil Bopche and Sachin Upadhyay were present.

The programme started off on a religious note with ‘Saraswati vandana’. Shobhane's kith and kin gathered around for relishing a cake which was decorated with an ink bottle and a quill symbolizing a writer's paraphernalia.

The celebration was followed by the guests launching three books written by Shobhane. A novel titled 'Parampara ani chikitsa' edited by Salalkar and Bopche and published by Vijay Publications, an anthology of profiles 'Gotra' published by Rajhans Publications and 'Mahattam sadharan vibhajak' edited by Bopche was inaugurated.

Shobhane's family members expressed their thoughts and shared anecdotes that spoke volumes about the influence he had on them. A 15-minute video clip highlighting how Shobhane made his way into writing was unveiled. It was created by Manoj Pidadi and Sayali Lakhe Pidadi.

“I have had the honour to edit books written by Shobhane. For as long as I have known him, he has been a stark ideologist. His glory is outstretched throughout the state and he is a source of inspiration for budding writers. The literary works by him tap onto themes like human existence and entity,” said Salalkar.

In his address, Gandhi congratulated Upadhyay for his publication of books that involve abstract concepts. He added, “Shobhane possesses the charisma that one needs to write in order to address societal issues. His commitment and aptitude towards his work is commendable.” Sharing the analogy of a mountain not being affected by strong winds, Gandhi said that Shobhane maintains a similar patient disposition.

“The stories written by Shobhane have the ability to inspire everyone. All of his pieces are of utmost importance,” said Bhopche.

Acknowledging the adulation he received from the audience, Shobhane shared that he always wishes to write on subjects of importance. He said, “The most essential quality I've acquired is to stay grounded. A person has the capacity to grow in abundance only when he is humble.”

Kottapalle expressed his joy of witnessing the large gathering that had assembled to bless Shobhane. He said, “Shobhane has balanced his life by being best at writing as well as teaching. I am proud of the admiration he receives across generations for his writings.”