The city of Pune is set to reclaim a pivotal role in the history of Marathi literature by hosting the landmark 100th edition of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan (All India Marathi Literary Conference). The announcement, made at the conclusion of the 99th conference in Satara, marks a full-circle moment for the literary movement that began in the same city nearly 150 years ago.
A Centenary Homecoming in Pune
The decision was formally declared by Milind Joshi, president of the All India Marathi Literature Federation, during the closing ceremony of the 99th Sammelan in Satara on January 4. Joshi highlighted the profound historical significance, noting that the first conference, then known as the Granthkar Sammelan, was convened in Pune in 1878 by the eminent social reformer Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade.
"There is great curiosity among all of us about the 100th Marathi Sahitya Sammelan," Joshi stated. He confirmed that the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad will organise the centenary event, bringing the prestigious gathering back to its birthplace. In a significant expansion of its global footprint, Joshi also revealed plans to organise a World Literature Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, next year as part of the centenary celebrations.
Government Backing and Financial Honors
The Maharashtra government has pledged full support for the historic occasion. Speaking at the Satara event, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasised the importance of the milestone. "This city of Satara, sanctified by the footsteps of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, successfully hosted the 99th All India Marathi Literary Conference. Now, the 100th conference should be truly historic. The Government will extend all possible support to ensure this," Shinde assured.
Adding substance to this promise, State Language Development Minister Uday Samant announced two major financial initiatives. He declared that all former presidents of the literary conference would be honoured with an honorarium of Rs 1 lakh each. This gesture will be made in the name of Mahadji Shinde during a special meeting at the centenary conference. Furthermore, Samant announced a plan to create a dedicated fund in the name of the celebrated litterateur G D Madgulkar to support the conference's activities.
A Historic Milestone for Marathi Literature
The 100th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan is poised to be more than just a conference; it is envisioned as a historic milestone. Organisers expect it to draw writers, scholars, and cultural enthusiasts from across India, creating a grand confluence of Marathi literary thought. The event aims to celebrate the rich and enduring legacy of Marathi literature while simultaneously forging new global pathways for cultural dialogue and exchange.
This centenary edition promises to reflect on the journey of Marathi literary expression since 1878, assess its contemporary landscape, and set an ambitious agenda for its future on the world stage. The combination of its symbolic homecoming, substantial government backing, and plans for international outreach positions the 100th Sammelan as a defining moment for Marathi language and culture.
