Laxman Gaikwad

Laxman Maruti Gaikwad is a renowned Marathi novelist born on July 23, 1952, in Dhanegaon, Latur District, Maharashtra, India. He is best known for his critically acclaimed book, Uchalya, which won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2004. Gaikwad had to discontinue his education after the 8th grade due to financial difficulties. He began working as a shepherd and later became a farmer to support his family. However, he continued to pursue his passion for writing and started writing in the mid-1970s. In 1981, Gaikwad published his first book, Uchalya, a semi-autobiographical work that chronicled his life as a shepherd and his experiences. He won the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 2004. Gaikwad went on to write several other books, including Aaranyak (1986), Hans Akela (1990), and Graffiti (1993).

His works were known for their vivid descriptions of rural life and the struggles of marginalized communities. He was renowned for the essence of the human experience, particularly the challenges faced by those who lived on the fringes of society. Several translators have translated his literary contributions into other languages. He was a member of the All India Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation and worked for the rights of marginalized communities.