G.N.Dandekar

Gopal Nilkanth Dandekar, warmly known as Appa Dandekar, was a famous Marathi writer who belonged to Maharashtra, India. He left an indelible mark on Marathi literature with his beautiful literary contributions. He was born on July 8, 1916, in Paratwada, Amravati district. Dandekar was intensely influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's call to young Indians to join the fight for India's independence from British colonial rule as he Grew up in Vidarbha. He noticed this call and started a journey of social and political activism at the tender age of thirteen.

Despite the hardships he faced being poor, Dandekar found steadiness through the support of a few patrons who depicted his talent and commitment. Later in life, he got connected to the Rashtriya Svayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and energetically volunteered in Gadge Maharaj's social service movement. He traveled extensively, which exposed him to varied cultures and experiences, which unquestionably influenced his writing. Gopal Nilkanth Dandekar got the admired Sahitya Akademi Award for his autobiographical masterwork, "Smaran Gatha," in 1976.  

This work provided insight into his strange life and resonated with readers of all generations. In 1981, he was honored with the role of President at the Marathi Sahitya Sammelan held in Akola. This post was a proof of his influence in the literary world. He was conferred with a symbolic D.Litt. degree from Pune University on December 30, 1992; thus, the academic world also recognized Dandekar's contributions.

Gopal Nilkanth Dandekar, in his personal life, was married to Neera Dandekar, with whom he was blessed with a daughter named Veena Dev. Veena, in turn, became the mother of two talented persons: Marathi actress Mrinal Kulkarni and Madhura. Dandekar's contributions to the literary world are a treasure trove of works that covers numerous genres. His distinguished novels include "Shitu," "Pavanakathacha Dhondi," "Padaghavli," "Machivarala Budha," "Zunjar Machi," "Kuna Ekachi Bhramangatha," "Purnamaychi Lekare," "Ranbhuli," "Chhand Maze Vegle," "Tambadphuti," " Mrunmayi Bio coming soon... >> Read More... ," "Aamhi Bhagirathache Putra," which probes into the building of the Bhakra-Nangal dam on the Satlaj River. His novel "Jait-Re-jail" even stimulated a film adaptation by Jabbar Patel.

Dandekar also wrote historical novels, including "Baya Dar Ughad" and the five-part series on Raja Shivaji's Maharashtra, demonstrating his thorough understanding of historical stories. He also worked in biographical works, confining pieces like "Mogara Phulala" based on the life and works of Dnyaneshwar, "Das Dongari Rahato" centered on Ramdas Swami, and "Tuka Akaashaaevdhaa" devoted to Tukaram. Moreover, Dandekar was a creative travelogue writer, sharing his knowledge in works like "Durga Bhramangatha," "Durga Darshan," "Kille," "Maharashtrachi DharaTirthe," and "Maharashtra Darshan."

In his biographical endeavors, he discovered the lives of respected individuals like "The Last Kirtan of Gadage Baba" and "Waadalatil Deepstambh," which recorded the story of Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevek Sangh (RSS). He also authored "Devaki Nandan Gopaalaa" and "Shree Gadge Maharaj," a biography of the respected Maharashtra saint. Gopal Nilkanth Dandekar's commitment to literature and social causes continue to motivate readers even today. He left the world on 1 June 1981.