The unique relationship between the well-known Marathi poet and his doctor was revealed at the function where Grace’s recent prose collection was released.
The unique relationship between well-known Marathi poet, Grace alias Manik Godghate, and his doctor, Dhananjay Kelkar, was revealed at the function where Grace’s recent prose collection ‘Oolya Veluchi Basri’ was released. Kelkar commented that the book was the expression of the pain Grace has suffered.
Grace, who will be receiving the Sahitya Academy Award for his prose collection ‘Waryane Halte Raan’ in February, is being treated for cancer by Kelkar at the city-based Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital. The function was held in the hall of the hospital in the presence of music composer
Hridaynath Mangeshkar.
Grace chose to sit among the audience on the occasion.
Talking about his association with Grace, Kelkar said his love for literature helped him to connect with Grace. Recalling their discussions on poems, the doctor said that he became restless when he found it difficult to understand some of the poems.
“But I have been fortunate enough to see through the beauty of his writings and have been his admirer for a long time now. It was he who had called me on the phone when we first spoke. When I got to know him closer, I realised what a gem of a person he was. He influences anyone who comes in his contact,” said Kelkar, who has helped the poet overcome his illness. Speaking about ‘Oolya Veluchi Basri’, Kelkar said it was one of Grace’s best works because it was written when he was going through immense pain due to his illness.
“All his suffering finds expression in the book, and that is why it appeals to me more,” he said.
‘Oolya Veluchi Basri’ has been published by Popular Prakashan. Owner of the publishing house, Ramdas Bhatkal, who could not attend the function due to ill health, expressed his views in a recorded interview which was projected at the function.
Bhatkal said Popular Prakashan and Grace’s association is as old as his first collection of poems, Sandhyakalchya Kavita, in 1967. This was published under the project ‘Nave Kavi - Navi Kavita’, started to encourage new poets then.
“Since then we published so many works of Grace. It was a turning point for us — a new poet with a unique style had been introduced to book lovers,” said Bhatkal, who shares a personal bond with the poet. He recalled how he enjoyed his stays at Grace’ residence in Nagpur, and how Grace had taken care of him like a mother.
Hridaynath Mangeshkar and Grace’s friendship is well known. Mangeshkar said that the intensity in his writings comes from the pain he has gone through.
A photograph of Grace clicked by Kumar Gokhale was released on the occasion.
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