Versatile and prolific Marathi writer, Vinayak Mahadev Kulkarni, 92, whose repertoire ranged from poetry to short stories and novels, died at his residence in Pune of old age on Thursday.
Credited with more than 10 volumes in a variety of literary forms, many of his poems were turned into memorable songs that were sung by famous singers like Gajanan Watve, Vasantrao Deshpande and Panditrao Nagarkar during the 1940s and 1950s.
Survived by three sons, daughters-in-law and grand-children, Kulkarni’s last rites were performed at Vaikunth Crematorium in Pune on Thursday.
A recipient of numerous honours, including the prestigious Gadima award and Kavishreshtha Bha. Ra. Tambe award, Kulkarni’s poems were included in two volumes of ‘Bharatiya Kavita’ (Indian Poems) published by the National Book Trust.
He was known to many listeners of the All India Radio as he participated in various programmes aired by AIR over many years.
Kulkarni was born in Manerajuri in Sangli district on October 7, 1917. After schooling, he completed his BA from Sir Parshurambhau College in Pune with a first class first rank and later undertook MA and PhD studies at Mumbai University. He worked at Lingaraj College in Belgaum during 1944-50 and later taught at Dayanand College, Solapur, for 27 years till 1977.
As a PhD guide, he mentored three renowned students — noted writer and critic Nirmalkumar Phadkule, litterateur YM Pathan and Union power minister Sushilkumar Shinde.
An active participant in various poetry meets in Maharashtra, Kulkarni delivered many lectures throughout the state and worked on various literary committees of universities and literary bodies.
