27th February marks the birth anniversary of Jnanpith Award winner Kusumagraj, and this day is celebrated as Marathi Language Pride Day, as we all know. On this occasion, under Shri Vitthalrao Joshi Charities, the cultural and arts forum “Mrudgandh” of all the affiliated colleges celebrated Marathi Language Pride Day on 27th February 2026 from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm at Dr. Anil Kakodkar Hall.
For this program, Prof. Dr. Deepti Raghunath Shembekar, scholar of Marathi and Yogashastra, was present as the chief guest and keynote speaker. Dr. Advait Godse, working in the Department of Physiology at B. K. L. Walawalkar Rural Medical College and serving as the chief mentor-coordinator of the Mrudgandh forum, delivered the introductory address.
Medical Director Dr. Suvarna Patil and Dean Dr. Mansingrao Ghatge graced the occasion with their presence. Dr. Suvarna Patil welcomed Dr. Deepti Shembekar by presenting her with a bouquet.
Prof. Dr. Deepti Shembekar delivered the presidential address on the topic “Preservation of the Mother Tongue and the Advancement of Indian Knowledge Systems.” In her speech, she highlighted the classical richness of the Marathi language and emphasized its contribution to preserving traditional Indian knowledge systems. She also elaborated on our responsibility as Marathi speakers in continuing this work in the future. She specially appreciated that the vision and guiding principles of the proposed Shri Vitthalrao Joshi University would make a valuable contribution to the preservation and development of Indian knowledge traditions.
Student Abhishek Havaldar expressed his thoughts eloquently on the topic “My Mother Tongue.” Following this, the celebration of Marathi language continued through various literary and artistic performances including singing, instrumental music, poetry recitation, mono-acting, and dramatic reading.
Students Pranav Waghchaure, Sneha Khambe, Piyush Shelke, Shreyas Mane, Pranav Acharya, Akash Sable, Purva Khare, Ishwari Ithape, Gaurav Ravanang, Virendra Tambade, and Soham Khambe presented diverse cultural performances. In addition, faculty members Dr. Yogendra Shelke, Mrunalini Gurav, and Dr. Advait Godse also showcased their artistic talents.
Though attended by a limited but appreciative audience, the program received an enthusiastic response. The event was compered by student Rama Shetye.
Faculty members present at the program included Prof. Dr. Vinod Bhagwat, Prof. Dr. Yogendra Shelke, Prof. Dr. Laxman Phad, Mr. Gajanan Patil, and Mrs. Sumati Hiremath.
A total of 8 faculty members and 122 students attended the program.
