Gopal Nilkanth Dandekar

Gopal Nilkanth Dandekar Biography

Gopal Nilkanth Dandekar was a popular writer associated with Marathi literature. He contributed in the form of novels, travelogues and Biographical works. He also wrote his autobiography titled - Smaran Gatha in 1976, which earned him Sahitya Akademi Award for the same year. Associated with Indian freedom struggle movement as a youngster, he was a social worker too, associated with Rashtriya Svayamsevak Sangh. Noted Marathi actress and television star, Mrinal Kulkarni is his granddaughter. He was honoured by an honorary doctorate by Pune University in 1992 for his contributions to literature.

He was born on July 8, 1916 in Paratwada in Amravati district. Deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s independence movement, he ran away from home at the age of 13. But the next few years, he spent in extreme poverty. However he was able to find some patrons and also joined Rashtriya Svayamsevak Sangh. He also worked with Gadge Maharaj’s social service movement as a volunteer. He got married to Neera Dandekar and the couple had one daughter - Veena Dev. Noted Marathi film and television actress Mrinal Kulkarni is the eldest daughter of Veena.

He was an extensive traveller who later published several travelogues. Most of the books are related to various hill forts of Maharashtra, apart from rural villages. Durga Bhramangatha, Durga Darshan, Kille, Maharashtrachi DharaTirthe and Maharashtra Darshan are among his published travelogues. Apart from travelogues he also contributed in the form of novels and biographical work. His autobiography - Smaran Gatha is the best among his books which received Sahitya Academy award. He wrote biography and novels based on the works on Ramdas Swami, Tukaram, Keshav Baliram Hedgewar etc.

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Updated: November 29, 2015