Vishnu Sakharam Khandekar

Vishnu Sakharam Khandekar Biography

Vishnu Sakharam Khandekar was a leading writer of Marathi language. He received Jnanpith award in the year 1974 for his Marathi work, Yayati. He has also received Maharashtra State Award (1960) and Sahitya Akademi Award (1960). Another significant contribution of Vishnu was Khandekari alankar in Marathi grammar. He received Padma Bhushan in the year 1968 for his literary accomplishments. In 1998, the Government of India issued a commemorative postage stamp as a tribute to him. His autobiography work is titled - Eka Panachi Kahani. Like Premchand of Hindi, Khandekar had found an endeared niche in every Marathi reader’s heart. He preached socialism through his fiction and essays. He has also written the script of a Tamil movie.

Khandekar was born in Sangli, Maharashtra on January 19, 1898. During his childhood days he was interested in drama and stage programs. In 1920 he started his career as a school teacher. In his spare time he wrote books in Marathi in various forms. His contribution to Marathi literature include - sixteen novels, six plays, around 250 short stories, 50 allegorical stories, 100 essays and over 200 critiques. In 1941, he was elected as the president of the annual Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in Solapur.

A few of his noted works include – Abhishek, Gokarnahi Fule, Mukhawate, Prasad, Avinash, Shitijsparsh, Vikasan and Dhagaadache Chandne. His significant works in novel category include - Soneri Swapne Bhangaleli, Ulka, Yayati, Hrudayachi Hak, Rikama Dewhara, Pandhare Dhag, Hirwa Chapha, Don Dhruwa, Sukhacha Shodh, Kraunchawadh and Jalalela Mohar. A few of his works have been made to movies and serials later – Jwala, Devata, Chhaya, Amrut, Pardeshi and Dharmapatni. He was honored with the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship of the Indian Sahitya Akademi in the year 1970. He has received an honorary degree of D.Litt from Shivaji University, Kolhapur. He dominated Marathi industry during the period 1930 to 1945. He died on 2nd September, 1976.

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Updated: November 22, 2013