Continued… Last Part Two
In 1973, my father was requested by his colleague and poet Prof. Shanta Shelke who was very closefriend of ‘Queen of Melody’ Lata Mangeshkar to teach some formal English. The good reason was, Lata was performing her first foreign live and historic program at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 1974. Actually my father was reluctant to do so due to he had no time. But, Prof. Shanta Shelke’s request, he said yes and with condition that he need ‘to and fro car service’ to go to Lata’s house. Well, for some reason Lata refused the same and my father was very happy. He said immediately, “It was a blessing in disguise…”He used to smoke चारमिनार-Charminar cigarette at home only when he was writing an articles, etc. but not outside of the home. He lived a healthy life…
When my father was retired from college in 1960, his students and staff arranged big sendoff ceremony. They gave him a special gift of British make Garrad Record Changer with many of 78rpm records and other memorable items. So, I developed a love for old songs since then…
My father was also well-known literary figure in Marathi language. He used to publish monthly magazine ‘Jyotsna’ and ‘Pratibha’ was quarterly in 1935-40. He was a publisher as well as editor of the same. His editorial staff was India’s distinguished literary personalities such as VS Khandekar, GT Madkholkar andRaaj Kavi-Poet Yeshwant. They were his childhood friends…
Anyway, proud to share some portion from his autobiographical article, ’78 Not Out’ published in 1980 before he died at the age of 80 in 1982 in USA, after meeting all of us-three brothers. I Thought, this would be the most appropriate way to remember my father as a पुण्यस्मरण – tribute on this Father’s Day with pride. Hope, you will enjoy it with interest…
Here are some excerpts from his autobiography:
“Man is living his old life on his past memories. Though I am not born as literary person, but sure was proud to be a teacher. Due to my profession, literary field and social life I was appointed and honored ‘Justice of the Peace-JP’ by State Govt. Also awarded special prize on religious essay by well known
British social reformerAnnie Besant (who was an English socialist theosophist freemason women’s rights and Home Rule activist. educationist and campaigner for Indian nationalism) while studying in
St. Xavier’s college. By demand,
I had written many books, volumes on well known personalities and articles in my busy life span. Well, I could have not done this without support and love from my dear wife. Above all, thanx to my dedicated students too.
In fact, one of my student published a book on me named,“As You Like Him” (
The title based on Shakespeare’s famous comedy play, “As You Like It.” The book was compilation of articles written on me by many renowned writers, professors, educators, students, editors, publishers, etc.) Finally, happiness is the key of life – I got to do my favorite noble profession, teaching… “
Happy Father’s Day..!
Stay Safe & Healthy,
