Gadchiroli Aug. 31 (District Correspondent) “Artists in any field must seek the seeds of their expression from their surroundings. Only then can their creations be truly original,” said Prin. Sadanand Borkar, a senior playwright and actor from the Zadi Patti region.
He expressed these views while presiding over the ‘Gramalok’ program organized by the Sahitya Academy at the Secondary Ashram School of village Chandala near here on Saturday.
Principal Rajabhao Munghate, president of the Dandakaranya Education Society, presided over the programme while Dr. Pramod Munghate, member of the Sahitya Academy, Chudaram Blharpure, well known playwright, Ms. Kusumtai Alam, noted poetess, Vishwambhar Gahane, and Sangeeta Thalal, writer were prominently present.
Prin. Borkar revealed the harsh realities behind his plays Maza Kunku Mich Pusal and Don Gharanche Gaav. Superstitions, governmental corruption, and the plight of those displaced by government projects—the exploitation of common people was visible all around me. My plays were born from these experiences, and they reached as far as the SAARC festival, he informed.
Mr. Ballarpure shared the inspiration behind his play Mahamrityunjay Markandeshwar. He also narrated the efforts put into staging this grand production involving 50–60 artists and the audience’s response to it. He further discussed his plays addressing tribal issues, superstitions, and tribal revolutionaries in the Gadchiroli region.
Mr. Gahane spoke about his plays Birsa Munda and Rani Durgavati, sharing how he became a playwright. He explained how he expressed his surroundings, culture, and local dialect through his works.
Poetess Kusum Alam presented tribal poetry, highlighting the connection of tribal culture with deities, clan names, and the natural world. Writer Sangeeta Thalal emphasized the uniqueness of wild vegetables and medicinal plants in her region, noting that local people often remain unaware of their value. To preserve this knowledge for future generations, I consistently write about wild vegetables, she said, and also presented her poems.
Dr. Pramod Munghate delivered the introductory remarks and gave the details of the programme. The program was conducted by Mr. Satish Pawar, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Headmistress Yashodhara Usendi. The event concluded with a Gondi dance performed by the schoolgirls.
The program was attended by a large number of citizens, teachers, and students from the Gadchiroli region, including Suresh Ladke, Smita Ladke, Sandhya Yelekar, and Narendra Arekar.
