Journalist Talwalkar to forever remain alive at Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Pune
Eminent Marathi journalist Govind Talwalkar’s books and daily essentials will be on display at The Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Pune in a permanent exhibition
A few months before his demise, eminent Marathi journalist Govind Talwalkar wrote to his friend and journalist Arvind Gokhale about his desire to donate the books in his library. Talwalkar was keen on passing on his treasure throve to the public. He chose the famed institution of learning, Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI), Pune as the place to send 4,950 books from his personal library in Nashik.
Famous internationally for its research on Indology, the institute readily agreed to take in the donation and prepared a plan to honour the great writer and journalist. Accordingly, a Smruti Dalan (memorial hall) named after Talwalkar will be dedicated to his memory on July 22.
The room will have 4,950 books donated by Talwalkar, his favourite reclining chair and foot rest, and the awards, mementos and souvenirs that he received during his lifetime. The hall will be open to all to view and take advantage of the huge collection of books. The books arrived in a truck from Nashik on Thursday along with a few of his essentials.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, professor Shrikant Bahulkar, secretary, BORI said, “A few months before his unfortunate demise, he conveyed his wish to donate his belongings and books to BORI. He wanted people to benefit from it. He chose the Institute for the donation and we are glad. We are thankful for his donation as it adds to the educational and information aspect of our institute.”
The donation includes books in Marathi and English on history, politics, economics, social and other relevant subjects. The list of number of books and its names was prepared within four months with the help of Gokhale.
Bahulkar said, “We will be dedicating a room to Talwalkar in his honour. It will be accessible to all as per his wish. He wanted people to make the most of the books and information gathered by him over the years. He would work on the particular chair that he donated to us, and wants people to use it as an inspiration to work on their ideas.”
Known for his hard-hitting editorials and impeccable journalism, Talwalkar passed away on March 21, 2017. Two days before his death, he called the institute and expressed his content on the initiative. “He spoke to Gokhale and was happy that we were including his library at the institute,” Bahulkar said.
Talwalkar’s daughters Dr Nirupama and Sushma Talwalkar have expressed their gratitude to the institute for accommodating their father’s huge treasure. “Baba was always extra cautious and careful about his books and ensured that they were in good condition. He felt a deep satisfaction about the books being kept at BORI and insisted that they be made available to the next generation.”