Grand Send-off for Marathi Sahitya Sammelan Delegates as 1,200 Board Special Train to Delhi
Amid the rhythmic beats of dhols and lezims, and a grand welcome to the granth dindi, a group of 1,200 literary enthusiasts—including authors, writers, and scholars—departed for Delhi to attend the 98th Marathi Sahitya Sammelan. The event is organized by Sarhad Pune and Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal.
A special train, the Mahadji Shinde Express, was arranged for the attendees, departing from Pune station at around 3 PM on Wednesday. Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant, who holds the Marathi language portfolio, accompanied the group until Ahilyanagar.
For the first time in 71 years, the Marathi Sahitya Sammelan is being held in the national capital, spanning three days from February 21. The venue, Talkatora, holds historical significance as the site of the 1737 battle where Marathas, led by Bajirao Peshwa, triumphed over the Mughals. The last Sammelan was held in Delhi in October 1954.
The event will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Vigyan Bhavan on Friday, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and NCP (S-P) chief Sharad Pawar in attendance. Pawar also heads this year’s reception committee.
Literary Festivities Begin Aboard the Train
Minister Samant, addressing attendees on board, remarked, “Traveling with 1,200 literary minds is a world record. When writers come together, we hear great ideas—and sometimes, spirited debates. But differences of opinion are a sign of intellectual vitality. Literature is an integral part of Maharashtra’s culture, and the Sammelan plays a crucial role in preserving it.”
As the train made its way to Delhi, stopping at Ahilyanagar and Jalgaon, an informal literary gathering unfolded. “Even before the official inauguration by the Prime Minister, the Sammelan had already begun on board,” said Sanjay Nahar, head of Sarhad, an NGO. “Minister Samant led the opening, and soon after, authors, poets, and writers took center stage.”
Enthusiastic attendees embraced the experience. “It feels like the Sammelan has already started,” said Pune-based writer Manju Awalkanthe. “The train is buzzing with intellectual exchanges.” Another attendee, Shirish Shinde, added, “The excitement is palpable—everyone is eager to reach Delhi and participate in the festival.”
Joining Samant for the onboard inauguration were Dr. P. D. Patil, Chancellor of Dr. P. D. Patil Deemed University, veteran writer Dr. Sangeeta Barve, Sahitya Yatra Sammelan chief Sharad Tandale, executive president Vaibhav Wagh, treasurer Sharad Gore, and other literary dignitaries.
A Festive Departure from Pune
As notable literary figures arrived at Pune railway station, the atmosphere was filled with celebration. The event began with tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his birth anniversary, followed by a grand welcome for the granth dindi, which had traveled from Pandharpur before continuing its journey to Delhi.
Emphasizing the importance of supporting literature, Samant stated, “Backing litterateurs is the same as backing the Marathi manoos. Supporting the Marathi community means supporting Maharashtra as a whole. Naming this special train after Mahadji Shinde is a moment of pride. This Sammelan will take Marathi literature to a global audience.”
Dr. P. D. Patil echoed this sentiment, saying, “The Marathi Sahitya Sammelan is a glorious tradition that honors both literature and culture. Through this event, we pay tribute to Mahadji Shinde’s bravery, leadership, and unwavering spirit, which make every Marathi manoos proud.”
Sanjay Nahar confirmed that extensive arrangements had been made for the attendees’ stay and meals in Delhi, anticipating that over 5,000 Marathi enthusiasts would participate in the Sammelan.