Eminent Marathi writer RC Dhere, known for his exhaustive research in folk literature and bhakti tradition of Maharashtra, passed away following prolonged illness at the age of 86. Dhere, a recipient of the Sahitya Academy Award in 1987 for his book ‘Sri Vitthal- A Mahasamanvayak (Lord Vitthal- A great coordinator)’, carved a niche for himself by tracing the roots of Maharashtra’s folk traditions and literature with an extensive research that highlighted the influence of saints on Maharashtrian ethos.

His other works that won acclaim included ‘Muslim Marathi Saint Poets‘, ‘Dakshinecha Lokdev Khandoba‘, ‘History of Nath Sampraday‘ and ‘Sri Venkateshwara‘. All India Marathi Sahitya Sammelan president Sripal Sabnis paid rich tributes to Dhere saying he set high standards in literary criticism and research that would inspire generations of Marathi writers. Dhere is survived by wife, two daughters and a son.

Did You Know?

• Marathi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken predominantly by Marathi people of Maharashtra.
• It is the official language and co-official language in Maharashtra and Goa states of Western India respectively, and is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India.
• Marathi ranks 19th in thelist of most spoken languages in the world. Marathi has the fourth largest number of native speakers in India.