Tributes pour in for eminent writer RC Dhere

RC Dhere

Tributes continue to pour in for eminent writer RC Dhere, who passed away on Friday. Dhere, known for his exhaustive research in folk literature and bhakti tradition of Maharashtra, died following prolonged illness, family sources said. He was 86 and is survived by his wife, two daughters, son and and grandchildren.

Shripal Sabnis, president of the All India Marathi Sahitya Sam-melan (AIMSS) said that Dhere set high standards in literary criticism and research that would inspire generations of Marathi writers. “Whether it was Tulja Bhavani or Mahalaxmi or Vithal-Rukmani, Dhere carried out extensive research and provided a new direction in the way the research should be carried out.”

[related-post]

Watch Video: What’s making news

Sadanand More, former president of AIMSS said, “Because of Dhere’s research, history became rich and wide.” 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.

His other works that won acclaim include Muslim Marathi Saint Poets, Dakshinecha Lokdev Khandoba, History of Nath Sam-praday and Sri Venkateshwara.