Wardha’s Hindi varsity to establish campus for Marathi literature promotion at Riddhapur

 

 

 

Paving way for research in ancient Indian culture and its integration with regular studies, Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University, is establishing campus for promotion of Marathi literature at Riddhapur, a place associated with Shree Chakradhar Swami, Founder, Mahanubhav Panth. Providing details here on Tuesday, Prof Rajneesh Kumar Shukla, Vice-Chancellor, Wardha headquartered Hindi varsity said, formal inauguration of Sarvagya Shree Chakradhar Swami Marathi Language and Philosophy Study Center is slated for September 8. Riddhapur in Morshi tehsil of Amravati District is a well known place where scholars from world over come for studies in philosophy promoted by Shree Chakradhar Swami, who wrote first literature in Marathi language about eight hundred years ago. Prof Shukla said Central Government has given in-principle approval for opening study center but in future the endeavor is to integrate traditional studies with research in ancient texts.

 

Choosing Riddhapur is precise as the Mahanubhav Panth whose headquarters is located here has preserved sacred handwritten texts that dates back to atleast four hundred years. Riddhapur is also known as Kashi by Mahanubhav Panth and establishment of campus by Hindi varsity marks a fitting tribute to Shree Chakradhar Swami whose eight hundred birth centenary year celebrations starts from September 10, he said while addressing media persons. To a question, the VC said that while nomenclature of courses would be traditional BA in Mass Communication, Marathi literature and Philosophy, there would also be focus on research on Mahanubhav Panth literature as Shree Chakradhar Swami has written several books in his life time, spanning Marathi philosophy, literature, ancient Indian culture, religion etc. The great Saint through his writing also focussed on religious and social reforms.

 

Said Avinash Thakre, Member, of Governing body of Riddhapur based Trust, disclosed that Central Government has sanctioned a sum of Rs. 30 crore for setting-up of Study Center. Panth is going to provide building and space for the campus and other associated facilities. Speaking further, Prof Shukla said that Study Center will run courses like Study of Marathi Language and Philosophy, Linguistic Studies of Maratha Language and Comparative Study with other Indian languages, Development of Language Technology in Marathi, Comparative Study of Marathi Literature and Literature of other Indian Languages, Marathi-Hindi/Indian Language and translation of literature of other Indian languages. Central Government has instructed ICPR to sponsor research scholar/project on philosophy of Sarvagya Shree Chakradhar Swami; while CIIL, Mysore, was directed to sponsor a research scholar on his language and linguistics in books of Swami. Karanjkar Baba, Head, Riddhapur Ashram, shed light on the project and thanked Dr Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghachlak, for supporting the initiative for establishment of campus for promoting research in work of Shree Chakradhar Swami. He said Central Government has already sanctioned project to Riddhapur and hopefully State Government can take a cue and sanction Marathi University as it would be rightful tribute to Chakradhar Swami. Had Marathi literature taken up work initiated by Chakradhar Swami Prof Shukla further stated that while they would begin classes from October this year only at first it would be limited to Graduation and Research while PG would be introduced later.