Fifth Janasthan Puraskar awarded to Madgulkar

Reddy said he always had an affinity towards Nashik, known as a religious town besides being an industrial one because it was the birth place of Dakshin Ganga, the Godavari. He said he felt Maharashtra was his home every time he came here as it has given to the world great warriors like Shivaji and saints like Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram and many others including Kirloskar to Kavivarya Kusumagraj.

Nashik with its role in cultural and literary field has always made a mark, Reddy said adding the Janasthan is actually Sahitya Janmasthan, the birth place of literature.

Speaking on the occasion AmolPalekar who directed the award winning film Bangarwadi based on Madgulkar8217;s novel said, 8220;Bangarwadi by Madgulkar was not any extra-ordinary novel, but the simplicity is what pierced the hearts of people in London and Chez republic where the film was exhibited. Only a versatile litterature has the power to bind humans in one string across national boundaries and Madgulkar is one of them.

In his reply to the felicitation Madgulkar who could barely walk up to the stage due to his age, said he was grateful to the Pratishthan and Nashikites for honouring him with the prestigious award. 8220;Walking 5 miles from Atpadi, from where I did my schooling till the 7th standard to my home in Madgul village, I always used to spot the house and the village with the natural surroundings, but the thought that ah, here8217;s my destination8217; never came to my mind. But now after receiving this award I can see the thought.8221;