In a unanimous decision, renowned writer, orator and current Executive President of the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, Prof Milind Joshi has been selected as the new President of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal, the apex body of all Marathi literary organisations. Sunitaraje Pawar has been selected as Secretary and Vinod Kulkarni as Treasurer.
The selection took place at a meeting held at the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad in Pune, chaired by outgoing President Prof Usha Tambe. Present at the meeting were Secretary Ujjwala Mehendale, Treasurer Prakash Page, and representatives from affiliated and associated literary bodies. Prof Tambe officially handed over the charge to Prof Joshi and honoured him with a shawl and a floral bouquet.
For the next three years, the Mahamandal’s operations will be based in Pune. The city will also have the privilege of hosting the 99th, 100th and 101st Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, offering a significant opportunity for Pune’s literary enthusiasts and institutions.
Youngest president in the Mahamandal’s history
Prof Milind Joshi became the Executive President of the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad at the age of 43, making him the youngest person to hold that position. Now, at 53, he becomes the youngest president in the history of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal—and notably, the first civil engineer to be selected for this prestigious post.
Born into a small farming family in Mankeshwar, Paranda Taluka, Dharashiv district of Marathwada, Prof Joshi comes from a humble background. His selection symbolises the inspiring journey of a farmer's son who now leads a national literary organisation. He completed his education at Sulakhe High School and Shivaji College, Barshi.
A gifted and prolific writer and orator, Prof Joshi has published more than 21 books across various literary genres and is widely respected as an eminent public speaker.
Prof Joshi's Statement
“Being selected as president of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal is a great honour and a significant responsibility. I accept it with heartfelt gratitude and humility. I am deeply thankful to my parents, who nurtured in me a love for literature. I am also grateful for the constant support from Bharati Vidyapeeth and the blessings of literary legends such as Principal Shivajirao Bhosale, Dr RC Dhere, DM Mirasdar and Shivaji Sawant. My journey from a modest background to this role reflects the power of perseverance and a passion for literature. I am committed to making the upcoming 99th, 100th and 101st Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan truly historic, distinctive and memorable," he said.
