Sahitya Sahawas, a residential society in Bandra East, has a ticket to fame that millions in India would know. It is where Sachin Tendulkar grew up. But not many knows that it is iconic as a home to a number of authors in Marathi Literature. It is celebrating golden jubilee now.
One of Mumbai’s most iconic residential colonies, it was founded by well-known authors, late Acharya Prahlad Keshav Atre and late Anant Kanekar. The Bandra (E) society has many interesting stories about itself. First of all, Sachin spent 28 years here.
Now for the society’s own stories. The idea behind the society, which consists of 84 flats in nine buildings, was to bring as many literary giants in the state under one roof as possible. Just as most residents, the names of the buildings also have a literary connection.
So, Abhang, Vadmay Jayanti, Anandvan, Fularani, Ushakal, Ragini and Shankutal are all poems and novels in ‘concrete format’.
Till date, the society has not invited anyone from outside the premises as chief guest for the colony day, which is celebrated every January 26. One of the residents himself/herself will do the job.
This year, Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande, a resident and an IAS officer, will play the role.
“There are more than 30 authors staying in the colony now,” says the secretary of the society.
Professor Gangadhar Gadgil and Satyadev Dubey are two of them. Dr Subhash Bhend is here. So is Dr Vijaya Rajadhyaksha, winner of the Sahitya Akademi award and Vinda Karandikar Puraskar.
Professor K J Purohit, aka Shantaram, is another resident. A well-known short-story writer, he was the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in 1989.
“This is a beautiful colony. There is no politics here and it’s a very cheerful environment. I have never thought of moving out of here,” said Purohit.
Echoes Rajadhyaksha: “Since 1968, I have been staying in this colony. I had a great feeling about this colony…I have never thought about leaving this place.”
Late Dr Ya Di Phadke, late Va Pu Kale, Jnanpeeth winner late Govind Vinayak Karandikar, popularly known as Vinda, also stayed here, said society general secretary Dr Dattatray Muzumdar.
