Name: Minal Suresh Mali

Roll. No.: 43

T. Y. B. M. M. (Journo.)

Kirti College

Sub.: Indian Regional Journalism

Profile on Acharya Pralhad Keshav Atre

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

WE would like to take this opportunity to

thank our

Prof: M. D’Souza Sir . For giving us an

opportunity to work on this project of. INDIAN

REGIONAL JOURNALISM .

Topic: PROFILE ON ACHARYA PRALHAD

KESHAV ATRE.

WE would also like to thank all the people

who have supported US to make this project a

success.

Finally we would like to thank all the staff

of BACHELOR OF MASS MEDIA (BMM) for

always helping us.

CERTIFICATE

THIS TO CERTIFY THAT, Ms. MINAL SURESH MALI.

ROLL NO. 43

COLLEGE: KIRTI M.DOONGURSEE COLLEGE.

OF T.Y.BMM HAS UNDER TAKEN AND COMPLETED

THE PROJECT WORK OF INDIAN REGIONAL

JOURNALISM. DURING THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2010-

11 UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF PROF. M. D’Souza

Sir IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE CURRIUM OF

BACHELOR OF MASS MEDIA (BMM) STUDIES

UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI.

THIS IS BONAFIED PROJECT WORK AND THE

INFORMATION PRESENTED IS TRUE AND ORIGINAL OF

MY KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEFS.

SUBMITTED

TO:-

PROF.

Pralhad Keshav Atre (1898–1969)

Pralhad Keshav Atre popularly known as Āchārya Atre, was a multi-faceted Indian figure. He was a prominent Marathi writer, a poet, an educationist, a newspaper founder–editor (Maratha marathi daily that had its head office and press in Worli Coca-Cola galli)), a political leader, a movie producer–director–script writer and above all, a noted orator. A multifaceted personality who, as a writer, journalist, orator, educationist, film director, and political leader, shaped the destiny of Maharashtra in a short span

Born: 13 August 1898, in the town of Saswad, near Pune, in Maharashtra

This multitalented personality known as Acharya Atre or P. K. Atre will be forever remembered by the people of Maharshtra for his writing, his wit and his generous nature.

His writing touched almost every area in literature - prose, poetry, plays et al. His speeches touched every heart in Maharashtra. He was a litterateur, educationist, film producer and director, journalist, orator and a leader, all rolled into one. His greatness lay in the fact that he reached incredible heights in each of his facets.

While working in the field of education he created an awareness of erstwhile and contemporary literature and thinking among students to create the love for Marathi language. He was highly regarded in literary circles and wrote under the pseudonyms of Makarand and Keshavkumar. His book Zhenduchi Phule (1925), a collection of his parody-poems, was very popular.

His plays rejuvenated the lackluster Marathi theatre and brought the audiences back to theatre. The plays Sashtang Namaskar (1933), Bhramacha Bhopla (1935), Lagnachi Bedi (1936), Ghara Baher (1934), Udyacha Sansar (1936) raked in large crowds. The term ‘House Full’ became popular during the play Ghara Baher. His play To Mee Navhech (1960), based on a true story, created history and is popular even today.

He considered the great playwright Ram Ganesh Gadkari as his mentor. One notices Gadkari’s influence in Atre’s plays. Although most of his plays deal with social ills and hypocrisy, the use of contempt, satire, sarcasm, ignorance and exaggeration in the plays helped capture people’s imagination and fascination.

His Marathi film, Shyamchi Aai (1954) won the 1954 National Film Award for Best Film, a film directed by him won the President’s gold medal while Mahatma Phule, directed by him again won the president’s bronze medal. He wrote the scripts for popular films like Dharmaveer, Premveer, Bhrahmachari and Brandychi Batli.

His life unfolds in his autobiographical, self-searching book, Mee Kasa Jhalo (1956) and his five-volume autobiography Karheche Paani.

He guided people and made significant contributions to the Sanyukta Maharashtra Movement with his highly influential writing and speeches. His political skills were honed during this movement. His oratory and the

newspaper (Maratha, Navyug) were his influential mediums. Obituaries and editorials were his speciality. His oratory skills enabled him to reach the masses through his speeches that were uncomplicated and often full of humor and wit.

To describe him in his own words, there was nobody like him in the last ten thousand years and there wouldn’t be anyone like him in the next ten thousand years!

Died: 13 June 1969

Career:

He started his career as a teacher, and crowned his twenty-year teaching career by running for many of those years a high school as its principal with distinction. He compiled a series of Marathi language textbooks for elementary and secondary schools. Those textbooks remained in wide use in Maharashtra for a large number of years.

Atre's contributions to Marathi literature have been listed under Important works below. He was an outstanding humorist, and his writing style—whether he wrote humorous or serious material—was highly effective. He introduced parodistic poetry to Marathi language (under the pen name Keshav Kumār), and he did that extraordinarily well. His book, Jhenduchi Phule, contains the collection of his parodistic poems. (He wrote a poem, Shyamale, under the whimsical pen name Maulānā Allāuddin Khilji).

Atre wrote seven plays, some with a humorous theme, and others with a serious theme. All of them received high public acclaim. His comedy-play,

Moruchi Mavshi was later adapted into Hindi film, Aunty No. 1 (1998), starring Govinda and Raveena Tandon.

Atre's two autobiographical works, Mi Kasā Jhālo and Karheche Pāni, similarly received much public acclaim. Atre was the founder–editor of four Marathi newspapers. Two of them had a short life. But the other two, Maratha and (Weekly) Navayug, ran for many years with a large circulation.

Atre's worthy contributions in the Marathi movie world have been listed below. His movie Shyamchi Aai (1953) received an award as the National Film Award for Best Film in 1953, while his movie Mahatma Phule (1955) received the President's Silver Medal.

Atre was an important political leader of his times in Maharashtra, and he worked vigorously in the Sanyukta Mahārāshtra Āndolan (Unified Maharashra Movement) during 1956-60. He possessed extraordinary oratory skills, humor being a captivating feature of his speeches.[citation needed]

Atre was one of the few members of the Brahmin community in his times who supported since early days the efforts of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar to uplift the social status of the Harijan community and remove that community's curse of "untouchability".

In Politics: Member of Local Municipal Board of Pune during 1936-1938. Member of Sanyukta Maharashtra Samiti during 1956-60. Member of Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha from Dadar constituency (18)

1962-1967

Important works:

Plays Sāshtāng Namaskār (1935) Gharābāher (1934) Bhramāchā Bhopalā (1935) Udyāchā Sansār (1936) Lagnāchi Bedi (1936) Moruchi Māwashi (1947) a marathi comedy play To Mi Navhech (1962)

Novels, Biographies, and Essays

Chāngunā (1954) Battāshi Wa Itar Kathā (1954) Mahātmā Jyotibā Phule (1958) Suryāsta (1964) (On the life of Jawaharlal Nehru) Samādhiwaril Ashru (1956) Kelyāne Deshātan (1961) Atre Uwāch (1937) Lalit Wāngmaya (1944) Hashā Āni Tālyā (1958)

Poetry

Jhenduchi Phule (1925)

Autobiographical Works

Karheche Pāni (5 volumes)(1963, '64, '65, '67, and '68) Mi Kasā Jhālo (1953)

Movies

Bramhachāri Shyāmchi Aai Premveer (Script writer) Dharmveer (Script writer) Brandichi Bātali (Script writer) Paayaachi Daasi (Hindi: Charanon Ki Daasi). Producer. Mahātmā Phule

Journalism

Founder/Editor of (weekly) Sāptāhik Navyug (1940-1962) and Tukārām (1954)

Evening newspaper Jai Hind (1948) Daily Marāthā (1956 - Till the end)

Honors President of 27th Maharashatra Sahitya Sammelan at Nasik (1942) President of 38th Natya Sammelan at Belgaon (1955) President of 10th Maharashatra Patrakar Sammelan (1950) President of Regional Sahitya Sammelan at Baroda, Indore and

Gwalior

Acharya Pralhad Keshav Atre the renowned litterateur has a massive contribution to Marathi literature. He was a man who left his mark in every field that he entered.

      Acharya Atre was in Bhave High School, Pune & later on studied in Fergusson College. Here he discovered his talent for oratory and won many debating competitions.

      Acharya Atre was a great orator of all times and there will never be another like him. His oratorical skills mesmerised the audience. Atre's outstanding literary style, humour and his activities in various fields left an every lasting impression on the minds of Maharashtrians.

The situations written by Atre could be easily visualised by the readers. This was because of his simple writing which he used to reach out to the common man. R. G. Gadkari had influenced Acharya Atre for such type of a writing. Acharya Atre had a ability to convert humourous episodes in his life into literary milestones.

His oratorical skills mesmerised the audience, outstanding literary style, humour and his activities in various fields left an every lasting impression on the minds of Maharashtrians.

Acharya Atre  wrote editorials for the daily Maratha, Navyug and Tukaram. He was a bold and fearless journalist. Acharya Atre's Novels, humorous stories, poems, speeches, plays and films like Shyamchi Aai, Sanyukta Maharashtracha Buland Awaaz and Mahatma Phule gives an idea of the calibre of this multi-faceted man. 

          Karheche Pani and Jhenduchi Phule are famous books written by him. Mi Natakkar Kasa Zhalo is yet another creation of Acharya Atre.

Shashtang Namaskar was the first Play written by Atre. Lagnachi Bedi and To Mee Navhech are other famous plays written by him.

      The hand-written notes and letters of him both English and Marathi, are still preserved by many of his fans.

            Acharya Atre passed away in 1969, leaving behind his great contribution in Marathi literature.

Acharya Atre, who was editor of Daily Maratha and Weekly Navyug, had given the real history of the freedom movement in his autobiography Karheche Pani. He was as brilliant, sharp, open-minded and patriotic as you are.

PUNE: Effective utilisation of technology, increased tolerance of diversity and improved hiring and retention of talented nurses were the three most important steps in meeting future challenges, said the Maharashtra Nursing Council (MNC) president Ramling Mali on Thursday.

He was speaking at the 23rd biennial state conference on Planning and implementing changes in nursing' organised by Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI), Pune branch at Acharya Atre auditorium in Pimpri.

Speaking at the two-day event, Mali said, "Nurses should be open to using new technologies like computers in the workplaces. The shortage of nurses has led to the increase in the number of unqualified people joining as nurses."

He lamented that the Maharashtra state unit which held the first position among other state units of TNAI has slipped to second position with Kerala state unit emerging at the top.

Jyotsna Pandit, state president, TNAI, pointed out that there were 37,000 members in the Kerala state unit of TNAI and only 19,000 members in the Maharahstra unit and urged officials to make auxiliary nurse midwife as members.

She further suggested division of state into six regions to increase the activities of the state unit of TNAI. The state unit will give financial support to the activities of the regional and city units.

A souvenir was released during the inaugural session of the conference. 350 delegates from various parts of the state are attending the conference, with Khurshid Jamadar acting as chairperson.

Spellbound by Acharya Atre

EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE  

For Suhas Bokil, Acharya Pralhad Keshav Atre has held special significance since April 26, 1960. That evening, in Pen, 14-year-old Bokil stood mesmerised as he listened to Atre's oratorical skills weave its magic over the audience. Completely won over, this fan went over and asked for his autograph. The man who had endeared himself to Marathi audiences everywhere through his singular literary style, humour and his accomplishments in various fields created a lasting impression on the teenager.

Bokil began to collect everything he could lay his hands on that related to the multi-faceted man. Today, his collection includes almost all the books

authored by Atre including his novels, humorous stories, poems, speeches and plays. A separate collection of 135 books on the man and his work, nearly 2,000 newspaper clippings, 500 editorials written by Atre that appeared in Maratha, about 300 articles by prominent writers on Atre and his hand-written notes and letters in both English and Marathi. ``There will never be another like him. He was an exceptional man who left his mark in every field he entered. Whether it was plays, novels, films, politics - everything he touched turned to gold,'' says Bokil of his idol.

Encouraged by his father, Bokil started to read Atre's work early and before long had read most of his books, his favourites being Karheche Pani and Jhenduchi Phule. ``Atre's brand of bold and fearless journalism was praiseworthy. Marathi readers would look forward to reading his editorials in Navyug, Tukaram and Maratha. Some of these issues are difficult to find,'' says Bokil fingering the yellowing newspapers stacks of which lie carefully folded in his room. Special issues on Atre following his death in 1969 and video cassettes of Shyamchi Aai, Mahatma Phule and i Mi Natakkar Kasa Zhalo, films directed and produced by him as well as some tape-recorded speeches form part of his collection.

A deputy manager at the State Bank of India, Bokil devotes all of his free time to his passion.``Atre's daughters Shirish Pai and Meena Deshpande visited me specially to take a look at my collection. I have some of the books that they don't,'' he says with obvious pride. He has also made available his collection to two students pursuing their doctoral research on Atre. Bokil decided to share this rich treasurehouse of information with other Atre fans. Since 1989, he has regularly held exhibitions of his collection labelled Acharya Atre Sahitya Darshan in various parts of the country. Recently, his collection was also displayed at a Marathi meet in San Jose, United States of America. ``The response this exhibition has generated has been overwhelming. I have had people come up to me and say how much they appreciate the man and his work,'' he says. His main objective is to keep alive the memory of the legend.

``The people of an earlier generation whole-heartedly acknowledged Atre's genius. Today's younger lot may be familiar with his popular plays but they know little about the man behind them,'' says Bokil. He plans to take his collection all round the country at the invitation of Atre fans -- provided his costs are met with. ``I have spent a lot of time and money on my passion.

What I have is only a drop in the ocean, but I would like to share it with others.''

Books by Acharya Atre:

Jay Hind Jay Maharashtra:

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Time left: 10 Jul, 201016:17:12 IST

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Mahapoor:

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Atreprahar:

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Hasya Tushar:

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Hashaa Aani Talya:

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Vinod Gatha:

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Waaghnakha:

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Haasyakatta:

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A look-back at Marathi films based on acclaimed works of literature

In an attempt to rescue Hans Picture's fortunes after the Jwala disaster, Acharya P.K. Atre was asked to write a comedy script. This was Brahmachari, one of the most successful satirical comedies then seen on the Marathi screen. It had Master Vinayak as the young man who tries to be celebate and Meenakshi who tries to entice him. The scene in which Meenakshi appears in a bathing suit (circa 1940) and bathes in a studio tank became the rage for Marathi audiences in those (our school) years.

Brahmachari became a good box-office hit and wiped out the company's losses. It set new standards in original script-writing. Atre's Dharma veer and Premveer, similar original scripts, were also big successes. The first which satirises Tartuffe-like characters was in advance of its times. Premveer, together with a versatile Vinayak, sees a rare performance by Ashalata (wife of Anil Biswas).

The pair Khandekar and Atre kept on writing for Master Vinayak as long as he made films. But Atre did not stop at script-writing. In the 1950s he directed Shyamchi Aai based on the Sane Guruji classic. This won for him the first ever. President's Gold Medal for Best Film in the national film awards of 1954-55. It is actually a hand-made film but must have impressed the jury with its freshness, its heart of gold and its authentic portrayal of rural Maharashtrian life. Compared to Shyamchi Aai, the later product of the Marathi cinema appears glossy and phoney.

Atre also made Payachi Dasi, with Vanamala and Durga Khote in the lead roles, Vasantsena, based on the Sudraka Sanskrit play and with music by Master Krishnarao of Prabhat fame, and Mahatma Phule portraying the life of the great social reformer. All these were original screenplays and displayed a side of Atre's which was quite different from that of the satirical humorist or the fearless journalist. Most of Atre's screenplays, thankfully, have been collected and published.

Aarohi Film Society in association with Rudraa Entertainment is celebrating the magic of Mother's day with the screening of 'Shyamchi Aai', a classic film of 1952, directed by Acharya P K Atre

'Maa',… 'Aai',… 'Amma',…' Mother',…' Mai'...

It maybe just a single word, but defines someone with unconditional love and care. As is said, ’Swami teenhi jagancha pan Aayee vina bhikari.’ (Loose translation: You may be the greatest of this universe but you are only a beggar without a mother)

These sentiments are echoed in ‘Shyamchi Aai’, a great work in Marathi literature by Pandurang Sadashiv Sane, better known as Sane Guruji. Sane Guruji {1899-1950} wrote this book in five days while he was detained in jail for participation in the 'Civil Disobedience movement'. He was a sensitive man with a creative imagination and a prolific writer.

Several generations of Maharashtrians have grown up with this book and the landmark film based on the book that went on to win the first President's Gold Medal for the Best Feature Film. This recognition, which was later replaced by the National Award, was awarded to this film in 1954 for the Best Feature Film of 1953.       The director was Acharya P K Atre who had endeared himself to Marathi audiences everywhere through his singular literary style, humor and his accomplishments in various fields.

We are all aware of Sane Guruji’s classic novel ‘Shyamchi Aai’, the story of his childhood penned by him in a few days when jailed by the Britishers.The inimitable Acharya Atre transformed this classic book into celluloid magic with his feature film ‘Shyamchi Aai’ . Acharya Atre’s film opens our eyes and transports us to a world where all problems in life are faced with a positive attitude and a deep faith in God.

The film went on to win the first President’s Gold Medal (now called the National Award – Golden Lotus) for Best Feature Film. This award was conferred on the film at a ceremony held on the 10th of October 1954.

With mellifluous music from the maestro Vasant Desai, the evergreen songs of the film are popular even today. Hridaynath Mangeshkar first lent his voice on-screen in the children’s favorite ‘Chhadi Laage Cham Cham’. Asha Bhosale’s heartfelt rendering of ‘Barjari Ga Pitambari’ with it’s lyrics expounding unconditional love still has the power to hold listeners spellbound.

The film like the book highlights Shyam’s mother’s positive attitude and deep faith in God while facing life’s problems and serves to instill good values in children and youth. An emotional journey, An emotional journey, the film is a must in every home and is compulsory viewing for the children

of today, who are exposed to the materialism of modern society today. Children today still enjoy this film, as they sing along with Shyam the famous song 'Chhadi laage cham cham' and join in his antics. The film is a must watch for everyone.      2004 marks the 50 th Anniversary of the film receiving the President's Gold Medal for Best Feature Film of the year. The award was handed over to Acharya Atre on the 10 th of October 2004. This was the only Marathi feature film to receive this award, a feat that too half a century to match.

The film starred Vanamala, Madhav Vaze, Umesh, Baburao Pendharkar and Sumati Gupte. Vanamala as the mother was down-to-earth and religious, and her characterization had a profound influence on maternal characters in Marathi cinema.

Editorial Review:  The Hyderabad Film Club is screening a Marathi film, 'Shyamchi Aai' ('Shyam's Mother') at Sarathi Studios on the 14th of March, at 6:30pm.

As is said in Marathi, 'Swami teenhi jagancha pan aayee vina bhikari.' (Loosely translated, it means: 'You may be the greatest of this universe but you are only a beggar without a mother'). These sentiments are echoed in 'Shyamchi Aai', a well-known work in Marathi literature by Pandurang Sadashiv Sane, better known as Sane Guruji. Sane Guruji (1899-1950), a Marathi author and social activist, wrote this book in 5 days while he was detained in jail for participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement. He was a sensitive man with a creative imagination and a prolific writer.

The plot revolves around a boy called Shyam and his relationship with his mother. It speaks about the effect Shyam's mother has had on his life and his upbringing, and how he is taught to stick to his ideals and principles even in the face of poverty. The film explores relationships between various members of Shyam's family.

Several generations of Maharashtrians have grown up with this book and the film based on the book that went on to win the first President's Gold Medal for the Best Feature Film. This recognition, which was later replaced by the National Award, was awarded to this film in 1954. The director was

Acharya P K Atre, the music was composed by Vasant Desai, and the film starred Vanamala, Madhav Vaze, Umesh, Baburao Pendharkar and Sumati Gupte. Vanamala's characterization, as the mother, had a profound influence on maternal characters in Marathi cinema.