Pune: Four distinguished personalities who have contributed to social transformation inspired by the ideologies of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar will be honoured at a function in Pune on Monday. The ‘Mahatma Phule–Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Prerna Samman’ programme is being jointly organised by Dr D Y Patil University, Pimpri, Pune, and Lokshahisathi Samanjasa Samvad, Pune. The awards will recognise contributions to literature, journalism, the Ambedkarite movement and social activism, said organiser Arun Khore.The awardees include senior Marathi writer Urmila Pawar of Mumbai, veteran Ambedkarite activist Dattaji Gaikwad of Solapur, senior journalist and author Ashok Gopal of Pune, and social activist Dattatraya Kalebere of Pune. The function will be held at 5 pm on Monday, Oct 12, at the S M Joshi Foundation auditorium in Navi Peth. Dr P D Patil, Chancellor of Dr D Y Patil University, will present the honours. Senior Hindi scholar and author Dr Damodar Khadse will preside over the programme.Urmila Pawar has made a significant contribution to Marathi literature. Her autobiography, ‘Aaydan’, received widespread recognition, and her work in the Ambedkarite and feminist movements has been widely acknowledged. Dattaji Gaikwad has been active in the Ambedkarite movement and various initiatives for social transformation for the past six to seven decades. Ashok Gopal has undertaken research-based writing on the life and work of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. His book, ‘A Part Apart: Life and Thought of Dr Ambedkar’, has received a national-level award. Dattatraya Kalebere, a long-time associate of veteran social activist Dr Baba Adhav, has made a notable contribution to movements advocating equality and social justice.Urmila Pawar has made a significant contribution to Marathi literature. Her autobiography, ‘Aaydan’, received widespread recognition, and her work in the Ambedkarite and feminist movements has been widely acknowledged. Dattaji Gaikwad has been active in the Ambedkarite movement and various initiatives for social transformation for the past six to seven decades. Ashok Gopal has undertaken research-based writing on the life and work of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. His book, ‘A Part Apart: Life and Thought of Dr Ambedkar’, has received a national-level award. Dattatraya Kalebere, a long-time associate of veteran social activist Dr Baba Adhav, has made a notable contribution to movements advocating equality and social justice.
