Marathi Sahitya Sammelan head Sripal Sabnis supports award return campaign

PUNE: Minutes after he was appointed president of the prestigious '89th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan' today, noted writer Sripal Sabnis declared his support to the 'award return' campaign by men of letters in the country.

Asked about his stand on the ongoing controversy prompting writers, artistes and scientists to return their government awards, Sabnis said, "An atmosphere of intolerance is currently prevailing in the country which cannot be defended by any person believing in rationalism. I publicly support those who have returned their awards as a protest".

He, however, felt that there was a need to initiate a "dialogue" with the government rather than continuing with the path of confrontation.

Sabnis said the spirit of secularism enshrined in the constitution should be mirrored in literature which should also express the sufferings and aspirations of underprivileged sections of the society including farmers, workers and adivasis.

President of Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal, the apex literary body, felicitated Sabnis who won the election to the President post by 112 votes defeating Vitthal Wagh.