Mah: Shalini Babar passes away

Pune, Apr 20: Noted Marathi folk literateur and educationist and former Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, Shalini Babar died after a prolonged illness, early today here.

She was 87. Family sources told UNI that Dr Babar died had been suffering from paralysis for the last 13 years. She was born at Wagni in Sangli District of Maharashtra in the year 1920. She was motivated to pursue education by her father, a known educationist, Krishnarao.

Dr Babar has contributed immensely to Marathi folk literature and social education. After completing her Ph D in ''Contribution of women writers in Marathi'', she single-handedly published a monthly magazine, Samaj Shikshan Mala, on social education for 50 years. She was recently awarded the 'Jeevan Sadhana Gaurav Puraskar' (Lifetime Achievement Award) by the Pune University.

Dr Babar became member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council twice.

She remained unmarried and is survived by her two sisters, Kumudini and Sharidini. Leaders and prominent citizens called on the family, while the administration has declared a state funeral for her which was held this afternoon.

UNI