Mah Bhushan 2008 to Padgaonkar, Dharmadhikari

Mumbai, Nov 20: Noted poet Mangesh Padgaonkar and renowned social worker late Dr Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari have been chosen for the Maharashtra Bhushan Puraskar-2008, the highest award by the state government.

Mr Padgaonkar will receive the award on November 24 at Shanmukhananda Hall, where he will be felicitated by Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, an official release said here yesterday.

The acclaimed poet will be honoured for his contribution to Marathi literature, that includes 22 poetry books, an aesthetic essay book, translated compositions on spirituality and preaching of Meera, Kabir and Surdas, apart from translations of famous plays by Shakespearean.

Dr Dharmadhikari's son Dattaray Dharmadhikari will receive the award during a function, to be held on November 25 at Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.

Dr Dharmadhikari, who nurtured the teachings of Saint tradition in Maharashtra through ''Shree Baithaka'', set up ''Shreesamarth Adhiyatmik Prasadik Seva'' at Revdanda and dedicated his life to create social awareness in villages through ''Dasbodh Nirupam''.

UNI