Ramachandra Dhere bags Punyabhushan award

Researcher Ramchandra Chintaman Dhere has been selected for the 22 nd Punyabhushan (Pride of Pune) award instituted by city-based ‘Tridal’.

Playwright Mahesh Elkunchwar will hand over the award in the presence of Kannada novelist S L Bhairappa at Balgandharva Rangmandir on Sunday.

The award carries a silver memento and cash worth Rs one lakh.

Dhere is known for his research on folk culture, ancient literature, literature of saints and sages etc.

Full report here Indian Express 

"I'm writer by default,says Elkunchwar”

He donated his entire prize money of Rs 1 lakh to two NGOs working for destitute and prostitutes' kids, and called on others to help these little known social organisations to spread their wings to help more such persons. Fittingly, the recipient of prestigious Nag Bhushan award, eminent litterateur Mahesh Elkunchwar deserves the honours for all his work that is highly acclaimed in India and abroad.

The Nag Bhushan foundation, which bestows this award on eminent citizens who brought laurels to the city, has selected Elkunchwar having many famous plays to his credit like Sultan, Holi, Pratibimb and Party, for this year's award.

It was conferred on by senior journalist Kumar Ketkar in presence of galaxy of dignitaries. A large number of citizens crowded the Scientific Society Hall, the venue, to listen to the noted playwright whose plays have been translated into many Indian and foreign languages.

Full report here Times of India