Pune: Professor Milind Joshi, known for his instrumental role in transforming the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad into a more public-friendly institution, was honored with the Adv. Bhaskar Rao Awhad Memorial Award by the Adkar Foundation.
Dr. Sadanand More, Chairman of the Maharashtra State Literary and Cultural Board, presented the award, praising Joshi's contribution to literary society and his historic efforts to eliminate the politics surrounding the election of Sahitya Sammelan presidents.
Dr. More highlighted Joshi’s pivotal role in changing the functioning of the literary council. Previously, elections for the president’s position often led to unqualified individuals occupying the role, while deserving candidates were overlooked.
Joshi’s initiative to end the election system brought an end to the factionalism and politics, allowing renowned personalities like Dr. Jayant Narlikar and Father Francis Dibrito to take up the prestigious role of Sahitya Sammelan president.
Dr. More lauded Joshi’s disciplined leadership in managing the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, describing him as a figure who has ensured the smooth and organized functioning of the institution.
More also noted that the award will serve to expand the horizons of Joshi’s work, enabling him to contribute even further to the literary community.
Senior historian Dr. Raja Dixit, who was also present at the event, praised Joshi for his versatility. Describing him as an excellent planner, engineer, scholar, writer, and speaker, Dr. Dixit emphasized the quality of Joshi’s writings in intellectual, literary, and critical genres. He further admired Joshi's leadership in institutional governance.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Joshi acknowledged the influence of both writing and oratory in his career, saying that both have complemented each other. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities that institutional work had given him, allowing him to observe societal life closely.
Joshi also credited his growth to the company of great personalities whose guidance enriched his life and work.