Cinemaazi remembers Pandurang Sadashiv Sane on his death anniversary
11 Jun 1950
Cinemaazi remembers Pandurang Sadashiv Sane, better known as Sane Guruji, on the occasion of his death anniversary. Born in 1899 in Palgad, Maharashtra, he was a famous Marathi author, teacher, social activist and freedom fighter. He is especially remembered for his book Shyamchi Aai, which he penned in a prison cell at Nashik Road Jail, where he had been imprisoned after participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930. Considered one of the most moving and inspiring works of Marathi literature, Sane Guruji finished writing this classic within just five days. It relives his childhood in the Konkan, emphasising on his mother’s influence on him. Filmmaker Aacharya Atre adapted the book into a film—Shyamchi Aai (1953). It depicts the effect Shyam's mother has on his life and upbringing, how he is taught to stick to his ideals and principles even in the face of poverty, and ends with his mother’s illness and death. An instant hit, it also won the National Award for Best Film. A prolific writer—he penned around 135 books—he was also a true social reformer and champion of women’s rights. Sane Guruji passed away on 11 June, 1950.
