The Raigad district unit of the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad (KOMSAP) recently organised a ‘Stree Sanman’ (Women’s Honour) ceremony in Panvel to mark International Women’s Day, recognising the literary contributions of women writers from across the district.
The event was held at the Shri Ramsheth Thakur Social Development Hall (Market Yard), Panvel, where several women associated with the literary community were felicitated with awards in the presence of invited dignitaries.
Also read: Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad: The Literary Institution shaping Marathi Culture across the region
“Women’s Writing Captures the Truth of Life”
Speaking at the ceremony, renowned Marathi poet Arun Mhatre remarked that women’s writing often reflects the realities of life with remarkable honesty.
He observed that in a changing social environment, the literary voices of women have increasingly begun to portray the deeper truths and experiences of everyday life, offering perspectives that resonate closely with society’s lived realities.
Dignitaries Present at the Ceremony
Among those present at the programme were Pramila Patil, Deputy Mayor, Panvel Municipal Corporation, Kalpana Vilas Kothari, film and theatre producer, Arun Mhatre, noted Marathi poet, Darshana Bhoir, corporator, Sanjay Gunjal, President, KOMSAP Raigad, Ganesh Koli, District Representative, Sandhya Divkar, Women’s Wing Head, Raigad, Siddhesh Lakhamde, Youth Wing Head.
The presence of literary, civic and cultural personalities added significance to the ceremony celebrating women’s contributions to literature and society.
Encouraging Women to Value Their Aspirations
Addressing the gathering, Kalpana Vilas Kothari noted that women today are making meaningful contributions across diverse fields.
She encouraged women to remain conscious of their own aspirations and happiness, adding that recognising women in literature through initiatives such as the ‘Stree Sanman’ awards is a commendable step in acknowledging their creative achievements.
Tribal Women Honoured for Social Struggle
A special recognition was also given to Suvarna Gurudas Waghe and members of the Jai Bhavani Women’s Self-Help Group from Koralwadi village, located at the foothills of Karnala Fort in Panvel taluka.
The women had earlier launched an indefinite hunger strike outside the Raigad Zilla Parishad office, demanding access to clean drinking water for their village. Their sustained struggle eventually resulted in the authorities addressing the issue.
The ceremony honoured their collective effort as an example of grassroots activism and social commitment.
Ceremony Concluded with Literary Celebration
The programme began with an introductory address by Sandhya Divkar, while Yogini Vaidu delivered the vote of thanks.
Through the Stree Sanman ceremony, the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad’s Raigad unit reaffirmed its commitment to recognising women’s voices in literature and their wider role in shaping society.
