Pandurang Sadashiv Sane

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Pandurang Sadashiv Sane, known as Sane Guruji(24/12/1899 to 11/06/1950) to his followers, was a famous Marathi author and social activist. He was born in a Brahmin family in a town palghad in Ratnagiri district konkan region of rural Maharashtra.He also had a younger brother. Despite poor financial conditions he completed his B.A.

His father was a freedom fighter. He was very much influenced by his mother. He graduated in Marathi and Sanskrit and had his Master's degree in Philosophy and joined the teaching profession. He taught in the rural schools. He also worked as a Hostel warden. He was a gifted orator. While in school he published a magazine named "Vidyarthi" which was very popular among the students. He inculcated cultural and moral values in the student community.

After the Dandi March conducted by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, he resigned as a teacher and joined the nationalist movement. He was in the Dhule Jail for more than 15 months. Vinoba Bhave was also in the same jail. He used to deliver a lecture on the Bhagvad Geeta on each Sunday morning. Sane Guruji took notes and wrote the famous book "Geeta Pravachane".

In Tiruchi Jail he learned Tamil and Bengali. He recognised the importance of learning Indian languages particularly in the context of the problem of national integration and started the Antar Bharati movement.

He has about 73 books to his credit. His famous works in Marathi literature include Shyamchi Aai (Shyam's mother), Dhadapadanari Mule (Struggling Children) & Shyam.

The Rashtra Seva Dal has built a beautiful national memorial in the name of Sane Guruji at Vadghar Taluka Mangoan, district Raigad, Maharashtra. It is being developed as a camping ground for students since 2001.

Dalits(untouchables) were not allowed then,to enter temples and worship.Sane Guruji called a fast unto death to let Dalits worship in temples. He was successful in his mission.

He died on 11th June 1950.