A Journal of Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya

Diwedi were influenced by the Renaissance
taking place in Bengal and Maharashtra
respectively. A number of literary creations
go to their credit. The exponents of the
Hindi Renaissance were not only literary
men, but journalists as well. They were
therefore, modern thinkers, analyzing the
challenges, the society was then grappling
with. It was this class of intellectuals that
dominated not only Hindi Renaissance
literature, but literature of other regions
and languages as well. A vibrant wholesome
trend of thought ensued which manifested
itself in the philosophical thinking and
writings of the intellectuals. The impact
of the Renaissance ushered in a new era
which brought forth, a broadening of vision
in different regions and languages across
the country resulting in rapid and radical
changes in the national perspective.
Regional concerns blossomed into far more
encompassing national aspirations.
Consequently, a re-awakening took place,
fostering far reaching changes. The vista
of perception in the literary field broadened,
infusing, a spirit of nationalism which, in
due course matured into a heroic endeavour
to unshackle the bondage of foreign rule,
and, a quest for freedom.
Under the impact of various forces,
regionalism sublimated into nationalism.
Prior to the Renaissance in Bengal and
Maharashtra, regional problems had
occupied the centre stage, drawing the
attention of literary men e.g. in Bengal
‘Bang Chetna’ became pre-dominant, while
in Maharashtra, ‘Maharashtra religion’ was
greatly expounded. However, the spirit
of nationalism gathered momentum
gradually, crumbling and dissolving regional
barriers. The plight of India was already
being depicted and vividly portrayed in
Hindi literature, thus giving it a new
direction and purpose. During this period,
some eminent writers and scholars who,
although belonged to other region,
promoted and accelerated the process of
renaissance in the regions to which they
had migrated. Two outstanding
personalities deserve mention in this regard.
One was Sakharam Deyuskar and the other
was Madhav Rao Sapre. Both of them
belonged to Maharashtra. But, with the
publication of his book ‘Desher Kotha’,
Deyuskar helped in strengthening the
Renaissance in Bengal. This book was
published in Hindi, under the title of ‘Desh
ki Baat’. Madhav Rao Sapre’s contribution
to the Renaissance was, through his essays
and journals. Tracing out Madhav Rao
Sapre’s various aspects of life—his struggle,
his literary dedication, contribution to the
development of Hindi journalism, his
nationalist spirit, social zeal, political
activism, Makhan Lal Chaturvedi, makes
the following observation :
“Being myriad-minded and an original
thinker, for the past 25 years, Madhav
Rao Sapre has been a strong pillar of
Hindi literature and co-producer and
collaborator of literary, social and political
organizations. Infusing the spirit of
10 :: January-March 2012