The Shakespeare Memorial at Stratford-upon-Avon has received an unusual gift from Maharashtra. Celebrated Marathi poet Mangesh Padgaonkar, who turned 80 on Wednesday, presented Marathi translations of The Tempest, Romeo & Juliet and Julius Caesar to the memorial.
The three books will form a part of the public collection. Till now, Rabindranath Tagore was the only Indian poet to find pride of place in the memorial.
The translations were received by the Memorial’s director of learning, Dr Paul Edmondson. As a tribute to Padgaonkar’s work, Edmondson read out a few paragraphs from the Bard’s work and Padgaonkar read out their verbatim Marathi translations.
The celebrated poet was taken to the memorial’s highly-protected archives. During his UK visit, Padgaonkar visited Canterbury Cathedral and presented a copy of his translation of the New Testament to the highest Protestant shrine. It was received by Canon Clare on behalf of the Archbishop.
Padgaonkar was given a rousing welcome on Saturday night at the Maharashtra Mandal, London, where he was felicitated for receiving the ‘Maharashtra Bhushan’, the highest civilian award of the state government in 2008.
The poet was interviewed by famous satirist Ramdas Phutane and local mandal members Padgaonkar’s popular songs. An audio-visual on Padgaonkar’s life was released on the occasion. The film is made by Granthali, the influential literary movement in Maharashtra.
Kale Trust chief Mukund Nawathe said a functionary of the Art Council of Great Britain, Kate Griffin, also attended.
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