PUNE: Renowned author and recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award, N.D. Mahanor, affectionately known as Maharashtra’s 'nature poet,' passed away at the age of 80 in a private hospital in Pune. He had been undergoing treatment at Ruby Hall Clinic in the city for the past few days due to a kidney ailment, according to sources.

A multifaceted literary figure, Namdeo Dhondo Mahanor, fondly referred to as 'Na Dho,' was not only an acclaimed novelist but also a talented songwriter and lyricist. His prowess as a nature poet was unparalleled. Mahanor also played a significant role as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC), where he eloquently and sensitively addressed agricultural issues and the challenges faced by farmers.

Born in a small village in Aurangabad (now known as 'Sambahajinagar'), one of his early works, the novel "Ajintha" (1984), depicted a 19th-century love story between English soldier-antiquarian Major Robert Gill (known for copying the Ajanta cave frescoes) and a tribal girl. This novel was later adapted into a film by the esteemed art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai, who coincidentally passed away the day before Mahanor.

A Profound Loss to Maharashtra's Literature: “His departure has left a void in Marathi poetry. Maharashtra's literature has suffered a significant loss," expressed eminent writer Dr. Sadanand More.

Dr. More highlighted that Mahanor's unique perspective in poetry was influenced by his personal experience as a farmer.

A Close Friend of Sharad Pawar: Mahanor shared a close bond with the politically influential Pawar family for over 50 years and was a personal friend of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar.

“He was my dear friend. Known as a 'wilderness poet,' he was born into a farmer's family in Palaskhede in Aurangabad district. Apart from his dazzling poetry on seasons and soulful songs, he showed a keen interest in agricultural matters. During his tenure as an MLC nominated by the Governor, he passionately raised agricultural issues," Sharad Pawar reminisced while speaking in Delhi.

Tributes Pour In: Condolences poured in from various political figures, with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressing his sorrow over Mahanor's passing, and NCP MP Supriya Sule considering it a personal loss for the Pawar family.

“An important member of our family is no more. At times, he [Mahanor] used to spontaneously compose brilliant poetry. He had a great sense of humor and was a warm and lively individual," Ms. Sule fondly remembered.

A 'Wilderness Poet': Mahanor's cousin and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar described him as a 'wilderness poet' in the truest sense.

"He served literature by embracing nature. His writings exuded the essence of rural life and Maharashtra's agricultural heritage, enriching Marathi folk literature like no other," praised Ajit Pawar, offering heartfelt tributes to the departed poet.

Mahanor's last rites will be held in his native village of Palaskhede in Aurangabad district.

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