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By:

Ashok Rane

27 August 2024 at 10:18:04 am

What Others Could Not Do, Devabhao Accomplished

For the past five years, the issue of Maratha reservation has been a burning topic in progressive Maharashtra. Since August 29, during...

What Others Could Not Do, Devabhao Accomplished

For the past five years, the issue of Maratha reservation has been a burning topic in progressive Maharashtra. Since August 29, during the festive season in Mumbai, the Maratha reservation movement had drawn the attention of the entire nation. Some anti-Maharashtra invisible forces, aiming to tarnish the festive atmosphere, were preparing to exploit the protests at Azad Maidan for political gains. Seeing the unrest among the protesters in Mumbai, there was widespread apprehension across Maharashtra that the state might erupt into chaos. However, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis resolved the long-pending and complex issue of Maratha reservation, which had lingered for forty years, in a just manner without causing injustice to any community. Moreover, during the festive season, he ensured that social harmony and peace prevailed in Maharashtra. For this, Maharashtra will forever remain indebted to Devendra Fadnavis. In truth, Sharad Pawar had a historic opportunity to secure reservations for the Maratha community and pave the way for their progress. When the Mandal Commission was being implemented, the authority to decide which castes should receive reservations rested with the respective state chief ministers. At that time, Sharad Pawar was a prominent leader in Maharashtra. Given his stature, he must have been aware of the deprivation faced by ordinary Marathas and their dire need for development. However, why and how this issue was neglected remains an unsolved mystery. It is clear that Maratha protesters at Azad Maidan were enraged at Sharad Pawar, likely due to this tendency to overlook the community's grievances. On July 13, 2016, a horrific and inhumane incident of assault on a minor girl occurred in Kopardi, Ahmednagar district. In protest against this incident, fifty-eight silent Maratha marches were held across Maharashtra. It was through these silent marches that the issue of Maratha reservation gained prominence, and Manoj Jarange Patil emerged as a leader, with Antarwali Sarati becoming the epicenter of the Maratha reservation movement. The late Annasaheb Patil had also led a movement for Maratha reservation in Mumbai in 1982. On March 22, 1982, he organized a march in Mumbai, and when it became evident that the demand for Maratha reservation would not be met, he sacrificed his life for the cause on March 23, 1982. Considering Maharashtra's social fabric, there was a widespread desire among all communities in the state that the Maratha community should receive a legally sound reservation. Unfortunately, the powerful and wealthy leaders of political parties, including many from the Maratha community, lacked the will to resolve the Maratha reservation issue. As mentioned earlier, Sharad Pawar had several opportunities to address this, but no efforts were made to open the doors of progress through reservations. Instead, leaders like Manohar Joshi and Purushottam Khedekar, or later Devendra Fadnavis and Manoj Jarange Patil, were accused of inciting Maratha youth by fueling caste-based fervor and misleading them. Over the past three decades, Purushottam Khedekar’s organizations have engaged in similar activities. For the last forty to fifty years, Maratha political leadership has kept the reservation issue unresolved, using it as a political tool to keep Maharashtra unstable. This is the harsh reality of the Maratha reservation struggle. When MP Supriya Sule visited Azad Maidan, Maratha youth, chanting that Sharad Pawar had betrayed the Marathas, expressed their anger by throwing bottles at her vehicle, showing the Pawar family their place. As the situation at Azad Maidan grew tense during the festive season, and to prevent any damage to Maharashtra’s social harmony, the composed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis resolved the hunger strike at Azad Maidan. Without any fanfare, through extensive research and behind-the-scenes efforts, he successfully addressed the Maratha reservation issue, which had been languishing for fifty years. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the entire state of Maharashtra is truly relieved today. By making the right decision at the right time, Devendra Fadnavis also thwarted the plans of those attempting to push Maharashtra into anarchy during the festive season. The Entire Maharashtra is Relieved Since August 29, Manoj Jarange Patil began a hunger strike at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, pressing for certain demands related to Maratha reservation. Lakhs of protesters from every corner of Maharashtra converged in Mumbai. Due to some inconveniences or alleged mismanagement on the first day, discontent and unrest grew among the protesters. Certain invisible forces sought to exploit this discontent, amplifying it through media and social media. Efforts were made to escalate the Maratha agitation at Azad Maidan, incite riots, and create a vertical divide within Hindu society. Some individuals publicly supported the Maratha movement at Azad Maidan. Leaders like Imtiaz Jaleel of the AIMIM, who opposed the renaming of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Nagar and glorified the fanatic Aurangzeb, and Abu Azmi, who downplayed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje’s sacrifice, visited Azad Maidan to express solidarity with the Maratha reservation movement. An individual named Paigambar Sheikh posted on social media, urging mosques to open for Marathas, attempting to add fuel to the fire. The visits and support from Imtiaz Jaleel and Abu Azmi were seen as attempts to create a divide within Hindu society, particularly among Marathas and other communities, and to trouble the Devendra Fadnavis government. (The writer is a resident of Akola. Views personal.)

International Film Festival of India: Celebrating Cinema Across Borders

Updated: Nov 25, 2024

International Film Festival of India

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is a grand celebration of cinema that brings together filmmakers and film lovers from across the globe. For many, including myself, it’s more than just a festival—it’s a journey into the world of stories, creativity, and cultural exchange.


A Journey Through Time IFFI began in 1952 as a way to showcase the best of world cinema and create a platform for cultural exchange. The first edition, held in Mumbai, featured 40 films from 21 countries and marked the beginning of India’s global engagement with cinema.


Since 2004, Goa has been the festival's permanent home, and its picturesque beauty adds to the charm of this prestigious event. Organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting along with the Entertainment Society of Goa, IFFI has grown into one of the most important film festivals in Asia.


A Platform for Global Cinema

IFFI celebrates the art of filmmaking with a rich lineup of feature films, documentaries, and animations. It hosts competitive sections like the International Competition, with the prestigious Golden Peacock award, and the Indian Panorama, which showcases the diversity of Indian cinema through regional storytelling.


This year, a new International Debut section will spotlight emerging filmmakers. Masterclasses, tributes to legendary filmmakers, and retrospectives continue to make IFFI a space for learning and inspiration.


Highlights of IFFI 2024

The 55th edition of IFFI promises an exciting lineup of over 200 films from 70 countries. Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days will open the festival, and retrospectives of Indian legend Satyajit Ray and Japanese filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu are among the key attractions.


In keeping with the latest trends, IFFI 2024 will feature immersive screenings in virtual reality and workshops on AI-powered storytelling. A special Goa Spotlight section will showcase films inspired by the culture and stories of Goa.


Supporting Talent and Innovation

IFFI isn’t just about screenings; it’s also about nurturing talent. Initiatives like the Short Film Center and the Film Bazaar help emerging filmmakers connect with producers and distributors. Workshops on modern filmmaking techniques, including AI and visual effects, show the festival’s commitment to innovation.


A Global Cultural Exchange

IFFI serves as a melting pot of ideas, where filmmakers, students, and audiences engage in discussions that transcend borders. The presence of global stars alongside Indian cinema icons highlights the festival’s international appeal.


More Than Just Films

During the festival, Goa comes alive with cultural events, exhibitions, and live performances, making IFFI a complete celebration of creativity. It’s not just about cinema; it’s about art, culture, and storytelling in all its forms.


A Legacy of Storytelling

Over seven decades, IFFI has played a key role in putting India on the global cinematic map. It honors the greats of cinema while embracing new technologies and ideas, showing how storytelling evolves over time.

As IFFI 2024 unfolds, it reminds us of the power of cinema to connect and inspire. For someone like me, who has witnessed its magic over the years, it remains a shining example of how stories can transcend borders and touch hearts.


Cinema, after all, is not just about entertainment—it’s about bringing people together. And IFFI is a celebration of that unity.


(The author is a communication professional. Views personal.)

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