Maharashtra govt to set up research centre named after Shahir Sable for experimental arts: Minister

Mumbai, Jun 19 (PTI) The Maharashtra government will set up a research centre at the Mumbai-based P L Deshpande Kala Academy to facilitate in-depth research and academic study of the state's experimental arts, minister Ashish Shelar said on Thursday.

Balldeer Krishnarao Sable, popularly known as Shahir Sable, was a Marathi folk artist. He is the singer of the iconic 'Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha' song, which the government recognised as the state song in 2023. Sable was awarded the Padma Shri in 1998.

"The independent research centre at the P L Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy will be named after the iconic folk artist and Maharashtra Shahir Padma Shri Krishnarao Sable," Shelar told reporters here.

"Maharashtra has a rich and glorious legacy of experimental arts. The state's Department of Cultural Affairs has already documented various folk art forms in audio-visual formats through departments of experimental arts across non-agricultural universities. The department possesses vast resources on theatre, folk arts, music, dance and more," he noted.

According to the minister, there is a growing need to classify, analyse and conduct academic research on this material. This will benefit undergraduate, post-graduate and PhD students from within Maharashtra and beyond who wish to undertake research in this field.

Shelar held a meeting at the Mantralaya, the state secretariat, on Thursday to deliberate on this initiative and instructed the department to prepare a detailed blueprint for the proposed research centre.

Speaking after the meeting, he said, "Maharashtra's experimental arts are a matter of great pride for the state. These art forms contain deep historical references that reflect the cultural evolution of Maharashtra.

There is a need to explore and research these traditions. Various art forms, including shahiri, powada, jagran, gondhal, tamasha, vag natya, dashavatari, bharud and keertan, have a deep-rooted tradition and carry within them the strength to inspire humanity. It is essential to bring this strength to light through research and study, he said.

"When the government decided to establish a dedicated research centre, we also deliberated on a suitable name. Based on the suggestions made by experts in the field, we decided to name the centre after Shahir Krishnarao Sable. Shahir Sable played a pivotal role in the 'Samyukta Maharashtra' movement and was a leading figure in the propagation and promotion of experimental arts." In recognition of his extraordinary contribution, it has been decided to name the centre after him, Shelar said. PTI MR NP