Annabhau Sathe was a well-known Marathi writer, social activist, and folk artist from Maharashtra, India. He was born on August 1, 1920, in the Sangli district of Maharashtra, into a family belonging to the Mahar caste, which was considered as an untouchable caste during those times. He grew up in poverty and faced discrimination from a young age due to his caste.
Sathe started working at an early age to support his family and was employed as a laborer in a sugar factory. However, he was also interested in literature and started writing poetry in his spare time. He was deeply influenced by the struggles of the Dalit community and the works of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who was a prominent social reformer and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.
Sathe became actively involved in the Dalit movement and started writing about the social and economic issues faced by the Dalits in Maharashtra. His literary works, which mainly consisted of poems, songs, and short stories, were based on his own experiences and those of the people around him. He wrote about the oppression and discrimination faced by the Dalits and the struggle for their rights and dignity.
Apart from his literary works, Sathe was also a talented folk artist and performed numerous folk songs and dramas that highlighted the social and economic issues faced by the marginalized communities. His performances were known for their powerful messages and his ability to connect with the audience.
Sathe’s works were widely acclaimed, and he was considered one of the pioneers of the Dalit literature movement in Maharashtra. He was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1975 for his contribution to literature and social work.
Sathe passed away on July 18, 1969, at a young age of 49. However, his legacy lives on through his literary works and his contribution to the Dalit movement in Maharashtra.
Original Photos of Annabhau Sathe
