Today is the birth aniversary of one of my fond Marathi poet Gajana Digambar Madgulkar. Popularly know as GA DI MA.

(Born:  1st October 1919): He was a leading name in Marathi literature during his life time. Ga Di Ma, as he is popularly known to the Marathi world, was one of the great modern poets of Maharashtra. Apart from being a prolific poet he was also a lyricist, a playwright, actor and orator.

Ga Di Ma successfully tried his hands in many stream of literature, including poetry, stories, epics, novels, autobiographies and lyrics. He has almost 30 acclaimed works across these categories. The subjects covered by him in his creations are just as varied.

Ga Di Ma was equally proficient in Hindi. He first entered the world of films in March 1938 at Kolhapur. His pen contributed to as many as 157 Marathi and 23 Hindi films. It was Ga Di Ma who penned the story and dialogue for V. Shantaram's film Do Ankhen Barah Haath, which won recognition at international film festivals.

He is especially admired for having written Geet Ramayan, a collection of 56 verses encompassing the entire epic of Ramayana. It earned him the title of "Modern Valmiki". The music was composed by Sudhir Phadke.

Ga Di Man chi olakha mala Geet Ramayanatun zhali. Mazhya aathavani pramane mi je pahila gana tabalyawar wajawala te Geet Ramayanatala - Swaye Shri Rama Prabhu Aikati Kushal Lava Ramayana Gaati he hota...... Tewahan pasun suru zhalaela ha prawas....Ajunahi mi Geet Ramayan khup aikato ani prateek weli kahi naveen shikayala milata. Purna Rama Charitra dolya saamor ubha rahata.

Geet Ramayanacha ek sarawat motha waishisthya mhanje Ga Di mani prattek gana eka baithakit lihila. Ekada gana chalu kela ki te sampe parayanta te uthat nasat. Swayam Saraswati tyanchya hatawar basat aasawi.....Geet ramayanachi gani tashi samajayala aawaghad aahet. Tya dishene mazha prayatna chaluch aasato.

Mazhya war ganyache pahile sawnskar karanarya hya kaawyachi tulana nahi...Hya dewatulya manasa pudhe me natamastak hoto....