Nagpur: The Nagpur Central Jail celebrated Marathi Language Pride Day with great enthusiasm on Friday, February 27, marking the birth anniversary of renowned poet and writer Kusumagraj (V.V. Shirwadkar). To commemorate the occasion, the jail hosted a special cultural programme titled ‘Kavyakshare’, presented by Aksharayan School of Calligraphy.
The event was organised under the inspiration of Dr. Suhas Varkhe, Additional Director General & Inspector General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Maharashtra, Pune. It was held under the guidance of Yogesh Desai, Special IG, Prisons & Correctional Services, Maharashtra, and Vaibhav S. Agey, Superintendent of Nagpur Central Prison and Deputy Inspector General (Prisons), Eastern Region.
Dignitaries Attend Special Cultural Event
The programme was graced by prominent personalities, including:
- Chef Vishnu Manohar, Popular Culinary Expert
- Prakash Waghmare, Director, Waghmare Masale (Event Sponsor)
- Rajiv Chaudhary, Director, Aksharayan School of Calligraphy
- Vaibhav S. Agey, Superintendent, Nagpur Central Jail
- Deepa Agey, Additional Superintendent
Every year, February 27 is observed as Marathi Bhasha Gaurav Din across Maharashtra in memory of acclaimed Marathi literary icon Kusumagraj. As part of the celebration, Aksharayan School of Calligraphy conducted a live calligraphy session inside the jail premises.
Inmates Create Marathi Poetry and Slogans in Calligraphy
Representatives from Aksharayan guided inmates in crafting beautifully written Marathi poetry, quotes, and motivational messages in artistic calligraphy. The inmates actively participated with enthusiasm, creating framed calligraphy artworks. The session also included an introduction to Kusumagraj’s literary contributions and a brief overview of the history of the Marathi language.
Chef Vishnu Manohar Inspires Inmates
Additional Superintendent Deepa Agey delivered the introductory address, following which celebrity chef Vishnu Manohar engaged the inmates with his signature lively style. He encouraged them to take pride in the Marathi language and performed a dramatic recitation from the celebrated play ‘Natsamrat’, mimicking actor Nana Patekar’s famous dialogue delivery.
Prison Officials Encourage Rehabilitation Through Art
In his presidential address, Superintendent Vaibhav S. Agey extended greetings on Marathi Language Pride Day and appreciated the inmates’ calligraphy work. He emphasized that such cultural initiatives support the prison department’s mission of reform and rehabilitation.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks and anchoring by Mangesh Deshmukh.
