A Brief Profile
Dr. M. N. Wankhade, pioneer of the Dalit literary movement and founder-editor of Asmita, championed social justice, equality, and cultural awakening, leaving a lasting legacy as a visionary intellectual and activist.
In the post -Ambedkarite period of sixties and seventies the potential for literary facet of Ambedkarite movement was well conceived and recognised by many followers. The most prominent amongst them was Dr.M.N.Wankhade,the most brilliant and erudite personality who held many responsible positions and high offices.
His talent and potential was recognised by Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar in 1945 when he received gold medal in B.A. Honours from Morris college, Nagpur and offered him an appointment as teacher in Milind Mahavidyalaya. Later he did his M.A.He was one of the students who were to sent by Dr.Babasaheb to London to pursue higher studies. Due to health issues he could not complete it and had to return to India.However, in 1963 he did his M.A. from Indiana University in USA and later did his Ph.D. from Florida University,USA.In between he was closely associated with Milind college. He was later appointed as Principal of Milind Mahavidyalaya ,Aurangabad,and later chairman of the board of studies,Marathawada University and dean of the faculty of Arts,M.U. He later worked as associate professor of English at Illinois University, USA. He was a member of governing body of People’s Education Society founded by Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar.
The students of Milind college who came from marginalised socioeconomic background had their own tale of plight and reflection of their standing in the society. Their writing was not allowed to find place in contemporary Marathi establishments.Dr.Wankhade knew this well and emphasised the impact of literary movement for uplift of society.Dr.Wankhede was deeply impressed by the literary revolt of the black people in America.He studied their literature closely.He encouraged young students to write freely and effectively from their hearts. He founded and edited the “Asmitadarsha”, later conducted by Gangadhar ji Pantaone .Asmitadarsha served and other journals served as an important outlets for thoughts and literary work of students and faculties.
Dr.Wankhade knew that his duty was not to merely teach and administer but his duty was to promote holistic development and create social dynamism envisioned by Dr.Ambedkar.
With Dr.Wankhade’s confidence,energy and inspiration Ambedkarite literature(then known as Dalit literature)moved with fast pace.This was transformational era with revolting undertones against the caste based norms.This had a great impact, and truly many budding writers,under his able guidance,blossomed into great writers, activists and thinkers.To name a few are Dr.Yeshvant Manohar, late Waman Nimbalkar, late Bhau Lokhande, late P.I.Sonkamble, Janardan Waghmare, Sukhdeo Thorat,Aruna Lokhande, Manohar Jilathe,,Ram Dotonde,M.L.Kasare,Vijay Jadhav,Kamalakar Gangavane,Yogiraj Waghmare, Shankar Sabane and many more.
Dr.M.N.Wankhade himself was on the forefront of writing on social issues,and published his articles in prestigious journals and dailies like Times of India,Illustrated Weekly of India,University journals, Shankar’s Weekly,The Nagpur Times,Navayug,Nav Bharat and Pratisthan.
Born on January20,1924 at Thugaon, now Purna nagar,Amaravati,Maharashtra Dr.Wankhade was a handsome, a very fair-complexioned and well dressed in western outfit ,his persona exuded charm, erudition
and confidence,and conveyed an aura of discipline,mannerism and evoked fear and respect at the same time, and left a remarkable impression on students and faculties. Affability was the hallmark of his personality. He had a vision of literary revolution.
His remarkable contribution in educational, literary and social fields will always be remembered.His aim was not only to create educated elite but he served as a beacon of light that would support and transform the society as envisioned by Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar.
In 1973 he was nominated as member of Maharashtra Public Service Commission,and in 1978 he was appointed as Chairman of MPSC. In 1978 he died at Houston, USA following heart surgery leaving us alone. His legacy will always be remembered.
The young students of this day must know and remember him, 2024 being his centenary year.
We remember and pay our respect to him.
– Dr. Anil Dhoke, Mumbai
Life Journey of Dr. M. N. Wankhade
A glimpse into the remarkable journey of Dr. M. N. Wankhade. His life, milestones, and legacy captured through time.
1924
20 Jan
Birth at ‘Thugaon’, Amravati District, Maharashtra State
1942
Recipient of N. K. Behare Award, Inter Arts Nagpur University, or Edward College, Amravati
1945
Recipient of the Madhavrao Chandodkar Gold Medal for securing the highest marks in B.A. (Hons.) English examination.
1945-47
Recipient of the Government of India Overseas Scholarship for higher studies in the United Kingdom.
1945
Completed M.A.
1951–62
Professor and Head of the English Department, Milind College, Aurangabad.
1958–62
Principal, Milind Arts College, Aurangabad.
1959–62
Chairman, English Studies Board, Marathwada University, Aurangabad.
July
1959–62
In-charge Professor and Postgraduate Lecturer, Marathwada University, Aurangabad.
1962
Member, Higher Secondary Board, Pune.
1962–66
Recipient of the Fulbright–Smith–Mundt Scholarship for higher studies in English in the United States of America.
1963
Completed A.M. (Indiana University, U.S.A.).
1963-65
Assistant Professor, Department of English, University of Florida,
Gainesville, U.S.A.
1965
Ph.D. (Florida, U.S.A.).
1965–66
Assistant Professor of English, Western Illinois University, Macomb, U.S.A.
Oct.
1966–68
Principal, Professor, and Head of the English Department, Milind Arts College, Aurangabad.
1966–68
Postgraduate Lecturer, M.A. English, Marathwada University, Aurangabad.
1967–68
Chairman, Sports Board, Marathwada University, Aurangabad.
4 April 1967
President, Bhusawal Buddhist Literature Conference.
1968
Dean, Faculty of Arts, Marathwada University, Aurangabad.
1967
Founder Editor of Asmita quarterly, Aurangabad (today’s Asmitadarsh)
1966–73
Advisor to Asmitadarsh quarterly.
1968–73
Member, Maharashtra Public Service Commission, Mumbai.
March 1973
From March 1973 until his demise
Chairman, Maharashtra Public Service Commission, Mumbai.
August 1973
Member, Sahitya Akademi (Marathi Board), Delhi.
1974
Member, Vice-Chancellor Appointment Committee, Nagpur University.
1976
President, First Dalit Literature Conference, Nagpur.
1977–78
Member, Maharashtra State Literature and Culture Board, Mumbai.
1 May 1978
Passed away in Houston, U.S.A.