Veteran Marathi journalist and author Rambhau Joshi has become a centenarian as per Hindu panchang, last weekend, on Margasheersha shuddha Saptami.
This article is a tribute to Appa, as he is known in Maharashtra, to be published on December 13, 2021. his 98th birthday as per the Gregorian calendar.
I am amazed. For a 100-year-old, he still has a memory of events in 1942 when Yashwantrao Chavan who was then a firebrand member of Parallel Government in Satara district of Maharashtra. This was set up by Mahatma Gandhi’s young followers. The Prati Sarkar (प्रति सरकार) was to protest against the British police.
Most others of his age may have complaints associated with geriatrics. But not for Rambhau. He has sharp, clear and district memories about his personal life and in his journalistic career.
In a two-hour-long chat with me yesterday evening, for example, he could recall names of even three other activists who managed to escape the British police.
Similarly, He could tell me the details of the event when a gramophone company manager come from Mumbai to his house in Pune to invite him to record songs he had scripted as a lyricist.
Rambhau is respected as an author of eight award-winning volumes on the life and work of Yeshwantrao who went on to become Deputy Prime Minister and held important posts in the central and Maharashtra cabinets.
Appa is an important member to shape the organizations of journalists, Pune Stramik Patrakar Sangh, its Maharashtra body, Pune Patrakar Pratishsthan, and Pune Patrakarnagar.
Yesteryears’ leading lights in politics, Marathi literature, classical music, and social work often frequent his apartment in Sindhu building of Pune’s Patrakarnagar housing society, to pay respect to him or exchange experiences.
Rambhau rarely comes out of his house nowadays. He uses a walker. His eyesight is failing but he does not need hearing aids as he can respond to conversation from a distance.
For some time, he has stopped reading newspapers and watching television programmes. But he loves to listen to classical music anytime.
Every day he spends some time with the family inquiring about the progress of granddaughter Radhika’s success in her college education and about the activities of other grandchildren residing elsewhere in the state.
The only pastime for him is to recite Brahmachaitanya Gondavalekar Maharaj’s preachings , He has maintained sound health with his frugal simple vegetarian diet, seasonal fruits, and two cups of tea in a day.
His sons, Sakshatkar and Samprasad, say Rambhau is delighted when visitors come calling or call him over the phone. Family members stop his prolonged chat only to ensure that it does not exhaust him.
It amazes visitors when told that he shaves with his favorite brand of razors. He shaves thrice a week.
Over the phone, he speaks with clarity and uses his rustic wit and humour for which he is known all his life.
Rambhau lost his life-companion Sumantai in 2012 leaving a void in his life. “It was because of her that I could achieve so much in my life. They say behind every successful man there is a woman. I experienced that all my life.”
Some highlights of his career:
· Along with vocalist Bhimsen Joshi, Rambhau and other eminent music-lovers founded Arya Sangit Prasarak Sabha that organised the annual Sawai Gandharv Mahotsav for decades.
· Rambhau’s zest for music and cultural activities can be traced to his scripting of Marathi songs decades ago. His talk shows, interviews were popular most-awaited broadcasts from Mumbai and Pune stations.
· Appa was presented with scores of coveted awards and was felicitated by prestigious organisations in Maharashtra.
· The importance of Rambhau in Maharashtra during the political, social and cultural life of the Yashwantrao Chavan Era was summed up when the veteran politician publicly stated many times
“Rambhau is my conscious keeper.”
· How does he feel to be a centenarian now? ‘I have lived a very contented life as a journalist, author, and human being. I remain grateful to all the people who gave me love and affection in my journey of these hundred years’, Rambhau said politely.
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