Mumbai: Language is meant to build bridges between people and communities, not create divisions, said former Director of the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations, senior litterateur, journalist and publisher Devendra Bhujbal.

He was speaking at the launch of ‘Tarang’, a Hindi-Marathi poetry collection by poets Surekha Patil and Pratibha Birje, published by Sharda Prakashan. The book was released by Bhujbal at a literary function held in Mumbai on Sunday.

Journalist and poet Mangesh Vishwasrao, poet Prof. Pratibha Saraf and publisher Prof. Dr Santosh Rane were among those present on the occasion.

Bhujbal said the ongoing debates and controversies surrounding language should not undermine its fundamental role of connecting people. He praised the two poets for their independent creative expression, observing that their poems did not read like translations. The Marathi poems of Surekha Patil, he said, vividly reflected her emotional depth and created a distinct sense of poetic joy.

On the occasion, noted anchor and presenter Kirti Patskar was conferred the ‘Swarpratibha Award’, instituted by Sharda Prakashan in memory of poet Pratibha Birje.

Speaking at the event, poet and journalist Mangesh Vishwasrao described the gathering as a deeply personal and family-oriented literary occasion. He recalled initially assuming that the two poets were close friends before discovering that they were sisters.

“Poetry gives expression to the human being. Poetry is like a song. The moment caste enters it, poetry loses its essence,” Vishwasrao said. He also expressed regret that the literary contribution of Sant Kabir had not received adequate attention in Marathi.

Publisher Prof. Dr Santosh Rane said the creation of Tarang had taken nearly seven to eight years. “If poetry is to be melodious, relationships too must remain harmonious,” he said, adding that the family had immersed itself deeply in poetry. He expressed hope that the collection would offer readers new perspectives on life.

Prof. Pratibha Saraf recalled her association with Surekha Patil and praised her literary sensibility. She said listening to Surekha’s Marathi expressions in Hindi offered a unique pleasure and that every poem revealed something new to the reader.

The poetry of both writers was presented before the audience by well-known anchor Dinesh Adavadkar and Rucha Patil Raikar, daughter of Surekha Patil, who had travelled from London especially for the event. Their presentation received an enthusiastic response from the audience.

Tarang has been dedicated to Surekha Patil’s younger sister, Shubhangi Pradhan. Surekha Patil proposed the vote of thanks through her concluding remarks.

Ankur Raikar, who travelled from London, along with members of the Patil family, played an important role in making the literary event a success.