Phadke's
position on Literature
In
every language, literateurs of the first rank , from the quality, quantity and
variety point of view can be counted on one's finger tips. In so far as Marathi
is concerned Padmabhushan Prof. Narayan Sitaram Phadke at once tops the list,
not only among his contemporaries but even his predecessors and successors
alike, even today. He is outstanding as a critic, appraiser- writer of
multifaceted branches of Marathi writings and its scientific fundamentals cum
basis and in that sense he is simply incomparable and second to none, a verdict of the common, the connoisseur
and his competitors, too. Phadke's first pronouncement of his literary position
came in 1932, in "Pratibha-Sadhan". It outlines his views on the
psychology of creative writing, defends creative writing against allegations,
and explains its role in clear, ringing tones. He explains the goal of creative
writing as:
"Any object or subject that is touched by literary genius attains
divinity.
And the person when concerns himself with such activity achieves bliss
is the goal..... "
Phadke wrote often and profusely of the goal of literature and its
functions. He has explained himself in various ways. And he used neologisms to
advantage. In his 1962 book 'Aisee Akshare Rasike' he writes:
"The verse-play must afford the viewer a sub-time experience. True
creative writing adds to the life-experience"
Phadke's journey has taken him from hedonism to experiential richness.
Any subtle changes in his position have found their way in his work, as is clear
from the body of work he has left behind. A study of these clearly brings out
his position.