Pune, August 9, 2023 – Profound sadness and a sense of loss reverberate in the realm of social and intellectual discourse as news arrives of the passing of Senior Social Writer and Thinker, Prof. Hari Narke. At the age of 70, he bid his final farewell at the Asian Heart Institute in BKC, Mumbai, following an unwell spell. On the morning of August 9, while en route to Mumbai, Prof. Narke’s health deteriorated, leading to a heart attack subsequent to vomiting in the car. Despite being admitted to the Asian Heart Institute for treatment, his life journey came to a close, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom and contributions.
Prof. Narke’s presence and insights resonated deeply within Maharashtra’s social movements. Regarded as a preeminent thinker in the philosophies of Phule, Shahu, and Ambedkar, his profound understanding of the issues concerning Other Backward Classes (OBCs) stood as a testament to his intellectual depth. His tenure as a member of the Maharashtra State Commission for Backward Classes yielded significant contributions, while also assuming the role of Vice President in the Samata Parishad under the leadership of Minister Chhagan Bhujbal. Through this platform, Prof. Narke consistently championed the cause of the OBCs, often placing the ruling authorities on the precipice of accountability.
In the wake of Prof. Narke’s departure, Minister Chhagan Bhujbal expressed his profound grief, emphasizing the immense shock his passing has generated. Bhujbal noted that Narke’s absence is deeply felt, pondering on the reality that his presence is no longer among us. A pivotal figure in promoting the works of Mahatma Phule, Narke’s efforts in unearthing historical writings and advocating for the importance of Phule’s legacy are irreplaceable. Bhujbal highlighted that Narke’s contributions were instrumental in underscoring the significance of the Phule couple’s work. As Bhujbal prepares to pay his respects at the Asian Heart Institute, he acknowledged the profound loss that the Samata Parishad faces with Narke’s departure.
Prof. Hari Narke’s impact extended into the sphere of education. His role as the Adhyasana Professor of Mahatma Phule Adhyasana at Pune University showcased his dedication to nurturing young minds. Additionally, he played a pivotal role at the renowned Bhandarkar Oriental Institute in Pune, an institution of international acclaim. Notably, Prof. Narke also served as the chief coordinator of the Ranganath Pathare Committee’s report, which aimed to establish Marathi as a classical Indian language akin to Sanskrit, Kannada, and Telugu.
