Any organisation that withstands the test of time matures into an institution, and gradually builds legacy with each passing year. VSS is one such institution. Since its founding on January 13-14, 1923, VSS has expanded its presence as well as influence. The thought process of one man, supported by contribution and motivation of many others, has translated into a vibrant platform for the writers, performers, readers, and the society at large.

VSS held its second meet in 1924 at Amravati, third at Yavatmal in 1926, fourth in South Hyderabad in 1927, fifth at Jalgaon in 1928, and sixth at Nagpur in 1929. However, as Pt Madan Mohan Malviya invited ‘Kavibhushan’ Khaparde to Benaras Hindu Vishwavidyalaya as Professor of Marathi, the latter went there and VSS’ annual meets could not be held from 1929 to 1936. Later on, with Principal V B Kolte shifting to Amravati in 1936, VSS activities got a new lease of life.

The VSS meet held on August 21-22, 1937 was historic not only because it marked resumption of literary movement in Vidarbha, but also for ‘revolutionary announcement’. Dr N B Khare, a political stalwart of the time and then Prime Minister of Central Provinces and Berar, was the guest and he announced lifting of ban on books ‘Mazzini’ by Swatantryaveer Savarkar, ‘Gunhegaar’ by Pendsey, ‘Kaalaatil Nibandh’ by S M Paranjpe, and ‘Patri’ by Chiplunkar. This was pretty revolutionary as it amounted to the litterateurs daring the British Raj.

Within two years after the 1937 meet of VSS, World War-II started and again VSS was unable to hold annual literary meets. Later, in 1945, VSS meet was held at Akot. As per the decision taken in this meet, VSS journal ‘Yugwani’ came into being from January 1, 1946. Also, it was decided to conduct ‘Marathi Literature Test’.

After India won her Independence from the British Raj, VSS held its silver jubilee meet at Gondia in 1948. ‘Loknayak’ Bapuji Aney, who was then Governor of Bihar, presided over the meet. To expand VSS presence and to streamline its functioning, renowned litterateur G T Madkholkar applied for a land parcel of 1.20 acres at Nagpur to construct ‘Vidarbha Sahitya Mandir’, the central office of VSS. On October 20, 1950, after completing official formalities, Madkholkar performed bhoomipujan of the Vidarbha Sahitya Mandir. The building construction continued as support poured in from generous donors not only from Vidarbha but also from erstwhile Madhya Pradesh Government. Finally, on April 27, 1954, the building was inaugurated at the hands of Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India. ‘Sahitya Bhushan’ T N Katkar has cited this reference in his well-researched article in VSS diamond jubilee special issue of ‘Yugwani’.

Prior to inauguration of the building, wrote Dr V B Kolte in his autobiography ‘Ajuni Chaltochi Waat’, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Maisaheb Ambedkar, and Sakharam Meshram visited VSS on May 2, 1954. Annasaheb Mangalmurti, G T Madkholkar, Babasaheb Deshpande, Balasaheb Dhawale, Dr V B Kolte, N R Shende and others greeted and felicitated Dr Ambedkar, who interacted with them.

Gradually, on November 29, 1958, ‘Dhanwate Rang Mandir’ of VSS also was inaugurated at the hands of Yashwantrao Chavan, then Chief Minister of Mumbai. The first drama staged was ‘Sonyache Dev’ written by Nana Jog, whose dedicated efforts led to generation of support for the auditorium. In the later years, several eminent personalities visited VSS and extended generous support to add various facilities including library. The literary movement got strengthened person by person.

Dr Ram Shewalkar’s contribution has been immense. According to an article written on the occasion of Platinum Jubilee (75 years) of VSS by veteran litterateur Dr Madan Dhankar, Dr Shewalkar started ‘Bal Sahitya Sammelan’ children’s literary meet. Dr Suresh Dwadashiwar and Manohar Mhaisalkar carried forward the legacy and enriched it with their contributions to the cause of VSS. In fact, Mhaisalkar was President of VSS, till recently when he passed away. Now, Pradeep Datey is President of VSS. It is under his leadership that VSS is hosting Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan scheduled at Wardha in the first week of February this year.

During its journey of 100 years, VSS underwent various changes. Dhanwate Rang Mandir is gone. The old Vidarbha Sahitya Mandir has been replaced by Sanskrutik Sankul. Though lot of developments have taken place, the overall complex still gives a feeling that some work is unfinished. Besides, lack of well-levelled ample parking space is a thorn in the flesh. The present leadership of VSS is looking forward to developing a vision that will translate into a roadmap for the future growth of the institution.