Church traces Marathi poet’s history on his death centenary
MUMBAI : Around 80 churches in the city that are part of the Church of North India (CNI) have been singing Marathi hymns written by Rev Narayan Vaman Tilak in the early 20th century.
The church members celebrated Sunday as Tilak Sunday to commemorate the death centenary of the poet.
The programmes for the death anniversary will also coincide with the 124 years of Tilak’s baptism, which took place on February 10, 1895. The events started on Sunday and will continue until May, where a memorial service would be held on May 9 at Ahmednagar. Tilak had died in Mumbai on this day in 1919. Members of the community visited Rev Tilak’s great granddaughter in Nashik and also the church in Ahmednagar where Tilak’s wife and son were baptised. Memorial masses are planned in Bandra on April 20. An entertainment programme on the works of Tilak will be held on May 4.
Cyril Dara, secretary of Poet Rev Na Va Tilak Smarnotsav Samiti, said they plan to have similar celebrations for other members of the community who through the church have worked for the betterment of the society.
“We will get more details about Rev Dr John Wilson, founder of Wilson College, Pandita Ramabai, a social worker, and William Booth of Salvation Army. We will hold programmes in their memory as well. This way, our community members will know about their contribution. Today, a lot of youngsters are not aware about the history of our community,” said Dara.
The CNI consists of former Anglican and other Protestant congregations. Rev Shamuvel Mhaske, president of the committee, said the younger generation does not read anymore, which is why they visited Tilak’s great granddaughter to get insights into his work.
“The younger generation today wants hymns in English and Hindi. They do not understand Marathi because they study in English-medium school. Tilak wrote hymns in Marathi, which had Sanskrit influence. So, it is important that children these days should know the language,” said Mhaske.