Maharashtra Government confers Best Publisher Award 2014 to Keshav Bhikaji Dhawale

The P U Bhagwat Award 2014 has been conferred upon Keshav Bhikaji Dhavale Publication house, which is more than a century-old book publishing entity. Their first publication was a book for children entitled “Mulamulinche Chimukale Pustak” (A small book for children). Thus began the long and successful journey of this book publishing house. Now they are into their 4th generation as they complete 113 years of operation and have to their credit over a 1,000 titles. The emphasis has been religious literature but they have diversified into children’s books, astrology, agriculture, dictionaries, biographies amongst many other thought provoking areas.

The Dhawale’s have always kept pace with technology right from inception in trying to bring out better publications at reasonable prices. Balakrishna Dhawale alias “Sonya Bapu” being from the 2nd generation, in addition to publishing titles, established his own printing press. He was a genius in the art of printing and was thus awarded the prestigious “Mudran Maharishi award.”

While, Dhananjay Dhawale, from the 3rd generation, experimented with technology and brought out various publications such as the miniature “Manache sholk”, titles with interesting color combinations and varities of paper as well as bringing to the reader rare works such as the voluminous “Brighu Samhita.”

After his sudden demise, his wife, Jyoti Dhawale ably managed the business and ensured continuity of the vision of the founders. Now her son Aanjaneya Dhawale (4th generation) and his wife Kasturi Dhawale are following the same footsteps. Accordingly, they have recently made titles available as ebooks on their website as well as other participating websites.

The book publishing house has been honored with many awards and prizes during their illustrious journey of 113 years.