गणगोत [Ganagot]

by P.L. Deshpande

Genres: Marathi, Humor, Nonfiction

202 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1966

About the author

पुरुषोत्तम लक्ष्मण [पु. ल.] देशपांडे हे लोकप्रिय मराठी लेखक, नाटककार, नट, कथाकार व पटकथाकार, दिग्दर्शक आणि संगीत दिग्दर्शक होते. त्यांना महाराष्ट्राचे लाडके व्यक्तिमत्त्व असे म्हटले जायचे. त्यांच्या आद्याक्षरांवरून महाराष्ट्रात ते प्रेमाने पु. ल. म्हणून ओळखले जातात. लेखक आणि कवी वामन मंगेश दुभाषी ऊर्फ ऋग्वेदी हे पु.ल.देशपांड्यांचे आजोबा होते तर आणि सतीश दुभाषी हे मामेभाऊ आहेत.


P. L. Deshpande was one of the legends in marathi literature. Probably the most read, most quoted and most loved author of maharashtra

The writings though mostly known for its sublime comic nature,include a vast range of plays,caricatures,essays, travelogues and much more

Lovingly called 'Pula' by all the fans.

Reviews

[Padmaja · Rating 5 out of 5]

It often happens as we age, we keep holding on to nostalgia rather than looking forward.
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"गणगोत" (Ganagot) is a beautiful collection of character sketches which PL Deshpande met in his life. He has written about people whom he met accidentally, some he knew very well, some he met at events and some people from his family. We can relate to this book as we read because we have met people like them or have atleast heard about them, people with whom we share a brilliant rapport with and how some people just come as lessons!
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The writing is so beautiful 😍 It has a charm of its own❤️ The sheer beauty of the writing took me back to simpler times where values, goodwill and relationships mattered to people. It left me thinking about the stark contrasts between yesterday's and today's times and how much everything has changed. My heart yearned to live in those times where people used to meet over a cup of tea discussing books and music. Each character sketch was written with a charm and every now and then I used to exclaim, Oh I know a person who has traits like this! It was very relatable to my Marathi soul. Reading this book made me realise how much I love my Marathi 😍
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A beautiful gem Marathi literature has to offer. I wonder if it'll be translated. I loved how Marathi culture was shown in post independence times. I wonder if we will ever enjoy the goodwill our grandparents or parents enjoy to this date.
Highly highly recommended.

[Deepakshirke · Rating 4 out of 5]

endearing character sketches.... some books and authors always make you feel very good and happy about this world Pu La is one of them. he teaches you to see what is beautiful and appreciate it. He can create heroes and heroins out of the most commonest life you find every day. I always prefer to read his book when i feel i need that dose of "World is Beautiful" theory :)

[SAKSHI PADEGAONKAR · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gangot is the collection of characters portrayed by P.L. who were the integral part of his life. All these people have their share in constituting P.L.'s life. Be it a child, adult or old, writer owes everyone. 

  I was overwhelmed to read about such a great era where people meet casually and spend their time discussing books, jamming sessions with classical music and practicing for Marathi plays. People who meet accidentally, even for a short time can leave a great impact on us. As usual this beautifully written book teaches to value people. 

[Aditya Gramopadhye · Rating 4 out of 5]

पुलंची शब्दचित्रं वाचणं म्हणजे माणसं पाहायला, ओळखायला शिकण्याचा थक्क करणारा अभ्यास आहे. संवेदनशील मनाला त्यातून येणारी दृष्टी, येताना कळत नाही.. पण आल्याशिवाय राहातही नाही.

[mrinal saravate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just like the book - 'vyakti aani valli' but with different people and their different personalities.

[Sujay Sawant · Rating 4 out of 5]

पु.ल.ना वास्तविक जीवनातील भेटलेल्या, दिनेश (सुनिताबाईंचा भाचा), केशवराव भोळे, बाबासाहेब पुरंदरे, रामुभैय्या दातेआणि रावसाहेब यांच व्यक्तिचित्रण. कला, आवड, भाबडेपण आणि लकब हे सर्वच खुबीने रेखाटले आहे.

[Veena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A+++++++.........

[Avanti Vartak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of essays and character sketches of people who were special to the author.Apart from giving us a glimpse into the lives of people who were simple but not ordinary, P L Deshpande also takes us on a tour of post independence India and the culture of those times. The charm of those days,of getting together over books and art, of starting tea time discussions that extend well past dinner, of simple coincidental meetings that lead to bigger initiatives, the curiosity to know and learn more, the sense of duty towards society, the strong feeling of togetherness in the community and the lack of commercialism in every aspect of life will make you want to go back in time. Though this book didn't amaze me as much as Vyakti anee Valli did, it still is quite inspiring and I would recommend eveeryone to read just to get a perspective about how good our previous generations were and what we owe them.

[अनिकेत · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unlike most of his humorous writing, he has also perfectly narrated about few real gems came in his life, after all its people who we learn something from & who add important chapters to our life, most of these personalities are unknown to this generation, his work therefore is valuable from this point of view

[Omkar Mankame · Rating 4 out of 5]

व्यक्ती आणि वल्ली सारखंच पुलंनी ह्या पुस्तकात व्यक्तिचित्रणे केली आहेत. परंतु ह्या सर्व व्यक्ती परिवार किंवा परिचयातील आहेत. हिराताई, कुमार गंधर्व हयांच्या जोडीला स्वतःच्या आजी आणि आजोबांबद्दल सुद्धा लेख आहेत. पुलंनी स्वतःच्या वैयक्तिक आठवणी दिल्या आहेत आणि त्या हृदयाला भिडतील अशाच आहेत.

[Suvega]

ok

[Ashish Shinde · Rating 1 out of 5]

hbjbjhvjhb

[Kedar Takalkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

aanandi aanand.....

[Nitin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are Pu La fan, this is must read.