An outstanding poet and fiction writer in
Marathi, Namdev Dhasal (b 1949) became famous through his very first collection of poems 'Golpitha.' Murkh Mhataryane Donger Halwale, Priyadarshini, Tuhi Iyatta Kanchi, and Gandu Bageecha are his other popular works. Dhasal was also an active participant of the Dalit Panther Party in
Maharashtra. He has won the Nehru Award and Maharashtra State Award.