P. Savalaram: The Poet, Leader, and Unforgettable Pride of Thane

P. Savalaram (original name Nivrutti Patil) is an eternal source of pride for the citizens of Thane. Although born in Sangli district, it was in Thane where he established his permanent home in 1944, settling in the small locality in Naupada with his wife, Sunandabai. He initially took up a clerical job at the Ration Office in Kurla, commuting daily from the then quiet town of Thane. However, this period marked the beginning of his  poetic career that would redefine Marathi songs.

Savalaram’s poetic sensibility was first awakened in his rural childhood by his mother, who composed ovya and abhang with ease, planting the first seed of poetry in him. While in school, he acquired the affectionate nickname ‘Savlya’ from his friend Vitthal Page. His formal literary growth reached its peak during his college years in Kolhapur, where esteemed professors like N.S. Phadke and especially Madhav Julian shaped his perspective. He eventually adopted the pen name P. Savalaram for his published work. Early on, his poem 'Kala Gulab' (Black Rose), written about a dark-complexioned girl, earned him his first widespread fame in college circles.

His true literary destiny unfolded in Thane through his collaboration with the talented music director Vasant Prabhu. Their partnership, founded on a mutual understanding of lyric and melody, began in 1948. The pivotal moment came with the release of the immortal song, 'Ganga-Jumna Dolyat Ubhya Ka?' in 1949. This single composition, sung by Lata Mangeshkar, resonated deeply across Maharashtra, establishing Savalaram, Prabhu, and Mangeshkar as household names in a golden age for Marathi bhavgeet. The success was so immense that Savalaram resigned from his clerical job to dedicate himself solely to lyric writing.

Over his three-decade career (1950–1980), Savalaram wrote lyrics for 52 films and private albums, creating over 350 songs. He excelled in diverse genres, producing bhavgeet, bhaktigeet, gavalani, and lavani. His poetry was cherished for its simplicity, deep emotional content, and exceptional ability to articulate the female psyche. Furthermore, his devotional songs often blended with social messages, notably in 'Pandharinatha Jhadkari Ata,' a powerful piece written from the perspective of angry Rukmini, protesting the caste discrimination faced by Harijans at the temple. The Mangeshkar family, particularly Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle gave voice to 186 of his compositions, providing the perfect melodic vehicle for his words.

Beyond his literary contributions, Savalaram was a dedicated public servant in Thane following 1960. In 1962, he was elected as an independent Municipal Corporator. He was appointed as Chairman of the Education Committee in 1963. His popularity led him to the highest civic position, becoming the Nagaradhyaksha of Thane in 1966. During his one-year term, he successfully implemented vital public works, including independent water supply and drainage schemes.

Savalaram also revolutionized Thane’s education landscape. He utilized his influence to secure 10 acres of land for Thane's first college (now VPM’s Bedekar College) near the Thane creek. Later, he was a key co-founder and Vice President for twelve years of Dnyansadhana Mahavidyalaya. His dedication went so far that he sometimes arranged grocery provisions or used personal funds to pay the salaries of teachers when the college lacked government grants.

P. Savalaram passed away in 1997. His life, marked by poetic brilliance, incorruptible civic leadership, and a commitment to education, ensures he remains an enduring and essential source of pride for every Thane citizen.