Veteran Marathi author and grammarian Prof Yasmin Shaikh died in Pune at the age of 101 due to age-related ailments. Born Jerusha Reuben in a Jewish family, she became one of the leading authorities on Marathi grammar and standard writing. Her works, teaching career and contributions to textbooks and language guides influenced generations of Marathi students, writers and educators.

Pune: Veteran Marathi author, professor, grammarian and language scholar Prof. Yasmin Shaikh died in Pune on Monday (24th August). She was 101. Shaikh died of age-related ailments, family sources said. She breathed her last at her home in Pune. Her last rites are expected to be held soon.

Her death marks the end of a remarkable career spanning more than seven decades. Shaikh was among the respected names in Marathi grammar, standard writing and linguistics. She taught generations of students and worked on Marathi textbooks, writing guides and reference material. Her life was also unusual. She was born into a Jewish family and later married a Muslim man. Yet she became one of the prominent authorities on Marathi grammar and standard Marathi writing.

Who was Yasmin Shaikh?

Yasmin Shaikh was born Jerusha Reuben on 21st June 1925 in Pen in the Raigad district. She was born into a Jewish family. She later moved to Pune for her education and studied at Sir Parashurambhau College, popularly known as SP College. She completed her BA and later pursued postgraduate studies.