Mumbai: Maharashtra govt will set up a research centre at P L Deshpande Kala Academy to facilitate in-depth research and academic study of the state’s experimental arts, minister Ashish Shelar said on Thursday. “The independent research centre at P L Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy will be named after the iconic folk artist and Maharashtra Shahir Padma Shri Krishnarao Sable,” Shelar told reporters.Balldeer Krishnarao Sable, popularly known as Shahir Sable, was a Marathi folk artist. He sang the iconic ‘Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha’ song, which govt recognised as the state song in 2023. Sable was awarded the Padma Shri in 1998.“Maharashtra has a rich and glorious legacy of experimental arts. The state’s department of cultural affairs has already documented various folk art forms in audio-visual formats through departments of experimental arts across non-agricultural universities. The department possesses vast resources on theatre, folk arts, music, dance and more,” Shelar noted.According to the minister, there is a growing need to classify, analyse and conduct academic research on this material. This will benefit undergraduate, post-graduate and PhD students from within Maharashtra and beyond who wish to undertake research in this field.Shelar held a meeting at the Mantralaya, the state secretariat, on Thursday to deliberate on this initiative and instructed the department to prepare a detailed blueprint for the proposed research centre.Speaking after the meeting, he said, “Maharashtra’s experimental arts are a matter of great pride for the state. These art forms contain deep historical references that reflect the cultural evolution of Maharashtra. There is a need to explore and research these traditions. Various art forms, including shahiri, powada, jagran, gondhal, tamasha, vag natya, dashavatari, bharud and keertan, have a deep-rooted tradition and carry within them the strength to inspire humanity. It is essential to bring this strength to light through research and study.”“When govt decided to establish a dedicated research centre, we also deliberated on a suitable name. Based on the suggestions made by experts in the field, we decided to name the centre after Shahir Krishnarao Sable. Shahir Sable played a pivotal role in the ‘Samyukta Maharashtra’ movement and was a leading figure in the propagation and promotion of experimental arts,” Shelar added.In recognition of his extraordinary contribution, it has been decided to name the centre after him, Shelar said.