Bashir Momin Kavathekar

{{Infobox person

| name =

| image = Momin Kavathekar 01.jpg

| alt = Momin Kavathekar

| caption =

| birth_name = Bashir Kamruddin Momin

| alias = Momin Kavathekar, B.K.Momin

| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1948|3|1}}

| birth_place = Kavathe Yamai, Maharashtra, India

| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2021|12|12|1947|3|1}}

| death_place = Pune, Maharashtra, India

| nationality =

| occupation = Poet, Playwright, Actor

| years_active = 1960-2010

| known_for =

| notable_works =

| awards = Vithabai Narayangavkar Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar

}}

Bashir Kamruddin Momin (1 March 1947 – 12 November 2021), also known as Bashir Momin Kavathekar and popularly known by his pen name Momin Kavathekar, also known as Lokshahir B. K. Momin Kavathekar, was a popular Marathi language poet and writer who promoted sanitation, literacy, and social reforms through his literatures. His work involved raising public awareness to tackle issues like dowry system, female foeticide, alcohol addiction and blind following of superstitions.Dr. Sheshrao Patahde. "लोकमान्य लोकशाहीर मोमीन कवठेकर Lokamnya Lokshahir Momin Kavathekar", "Punya Nagari- a Marathi Daily", Mumbai, 28-Nov-2021 Many of his devotional songs (bhaktigit / aarati) adore the Hindu God & Goddess. He was closely associated with Maharashtra's traditional form of theatre Tamasha for almost 50 years; supporting the various Tamasha troupes by providing them with folk songs like 'Lavani', 'Gan Gavalan', 'Bhedic' and short plays called 'Vaga-Natya'.Dr. Shyamal Garud -Mumbai University. "Lok Shahir Momin Kavathekar", 'Punyanagari', Published on 15-May-2016{{cite book

| title = भारतीय संगीताचा इतिहास व विकास, इयत्ता बारावी

| author = महाराष्ट्र राज्य पाठ्यपुस्तक निर्मिती आणि अभ्यासक्रम मंडळ, पुणे

| publisher = पाठ्यपुस्तक निर्मिती मंडळ, पुणे

| date = February 2020}}For his contribution to the field of folk art, literature and culture, he was awarded the 'Vithabai Narayangavkar Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar' [https://www.esakal.com/pune/vithabai-narayangaonkar-award-momin-kawhetkar-163510 बी. के. मोमीन कवठेकर यांना विठाबाई नारायणगावकर पुरस्कार जाहीर ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201115207/https://www.esakal.com/pune/vithabai-narayangaonkar-award-momin-kawhetkar-163510 |date=1 February 2020 }} "Sakal, a leading Marathi Daily", 2-Jan-2019[http://www.saamana.com/folk-artist-bashir-momin-honor-by-vithabai-narayangaonkar-life-achievement-award आयुष्यभराच्या निरपेक्ष सेवेचा गौरव- लोकशाहीर बशीर मोमीन यांच्या भावना ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108025500/http://www.saamana.com/folk-artist-bashir-momin-honor-by-vithabai-narayangaonkar-life-achievement-award/ |date=2020-11-08 }} "Saamana, a leading Marathi Daily”, 1-March-2019 by the Government of Maharashtra in 2018.[https://psjunnar.com/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%80/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%BE-%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%BE-%E0%A4%B5-%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%A8-%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%B5/ कला क्रीडा व सन उत्सव - पंचायत समिती जुन्नर]{{cite book |last1=Dr. Bokil |first1=Neelam|date=November 30, 2022 |editor-last=Dr. Mukadam |editor-first=Kedar |title=भारतीय लोक कलाकार |publisher=Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda |pages=85–90 |chapter=Chapter 18: महाराष्ट्रका लोक संगीत एवं लोक कलाकार}}

Biography

=Early life=

Momin Kavathekar (बशीर कमरुद्दीन मोमीन / लोकशाहीर मोमीन कवठेकर) was born on 1-March-1948 at Kavathe, a small village in drought prone western Maharashtra, into a Muslim weaver family. Addition of Kavathekar to the surname and adopting it as part of pen name indicates the proud association of family with the village where the ancestors has lived for centuries. Due to patronage by Maratha Empire since late 18th century, the village had been thriving in the crafts and performing arts; and became home to many artist associated with ‘Jagaran Gondhal’, ‘Bharud’, ‘Tamasha’ [all local folk arts]. Momin Kavathekar's fascination in these artists developed gradually as a child because he grew up watching them perform at village functions, during their rehearsals prior to the stage- shows.

=Education=

Momin Kawathekar completed his education from a Marathi Medium school. Due to non-availability of the higher secondary school in the village, all the students had to trek 10 km to a nearby village called ‘Loni-Dhamani’. Due to health issues, he gave up the school after completing the 8th standard and started helping his family in the business.

=Professional life=

Momin Kavthekar wrote his first song at the age of 11 years. Audience applauded when he performed this song at his school function. This inspired him to continue & explore his writing skills. At young age, he joined the Tamasha troupe of ‘Gangaram Kavathekar’ where he got exposure to the expectations of the rural audience, their preferences for entertainment and the difficulties faced by artist/troupes/operators. He acted in short plays (Vag Natya) and drama. He had the honor of playing roles of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the drama "Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat" & "Netaji Palakar", as well the role of rival Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in "Bhangale Swapna Maharashtra"; which were performed by 'Natya Zankar Group' at Bharat Natya Mandir, Pune during 1970s.Prof. Suhas Joshi, [भंगले स्वप्न महाराष्ट्रा - एक चांगला नाट्यप्रयोग], “विशाल सह्याद्री, पुणे, 27-Feb-1977” During free time, he used to pen down couplets/ short folk songs/ Lavani etc. which were performed on the Tamasha shows. However, his folk songs & short plays received huge appreciation from audience and his work become popular amongst the rural areas.[https://maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com/editorial/manasa/kavathekar/articleshow/51058842.cms “गंगारामबुवा कवठेकर”]{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, “Maharashtra Times”, 20-Feb-2016{{cite book |last=Patil |first=Vishwas |title= Gabhulalelya Chandrabanat |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=9l3UDwAAQBAJ |year=2020 |publisher= Mehta Publishing House}} Popularity of his songs earned him fame and various Tamasha troupes/operators started flocking down to Kavathe (his hometown), to obtain new songs/ Vag Natya.शंकर रत्नपारखी. “जागृतदेवस्थान येमाईदेवी”, "Prabhat- a Marathi Daily", Pune, 1-Sept-1985. He got associated with the other Tamasha troupes such as ‘Kalu-Balu Kavalapurkar’, ‘Raghuveer Khedkar & Kantabai Satarkar’, ‘Aman Tambe’, ‘Lakshman Takalikar’ and ‘Datta Mahadik Punekar’.[https://www.maharashtratoday.co.in/candidates-choice-for-the-vithabai-narayangaonkar-award-explanation-from-cultural-department/t,"विठाबाई नारायणगावकर पुरस्कारासाठी उमेदवाराची निवड योग्य]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} "Maharashtra Today", 13 February 2019 However, he never charged any royalty/ fees from these Tamasha operators for the songs/lyrics or Vag Natya he used to provide them.“रसिकांना मिळणारा आनंद हाच खरा पुरस्कार- बी.के. मोमीन”,Sakal, Pune, 17-Aug-2014.[http://product.sakaalmedia.com/portal/SM.aspx?ID=167507 लोकसाहित्यिक बी.के.मोमीन यांचा सत्कार] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031222548/http://product.sakaalmedia.com/portal/SM.aspx?ID=167507 |date=31 October 2020 }} Sakal, 30-Aug-2019. Short plays written with intention to spread mass awareness about AIDS or combating the prevailing social evils like dowry, illiteracy etc. earned the affection of masses.“मोमीन यांनी समाजच्या वेदना साहित्यातून मांडल्या - गृहमंत्री वळसे पाटील”, "Punya Nagari", Pune, 23-Nov-2021. With the advent of Television/ Radio/VCR/ Cable, the Tamasha as ventures started to face difficulty due to dwindling earnings. During this phase, he worked on digitalization options and came up with couple of Musical Audio Albums (CDs). He also guided many troupes/owners to adapt the new technological changes for marketing purpose.[https://divyamarathi.bhaskar.com/news/MAH-WMAH-AHM-tamasha-marketing-on-social-networking-latest-news-in-divya-marathi-4537450-NOR.html?seq=3 "सोशल नेटवर्किंगवरून आता तमाशाचे मार्केटिंग"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101161941/https://divyamarathi.bhaskar.com/news/MAH-WMAH-AHM-tamasha-marketing-on-social-networking-latest-news-in-divya-marathi-4537450-NOR.html?seq=3 |date=1 November 2020 }}, "Divya Marathi", Published on 2-March-2014] He has also written songs for the Marathi Movie 'VIP Gadhav' which features noted comedian Bhau Kadam aka Bhalchandra Kadam as lead actor[https://www.loksatta.com/manoranjan-news/vip-gadhav-bhau-kadam-mpg-94-1948204,"भाऊ कदम यांचे 'व्हीआयपी गाढव'"]{{Dead link|date=June 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }},"Loksatta", 11-Aug-2019[https://www.maharashtrakesari.news/bhau-kadam-new-upcoming-movie-avb/,"भाऊ कदम आता नव्या रंगात अन् नव्या ढंगात येणार तुमच्या समोर!"]{{Dead link|date=May 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }},"Maharashtra Kesari". 6-Aug-2019 & upcoming movie 'Bhaucha Dhakka'.[https://www.esakal.com/uttar-maharashtra/nashik/filming-of-ekdam-pakka-bhau-cha-dhakka-in-deola-central-attraction-chhatrapati-shivaji-maharaj-memorial-nashik-news-psl98," देवळ्यात ‘एकदम पक्का-भाऊचा धक्का’ चे चित्रीकरण!"]{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }},"Sakal", 09-Oct-2023

= Death=

Momin Kawthekar died in Pune on November 12, 2021, after a long illustrious career spanning five decades.[https://www.esakal.com/pune/senior-literary-bk-momin-kalavash-kgm00 ज्येष्ठ साहित्यिक बी.के. मोमीन कालवश] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228100925/https://www.esakal.com/pune/senior-literary-bk-momin-kalavash-kgm00 |date=28 December 2021 }} "Sakal, a leading Marathi Daily”, Pune, 12-Nov-2021[https://www.esakal.com/maharashtra/aarti-sonagra-writes-bashirbhai-momin-pjp78 अवलिया लोकसाहित्यिक] "Sakal, a leading Marathi Daily", Pune, 20-Nov-2021[https://www.mumbaitak.in/news/veteran-actor-and-writer-b-k-momin-passed-away ज्येष्ठ लोककलावंत आणि साहित्यिक बी.के. मोमीन यांचं निधन] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102054904/https://www.mumbaitak.in/news/veteran-actor-and-writer-b-k-momin-passed-away |date=2 January 2022 }} "Mumbai tak, a leading Marathi News Portal”, 12-Nov-2021[https://www.dainikprabhat.com/pune-senior-literary-b-k-momin-kalavash/ज्येष्ठ साहित्यिक बी.के. मोमीन कालवश] "Prabhat, a leading Marathi Daily", Pune, 12-Nov-2021[https://pudhari.news/maharashtra/pune/66477/writer-momin-kavthekar-passes-away/ar Momin Kavthekar:ज्येष्ठ साहित्यिक मोमीन कवठेकर यांचे निधन] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102054900/https://pudhari.news/maharashtra/pune/66477/writer-momin-kavthekar-passes-away/ar |date=2 January 2022 }} "Pudhari, a leading Marathi Daily”, Pune, 12-Nov-2021[https://www.lokmat.com/pune/senior-literary-b-k-momin-passed-away-fifty-years-contribution-literary-world-a607/ ज्येष्ठ साहित्यिक बी. के. मोमीन कवठेकर काळाच्या पडद्याआड; साहित्य विश्वाला पन्नास वर्षांचे योगदान ] "Lokmat, a leading Marathi news portal", Pune, 12-Nov-2021

Works

B. K. Momin (Kavathekar) has written more than 4000 folk songs which were /are being performed by local artist over the years.Ms Lata Guthe, [https://prahaar.in/2025/02/16/folk-songs-are-the-treasure-of-indian-culture/ लोकगीतं हा भारतीय संस्कृतीचा खजिना…], “Prahar- A leading Marathi News Paper", 16-Feb-2025” He wrote a wide range of songs like ‘Lavani’, ‘Gan’, ‘Gavlan’, ‘Poems’, ‘Devotional Songs’ and ‘Songs on social issues/ reforms’."अवलिया लोकसाहित्यीक", "Sakal, a leading Marathi Daily", Pune, 21-Nov-2021.Dilawar Shaikh. “Baghu Naka Mukhada Valu Valu- Lavani Collection”, Contribution of Muslim Shahir’s, Page -116, Nirmiti Publication Kolhapur, 2021 His folk songs and Lavani's helped Maharashtra folk art 'Tamasha' to sustain its popularity for over half century.

{{cite book |last1=Prof. Pandya |first1=Dyuti |date=November 30, 2022 |editor-last=Dr. Mukadam |editor-first=Kedar |title=भारतीय लोक कलाकार |publisher=Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda |pages=141–145 |chapter=Chapter 29: Folk artists of Gujrat and Maharashtra}} His use of folkloric narrative styles has helped in popularizing and making his work understandable & accessible to common man & communities."Lokashray Labhalele Lok Shahir B. K. Momin-Kavathekar", "Pudhari", Published on 23-Apr-2015 He has written plays based on historical figures and events. He has written short stories, street plays, songs on the social subjects like ‘Praudh Saksharta Abhiyan – National Literacy Mission Programme’, ‘Gram Swachchta Abhiyan & Swatch Bharat Abhiyan – Sanitation & Cleanliness Drive by Govt’, ‘awareness about AIDS’, ‘ill effect of dowry’, 'female feticide', 'alcohol addiction' etc. and presented/performed them across rural Maharashtra.Khanduraj Gaykwad, [http://www.navakal.org/images/epaper/20-jan-2019.pdf लेखणीतून ग्रामीण लोककला संपन्न करणारे- बशीर मोमीन कवठेकर!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206202431/http://www.navakal.org/images/epaper/20-jan-2019.pdf |date=6 December 2019 }}, "Navakal, 20-Jan-2019"{{cite book |last=Garud |first=Shyamal |title=KANATICHYA MAGE |date=14 April 2024 |publisher=Lalit Publication }}

= Drama=

“भंगले स्वप्न महाराष्ट्रा (Bhangale Swapn Maharashtra)”--- Play based on the events during reign of Maratha warrior-king Rajaram against the Mughal empire[https://www.kolaj.in/published_article.php?v=Introduction-to-tamasha-artist-b-k-mominFI5681349/ बशीर मोमीन – कवठेकरः कोंबड्या विकण्यापासून जीवनगौरव पुरस्कारापर्यंत] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315105804/https://www.kolaj.in/published_article.php?v=Introduction-to-tamasha-artist-b-k-mominFI5681349/ |date=15 March 2023 }} "कोलाज- फिचर वेबसाईट", Published on 16-Jan-2019
“वेडात मराठे वीर दौडले सात (Vedat Marathe Veer Daudale Saat)” –-- Play based on Maratha general Shri Pratparao Gujjar lead battle.
“लंका कुणी जाळली (Lanka Kuni Jalali)”

=Vag Natya=

"बाईने दावला इंगा (Bai ne dawala enga)"
"ईश्कान घेतला बळी (Eshkane ghetala bali)"
"तांबड फुटलं रक्ताचं (Tambada Futala Raktacha)"
"फुटला पाझर पाषाणाला (Futala Pazar Pashanala)"
"ठकास महाठक (Thakas Mahathak)"
"भंगले स्वप्न महाराष्ट्रा (Bhangale Swapna Maharashtra)"
"भक्त कबीर (Bhakt Kabeer)"
"राया हौस माझी पुरी करा (Raya, Haus Mazi Puri Kara)"{{cite book

| title = लोकनाट्य स्वरूप

| author = प्रा. डॉ. सुदाम जाधव

| publisher = सुलभा प्रकाशन औरंगाबाद

| date = August 21, 1992}}

"सुशीला, मला माफ कर (Sushila mala maaf kar)" – Received ‘Chotu Juwekar Award (1980)’

=Songs popularized by ‘Tamasha troupes’ =

"सार हायब्रीड झाल...(Sar hybrid zal)"“आधुनिकतेची नस पकडणारा शाहीर”, "Sakal", Mumbai, 31-Jan-2019.
"हे असच चालायचं... (He asach chalaych"
"खर नाही काही हल्लीच्या जगात...(Khar nahi kahi hallichya jagat)"
"फॅशनच फॅड लागतंय गॉड...(Fashan che fad lagatay gwad)"
"लंगडं.. मारताय उडून तंगड! (Langd maratay udun tangad)"Madhav Vivdans,[http://www.dainikprabhat.com/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%BE-%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE-%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95-%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%87/ "विविधा: दत्ता महाडिक पुणेकर"]{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Editorial published in Prabhat, Published on 20-Nov-2018, Retrieved on 28-March-2019
"लई जोरात पिकलाय जोंधळा...(Lai jorat pikalay jondhala)"
"मारू का गेन्बाची मेख…(Maru Ka Genbachi Mekh)"
"बडे मजेसे मेरेज किया…(Bade majese marriage kiya)"
"महात्मा फुल्यांची घेऊन स्फूर्ती, रात्रीच्या शाळेला चला होऊ भरती" .. Composed by Shri Ram Kadam for National Literacy Mission[https://www.lokmat.com/maharashtra/tamasha-best-decline-has-been-criticized-momin/ "तमाशा श्रेष्ठच, उतरती कळा नाही- मोमीन कवठेकर”], ‘दै. लोकमत- संडे स्पेशल मुलाखत’, दि. १०-फेब्रुवारी-२०१९[https://www.parnerdarshan.com/2020/10/blog-post_29.html कोणी कोणाला नाही बोलायच...]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, 15-Oct-2020

=Movie songs=

"गंगाराम आला .....(Gangaram aala)"
"मुरली माझा कष्टकरी..(Murali Maza Kashtkari)"
"वि.आय.पी. वि.आय.पी (VIP VIP){{Citation|last=Gaana.com|title=VIP VIP|url=https://gaana.com/song/vip-vip-1|access-date=13 October 2020|archive-date=24 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124213849/https://gaana.com/song/vip-vip-1|url-status=dead}} ....(VIP VIP | VIP Gadhav | Kunal Ganjawala & Ravi Wayhole)"
"चिकणी चमेली...(Chikani chameli){{Citation|last=Zee Music|title= Zumba, VIP Gadhav| date=2019-08-26| url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_Y5nvXt_xk|accessdate=2020-09-03}} (Zumba | VIP Gadhav | Pooja Kasekar & Bhau Kadam | Kavita Raam & Ravi Wavhole)"

=Musical Albums / Devotional Songs=

Source:

Devotional songs, adoring Hindu God/Goddess, truly represent the secular social fabric of Maharshtra, well developed under the Bhakti Movement (Warkari Sampraday). It represents the Ganga-Jamuni culture of India.

"Ramayan Katha"
"Ashtavinayak Aarti"
"Satwachi Ambabai"
"Nawasa chi Yemai"
"Yemai cha Darbar"
"Karha Nadichya Tirawar"
"Kalagi Tura"
"Vangyaat geli Gur"

=Books=

"कलावंतांच्या आठवणी (Kalavantanchya Aathavani)"Prakash Khandge "उपेक्षित कलाक्षेत्राच्या उपयुक्त नोंदी", Loksatta, Mumbai, Published on 10-Dec-2000. Published by Maharashtra Rajya Sahitya Sanskrutik Mandal and used as reference/ guide by students/ scholars studying the Maharashtra's folk art and the contribution of various artiste प्रभाकर ओव्हाळ. "दगडूबाबा शिरोलीकर"- संदर्भ:१.कवठेकर,मोमीन बी. के.[https://marathivishwakosh.org/1079/] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124213851/https://marathivishwakosh.org/1079/ |date=24 January 2022 }} "Marathi Vishwakosh, part of Marathi Language Development Board, an initiative by Govt. of Maharashtra", 13-Dec-2018
"भंगले स्वप्न महाराष्ट्र (Bhangale Swapn Maharastra)" ....Published in 1977 by Tridal Prakashan, Mumbai,
"प्रेम स्वरूप आई (Prem Swarup Aai)" .... Collection of poems compiled & Published by Shri Rajendra Kankaria "कवठेकर यांना डॉ. विखे पाटील पुरस्कार", "Prabhat", Pune, 16-Sept-2014.
"अक्षरमंच (Akshar manch)" ... अखिल भारतीय मराठी प्रातिनिधिक कवितासंग्रह - २००४, Edited by Dr. Yogesh Joshi

Awards and recognitions

File:Momin Kavathekar receiving Vithabai Jivan Gaurav Award 2018 in presence of Shri Vinod Tawade.jpg

"विठाबाई नारायणगावकर जीवनगौरव पुरस्कार (२०१९)"."आयुष्यभराच्या निरपेक्ष सेवेचा गौरव! लोकशाहीर बशीर मोमीन यांच्या भावना" [http://www.saamana.com/folk-artist-bashir-momin-honor-by-vithabai-narayangaonkar-life-achievement-award] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108025500/http://www.saamana.com/folk-artist-bashir-momin-honor-by-vithabai-narayangaonkar-life-achievement-award/|date=2020-11-08}},"Saamana”, Published on 1-March-2019 Highest cultural award by Government of Maharashtra
“मुस्लिम सत्यशोधक मंडळ विशेष सन्मान (२०१९)""दारू पिऊन ‘तिहेरी तलाक’ उच्चारणे कसे काय चालते?"[http://www.lokmat.com/pune/how-speak-triple-divorce-drinking-dr-zeenat-shaukat-ali/] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325110202/http://www.lokmat.com/pune/how-speak-triple-divorce-drinking-dr-zeenat-shaukat-ali/ |date=25 March 2019 }} Lokamt, Published on 23-March-2019 Received at the hands of noted social activist Shri Baba Adhav.
“महाराष्ट्र साहित्य परिषद पुरस्कार (२०१९)”."कर्तबगार व्यक्तींचा तळेगाव येथे सन्मान" [http://product.sakaalmedia.com/portal/SM.aspx?ID=176438] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031074450/http://product.sakaalmedia.com/portal/SM.aspx?ID=176438|date=31 October 2020}},Sakal, Published on 16-Sept-2019"सत्तेपुढे व जनतेपुढे वास्तव मांडण्याचे काम साहित्यिक करतो", "Janshakti" - A marathi news paper, Published on 16-Sept-2019
"लोकनेते गोपीनाथ मुंडे जीवनगौरव पुरस्कार (२०१८) ""ग्रामीण भागातील लोककलावंतांना राजाश्रयाची गरज: बी के मोमीन" [http://epaper.eprabhat.net/1933339/Pune-City-Edition/City#page/15/2] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222051726/http://epaper.eprabhat.net/1933339/Pune-City-Edition/City#page/15/2 |date=22 February 2020 }}, "Prabhat, Published on 12-Dec-2018
"विखे पाटील साहित्य कला गौरव (२०१४)""पद्मश्री विखे पाटील साहित्य पुरस्कार जाहीर" [https://maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com/ahmednagar-news/award/articleshow/38986081.cms] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330070607/https://maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com/ahmednagar-news/award/articleshow/38986081.cms |date=30 March 2019 }}, "Maharashtra Times", Published on 11-Aug-2014"पदमश्री डॉ. विखेपाटील कला गौरव पुरस्कार प्रदान", "Punyanagari", Pune, 17-Sept-2014.– Received at the hands of Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Prithviraj Chavan.
“ग्रांड सोशल अवार्ड, पुणे (२०१३) ”" समाजहित साधणारेच खरे 'हिरो' -जॅकी श्रॉफ", "Prabhat", Pune, 3-Nov-2011.- Received at the hands of Bollywood cine actor Shri Jackie Shroff.
"व्यसनमुक्ती पुरस्कार (२००३)" - Pune Zilla Parishad (Maharashtra Government), Received at the hands of Maharashtra Dy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar
"लोकशाहीर पुरस्कार (१९९९)" - Received at the hands of Chairman of "Aashwasan Samiti- Maharashtra State Assembly" “एका लोकशाहिराचा उचित सन्मान”, "Punyanagari", Mumbai, 31-Jan-2019.
"ग्रामवैभव पुरस्कार (१९८१)" - Received at the hands of veteran Marathi Cine actor Late Shri Nilu Phule
"छोटू जुवेकर पुरस्कार, मुंबई (१९८०) ""दुसऱ्या तमाशा लेखन स्पर्धेचा निकाल ", Sakal, Mumbai, 22-Oct-1980. - Received at the hands of Bollywood cine actor Shri Amol Palekar

Social work

Kavathekar' formed a small troupe (Kalapathak) who performed street plays as part of awareness campaign against social evils like prevalence of dowry, epidemics like AIDS, blind acceptance of superstitions & the exploitation that follows.[https://maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com/editorial/manasa/vithabai-narayangaonkar-lifetime-achievement-award-bashir-kamroodin-momin/articleshow/68226068.cms बशीर मोमीन (कवठेकर)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603012822/https://maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com/editorial/manasa/vithabai-narayangaonkar-lifetime-achievement-award-bashir-kamroodin-momin/articleshow/68226068.cms |date=3 June 2019 }} "Editorial Section of Maharashtra Times", Published on 2-March-2019[https://nettv4u.com/celebrity/marathi/poet/bashir-momin-kavathekar "Celebrity Marathi Poet-Bashir Momin Kavathekar"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129062929/https://nettv4u.com/celebrity/marathi/poet/bashir-momin-kavathekar |date=29 January 2023 }},NETTV4U - Web platform for entertainment, Retrieved on 29-Jan-2023 He actively prpogated in the various initiatives of Government like ‘Praudh Saksharta Mission / National Literacy Mission’, ‘VyasanMukti Abhiyan - campaign to minimize addiction of alcoholism’, ‘Gram Swachchata Abhiyan - a predecessor of ‘Swatch Bharat Abhiyan'. As a recognition of his contribution to the social cause, he was honored by Government with ‘Vyasan Mukti Purskar (व्यसनमुक्ती पुरस्कार)’."लोकशाहीर कवठेकरांना विठाबाई नारायणगावकर जीवनगौरव पुरस्कार"[http://newspaper.pudhari.co.in/archive/viewpage.php?edn=Thane&date=2019-01-03&edid=PUDHARI_THE&pid=PUDHARI_THE&pn=2#Page/2/Article/PUDHARI_THE_20190103_02_5/112px/1CF50DC]{{Dead link|date=June 2022|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}} "Pudhari", 3-Jan-2019

He formed and headed an organisation of folk artist with objective to work for their development. He tried to address the issues such as scholarship for the children of artiste, Pension for the elderly artiste "राज्यातील ज्येष्ठ कलावंतांकडे शासनाचे दुर्लक्ष: मोमीन", "Pudhari", Pune, 28-March-2008. and pursued with Government Agencies to ensure the pension funds are released on time."वृद्ध कलावंताचा मोर्चा, घेरावाचा इशारा", "Dainik Prabhat-a leading marathi daily", Pune, 7-July-2008. He used to organise health check-up camps for the folk artiste in the Pune District."जिल्ह्यात तमाशा कलावंतांसाठी आरोग्य तपासणी शिबिरे", "Dainik Prabhat-a leading marathi daily", Pune, 20-Jan-2008. He advocated for documenting the contribution of folk artiste so that the art and culture is preserved and made available to next generation."लोककलाविषयक अप्रकाशित साहित्य शासनाने प्रकाशित करावे", Sakal, Pune, 30-May-2009.

Since 2002, he focused on mentoring the young generation of artist and performers, thereby aiding in the development of the art and preserving the traditional art forms prevalent in Maharashtra culture.[http://archive.loksatta.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=129871:2011-01-16-18-38-06&Itemid=1 "नृत्य स्पर्धेत बक्षिसांचा ‘पाऊस’"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124213851/http://archive.loksatta.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=129871:2011-01-16-18-38-06&Itemid=1 |date=24 January 2022 }},Loksatta, Retrieved on 10-Feb-2019[https://maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com/editorial/manasa/vithabai-narayangaonkar-lifetime-achievement-award-bashir-kamroodin-momin/articleshow/68226068.cms "बशीर मोमीन (कवठेकर)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603012822/https://maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com/editorial/manasa/vithabai-narayangaonkar-lifetime-achievement-award-bashir-kamroodin-momin/articleshow/68226068.cms |date=3 June 2019 }}, Maharashtra Times, 2-March-2019"ग्रामीण भाग कलाकारांची खाण -मोमीन कवठेकर यांचे प्रतिपादन; शिरूरला एकांकिका स्पर्धा",Sakal, Pune,3-March-2019 Thanks to Momin Kavathekar's recommendation, movie screen play writer Mr. Mohan Padawal got his first opportunity and professional assignment to write the story for a movie 'Gulhar'.[https://samajsheel.com/?p=6739 "शिरुर येथे प्र. के.अञे. राज्यस्तरीय राज्य नाट्य एकांकीका स्पर्धेचे उदघाटन उत्साहात संपन्न"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204172954/https://samajsheel.com/?p=6739 |date=4 December 2023 }},"Samajshil", a local marathi Weekly, Retrieved on 27-March-2019