04_acknowledgement.docx
iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my friend, philosopher and guide Dr. Bhausaheb Jarange, Head, Department of English, Arts, Science and Commerce College, Rahuri, Ahmednagar. I am blessed to have known him and to have been accepted as his student for my much-coveted degree of Ph. D. in English. Without his conscientious advice, precious guidance and continuous motivation, the present thesis would not have emerged as an unsullied star in the galaxy of research in pragmatics. I equally owe Dr. Ashok Thorat, Director of Institute of Advanced Studies in English, Aundh, Pune, a great debt of gratitude for his invaluable and never- ending inspiration during the course of my research. Sir, indeed words fail to put in writing the feelings surging through my heart when I recollect my academic journey in IASE, Pune. I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to all my close friends and teachers: Dr. K. S. Iyer, Dr. N. N. Patil, Prof. Santosh Phasge, Dr. Kalambkar Sir, Dr. Ashok Chaskar, Prof. Dr. Arjun Jadhav, Dr. Zirange R., Dr. Mhetre, Prof. Dhanaji Nagane, Prof. Vijayanand Dushing, Prof. T. S. Sawant, Dr. P. R. Patil, Prof. L. G. Patil, Prof. Sunil Wagh, Prof. Vallabh v Karandikar, Prof. Balaji Natkare, Prof. Jadhav V. B. and others for lifting my spirits at each turning point of this exhilarating academic journey. My thanks are due to the Chairman, of Varvand Gram Shikshan Sansthss Adv. Arjunbhau Divekar, trustee of the institution, Shri. Ganpatrao Divekar, Ankushbhau Divekar, Sanjayrao Divekar and Principal Dr. L. K. Shitole of E. S. Divekar College Varvand, Dist: Pune, my collogues Prof. Bansode N. C. and Jarad S. D. in the Department of English and the teaching and non-teaching staff members and for their moral support during my research work. I am indebted to my parents, brothers and kith and kin for their patience and love, which helped me, see beyond what sometimes looked like an insurmountable task. I must express my heartfelt feelings for my wife Meena, my family members, and Mr. and Mrs. Salunke who stood by me at every stage of the present research work. My dear students need a special mention here for their cooperation with lots of love. SHARAD AMBADAS GADEKAR