Background
Kelkar was born on 22 April 1929 in Pune.
Kelkar was born on 22 April 1929 in Pune.
As he was fond of grammar and had interest in linguistic puzzles, he graduated from Ferguson in English and Philosophy. He also studied Linguistics (1956-1958) from Rockfeller and Comparative Literature and Review from Lily Institute in 1958 and received scholarships there. He also had a Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics and Anthropology from Cornell University in the United States of America.
He did his schooling from New School and then from Ferguson College. He received a master"s degree in and French literature from Pune University. In the period of 1958-1962, he served the Agra University teaching Linguistics.
During 1962-1967, he served as a reader at Pune University, and during the next 22 years, he served as professor of Linguistics and later as director of the Centre of Advanced Studies and Linguistics at Deccan College in Pune.
He used to guide the students of linguistics completing their Master of Philisophy and Doctor of Philosophy He took retirement from academics in 1989. Kelkar founded the Abhyas Parishad and served as its director
There he started the trimonthly Bhasha Ani Jeewan (भाषा आणि जीवन) in 1982 and served as its editor until 1989.