Babuji was an embodiment of asceticism

Media Coverage | 03-07-2022

Veteran freedom fighter Jawaharlal Darda birth centenary year begins: Gaurav Granth, a book on Babuji released in Yavatmal

Jawaharlal Darda alias Babuji, who travelled across Maharashtra like a colossus thanks to his unmatched work in diverse fields like freedom struggle, politics and journalism, was a unique repository of great ascetic virtue. This sentiment was expressed by a host of dignitaries who attended Babuji’s birth centenary year programme which commenced with the paying of tributes by thousands of people on Saturday. The book ‘Gaurav Granth’ written and edited by senior journalist and former editor of Lokmat Madhukar Bhave was released here at a ceremony held at Darda Matoshree Sabhagruha.

The chairman of editorial board of Lokmat Media and former member of Rajya Sabha Vijay Darda, editor-in-chief of Lokmat Media Rajendra Darda, former minister Shivajirao Moghe, senior journalist Madhukar Bhave, president of Maharashtra Pradesh Mahila Congress Sandhyatai Sawalakhe, former MLA Laxmanrao Tayade, managing director and editorial director of Lokmat Media Devendra Darda, group editor Vijay Baviskar, editor of Lokmat Samachar Vikas Mishra, editor of Lokmat Times N K Nayak, editor of Amravati’s Dainik Hindusthan Vilas Marathe, among others were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajendra Darda said he was given the responsibility of handling the two departments that Babuji had handled as a minister. There is no other such example of a father-son duo handling the same departments. “Wherever there was a struggle, Babuji was there,” said Vijay Darda. Though Babuji was a simple man, he was a multifaceted personality. You will see him in nature, music and varied hues. He used to play with words, but his words never pricked anyone. Actually, Babuji was the philosophy of living life in true sense. Rising above caste and religion, he always taught us to treat human beings as equals. He said on the occasion of the birth centenary of Babuji, the Central government is issuing a special commemorative coin of `100. For this, Vijay Darda thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Bharat Haridas Salam, an artist from Chandrapur district, who prepared a very beautiful portrait of Babuji using newspaper cuttings and Madhukar Bhave were felicitated on this occasion.

The programme was conducted by Shrimant Mane, executive editor of Nagpur edition of Lokmat, while Lokmat Yavatmal district office head Kishor Darda proposed a vote of thanks. Dignitaries from different fields were present on the occasion.

Newly-appointed deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, former chief minister Ashok Chavan, former leader of Opposition in legislative council Pravin Darekar, joint MD and editorial director of Lokmat Media Rishi Darda.

Former chief minister and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan

Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj

The birth centenary year of veteran freedom fighter and founder editor of Lokmat Media Group Jawaharlal Darda began on Saturday with various events being organised across Maharashtra. The main event was held at Darda Matoshree Sabhagruha in Yavatmal. Many political leaders, businessmen, administrative officers, artists, corporators, social workers and other dignitaries were present at the Lokmat head office in Mumbai and offered floral tributes to Babuji. Besides many programmes like sapling plantation, blood donation and devotional songs were held in various places across the state. Selected photographs of some of the dignitaries who paid their tribute to Babuji.

MPCC president Nana Patole and general secretary Devanand Pawar.

Union minister of state for finance Dr Bhagwat Karad.

Senior Congress leader Ulhas Pawar.

MPCC vice president Mohan Joshi.

State Women Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar.

BJP state president Chandrakant Patil.

NCP leader Dhananjay Munde.

President of Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce and national president of All India Jain Minority Federation Lalit Gandhi.

Working president of MD Seeds Minakshitai Jain,

Former mayor Rameshdada Jain, mayor Jayashri Mahajan and Katthak trainer Aparna Bhat-Kasar.

MP Jaisiddeshwar Shivacharya Mahaswamiji

BJP leader and former state finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar