tributes to ‘Babuji’ on smriti din
Media Coverage | 26-11-2023
Babuji’s works still relevant & act as guiding force in social life: Vikhe-Patil
Made outstanding contribution in nation building, says revenue min
The works of veteran freedom fighter, statesman and a pioneering journalist Jawaharlal Darda alias ‘Babuji’ are still relevant and act as a guiding force even after 25 years of his death. His works have created an impact and also left an unforgettable mark on the social life of Maharashtra,” said State revenue minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil adding Babuji’s contribution in nation building is incomparable and inspirational.
Vikhe-Patil was speaking at a prayer meeting to mark the 26th Smriti Din of veteran freedom fighter and founder editor of Lokmat Media Group Jawaharlal Darda alias ‘Babuji’ at Prerna Sthal here on Saturday.
Dharma Samrat from Varanasi Swami Karpatri Ji, Swami Abhishek Bramhachariji from Kedar Ghat, chairman of editorial board of Lokmat Media Group and former member of Rajya Sabha Dr Vijay Darda, editor-in-chief of Lokmat Media Group and former Maharashtra minister Rajendra Darda, minister for water conservation Sanjay Rathod, national convenor of Yuva Chetana in Bihar Rohit Kumar Singh were seated on the dais.
Speaking further, the minister said, “Some people through their outstanding works leave their mark on the common people and Babuji is one of them. His life is a guiding force for Maharashtra.” The new generation in today’s social media age is forgetting the contributions of older generation, he said.
However, Maharashtra, has a rich history of spirituality and influence of Warkaris. The ‘abhangs’ of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram have also influenced the life of individuals. The contribution of Warkaris is deep-routed in Maharashtra and therefore, every year over 25 lakh devotees undertake pilgrimage to Pandharpur, he remarked.
India is the country of youth. Its rich tradition and glorious legacy should be utilised for nation building, he said, adding there is a need to work in this particular direction.
Today, India has achieved a respectable position due to the struggles, sacrifices and dedication of the older generation. There is a challenge to maintain the spirit and piousness of the contributions of the people during freedom struggle and nation building, Vikhe-Patil opined.
While India is making its mark in the world as a whole, it is necessary to strengthen the new generation with knowledge. A new confidence should be instilled in them and for that efforts are needed, the minister said. In this backdrop, Babuji’s works show us the guiding path, he added.
This glorious legacy of Babuji is being taken forward by Dr Vijay Darda and Rajendra Darda through Lokmat Media Group, he said and added that the third generation is also moving forward with equal capability. Earlier, Swami Abhishek Bramhachariji in his speech said his visit to Prerna Sthal brings back the memory of a visit to Raj Ghat. Here, the values and personal qualities of a father are preserved with utmost care. Prerna Sthal shows the duties of sons towards their father.
Babuji’s work was diversified. He spent his life for the development of all sections of the society, Swami Bramhachariji said.
He expressed confidence that the Prerna Sthal at Yavatmal will always provide a positive energy to the new generation. Editor-in-chief of Lokmat Media Group Rajendra Darda proposed a vote of thanks.
‘Lokmat’s success outside Maha due to ideological legacy’
Babuji spent his entire life serving the people. The most important constituents in this group were the working class, the exploited, deprived and the downtrodden.
He worked hard to bring positive change in the lives of these people. The Lokmat Media Group is also marching forward with the same ideology and therefore not only in Maharashtra but it has achieved success in Goa and Delhi with pride, said chairman of editorial board of Lokmat Media and former member of Rajya Sabha Dr Vijay Darda. Babuji strived hard to solve problems of electricity, water, irrigation and setting up industries. With his foresightedness, he tried to bring change in these sectors. Therefore, the Prerna Sthal has not only given inspiration to the Darda family but also to the entire State to work for the uplift of deprived for the last 26 years, said Dr Vijay Darda. The programme at Prerna Sthal is dedicated to Babuji, Dr Darda added.
(Left) Maharashtra revenue minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, chairman of editorial board of Lokmat Media Group and former member of Rajya Sabha Dr Vijay Darda, and editor-in-chief of Lokmat Media Group and former Maharashtra minister Rajendra Darda paying tributes to founder editor of Lokmat Media Group and veteran freedom fighter Jawaharlal Darda alias ‘Babuji’ on his 26th Smriti Din at Prerna Sthal in Yavatmal on Saturday. (Above) Guardian minister of Yavatmal district and minister for water conservation Sanjay Rathod along with a large number of dignitaries from various fields, Babuji’s followers and students were also present on the occasion.
State revenue minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil speaking at Prerna Sthal in Yavatmal on Saturday. (From L) Seated on the dais are editor-in-chief of Lokmat Media Group and former Maharashtra minister Rajendra Darda, chairman of editorial board of Lokmat Media Group and former member of Rajya Sabha Dr Vijay Darda, Swami Abhishek Bramhachariji, State minister for water conservation Sanjay Rathod and national convenor of Yuva Chetana in Bihar Rohit Kumar Singh. Rajesh Tickley
Relevant Articles
babuji’s Birth Centenary celebrations conclude
Legacy of mentors being appropriated: Uddhav