Dr Bhau Lokhande passes away
| Date :23-Sep-2020 |
Principal Correspondent :
One of the leaders of Ambedkari movement, first Dr Ambedkar Chair of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) Dr Bhau Lokhande passed away on Tuesday early in the morning due to cardiac arrest. He was 78. He was also known for his in-depth study in Pali language. He was noted litterateur who pioneered Republican Students Federation and contributed immensely in Buddha and Dalit literature. He remained Reader at Pali Prakrut Department of Nagpur University for several years.
Dr Lokhande leaves behind wife Ratnamala, son Ashwaghosh, daughters Karuna and Mrunal and a host of relatives to mourn the loss. Last rites were performed at Barse Nagar ghat where a condolence meeting was held. Born on June 15, 1942 at Kelwad, Dr Lokhande always remained a bright student. He lived his life with a mission. Apart from writing several thought-provoking books, Dr Lokhande had delivered speeches those not only motivated people but kept them well-informed. He had several prestigious awards to his name. CM grieves Calling Dr Lokhande the one who had deep study in social, cultural movements in Maharashtra, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray expressed grief over the sad demise of this great thinker. In his condolence message Thackeray says, Dr Lokhande has contributed a lot to Ambedkari thought, Budha literature. He was active in literary and cultural movements of Maharashtra.
“We lost a thinker having in-depth study in social, and cultural activities. I pay my respects to Dr Lokhande,” said Uddhav Thackeray. Expressing deep shock over the death of Dr Bhau Lokhande, Prakash Gajbhiye, former MLC said, “Ambedkari community has become orphan due to the sad demise of this great thinker. He was a great orator and was the role model for the Republican youth workers, teachers and literatteurs. His demise has created a big vacuum that would never be filled.”
Dr Nitin Raut, Guardian Minister expressed deep shock. He said, “Bhau’s personality was alround one. Dr Lokhande was the President of first Dalit Sahitya Sammelan organised by Vidarbha Sahitya Sangh. He tried to take Department of Dr Ambedkar Thought to a newer height. His approach was student-centric and always worked with a wish to create good citizens.” Death of Dr Lokhande is an irreparable loss to the society, said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Calling Dr Lokhande a lighthouse of Ambedkari movement, Gadkari said, the vacuum created due to his death can never be filled. Mayor Sandip Joshi, Bharatiya Janata Party Secretary Adv Dharmpal Meshram have also expressed grief over the death of Dr Bhau Lokhande.