“The propagation of nationalism along with social and economic reforms to remove inequality can only take India towards economic prosperity and achieve the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’,” said Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways on Thursday. He was speaking at centenary celebration of Tarun Bharat newspaper at Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Sabhagruha, Reshimbag. Dr Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS); Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of the State; Padma Shri Dr Vilas Dangre, President, Narkesari Publication; Anil Dandekar, Working President; Dhananjay Bapat, Managing Director; and other members of board of directors were present for the programme.

 

Rahul Narwekar, Speaker, Maharashtra Assembly; Chandrashekhar Bawankule, State Revenue Minister; Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Ashok Uike, along with several other dignitaries were also present for the programme. Nitin Gadkari, in his address, underscored the role of newspapers in nation-building. “Making a citizen ideal for progress and development of society can not happen without society’s intellectual enlightenment, education, and embodiment of values. Newspapers play a big role in performing this duty and contribute to nation-building,” said Gadkari. Devendra Fadnavis, in his address, said that, when a social movement completes 100 years without any political backing or patronage, it reflects a strong ideological foundation. Speaking at the centenary function, he stated, “Tarun Bharat has continued its work of preserving and disseminating ideas uninterruptedly, even in adverse circumstances.” He added that, the newspaper has consistently and faithfully carried out the task of nurturing thought and delivering it to society. He emphasised that the significance of the centenary lies in the fact that the publication sustained itself for a century without political support.

 

“When a social movement completes a hundred years on the strength of its ideological base, it is that foundation which becomes the reason behind its longevity,” Fadnavis said. The programme also featured publications of centenary special booklet ‘Samarpan’ detailing work of various RSS Pracharaks over the years and supplement ‘Avirat’ at the hands of the dignitaries. Anil Dandekar presented an overview of the newspaper’s 100-year journey, while Dr Vilas Dangre expressed his views on its legacy.

 

 

A special interview of Dr Mohan Bhagwat was conducted by Shailesh Pande, Editor, Tarun Bharat; and Ravindra Deshpande, Secretary of Rajaram Library. Dr Bhagwat, in his interview, said that newspaper writing must be guided by discretion, style and ideological commitment. Responding to questions, Bhagwat said, the RSS’s expanding work necessitates decentralisation of its structure. He stated that, while organisational changes are required with time, the core working methodology will remain unchanged, focusing on personal example and social transformation. An exhibition of old front pages of Tarun Bharat was also organised at the venue to mark the centenary celebrations.