“In the present era, when the word politics has lost its meaning, value and importance, Dr Girish Gandhi is following the true definition of politics and working hard for awakening social consciousness. A true disciple of late Mohan Dharia who was a dedicated and committed leader and brought qualitative changes in society, Dr Girish Gandhi too has brought about qualitative changes in society,” said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Gadkari was addressing as the chief guest of a grand public felicitation of Dr Girish Gandhi on his 75th birthday. The programme of ‘Amrut Mahotsav’ was organised by Dr Girish Gandhi Amrut Mahotsav Satkar Samiti at Dr Vasantrao Despande Hall on Saturday. Dr Girish Gandhi was felicitated at the hands of former Union Home Minister of India, Sushil Kumar Shinde. Senior leader Datta Meghe presided over.

 

This felicitation function would be remembered for years to come as a galaxy of prominent personalities shared the dais as special guests. Supreme Court Judge (Retd) Justice Vikas Sirpurkar; High Court Judges (Retd) Justice Vijay Daga, Justice Arun Chaudhari, Justice J N Patel; Chancellor of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad, Dr Vedprakash Mishra; former Speaker of Legislative Assembly, Arun Gujarathi; senior editor Madhukar Bhave; former Minister Satish Chaturvedi; former MP Ajay Sancheti; former Minister Anees Ahmed; MP Krupal Tumane; Ramesh Bang; MLC Adv Abhijeet Wanjari; MLC Jogendra Kawade were the special guests. “Referring to the contribution of late Mohan Dharia who pursued the principle ‘politics as an instrument of socio-economic reforms’, Dr Girish Gandhi, as a disciple of Dharia, maintained values like honesty and transparency and always stood out in long run,” said Gadkari. Gadkari described the personality of Dr Girish Gandhi by chanting a Sanskrit hymn as ‘Manasa satatam smaraniyam; vachasa satatam vadaniyam, lokahitam mama karaniyam’.

 

Expressing concern over present day politics which has become a game of power which played out with compulsions, contradictions, limitations and some people coming and going, Gadkari said, “Dr Girish Gandhi has maintained his self dignity, commitment, dedication and touched many lives.” Sushil Kumar Shinde in his address termed, “Dr Girish Gandhi as a leader who is understanding pains and sufferings of society. He is such a compassionate leader who has tears in his eyes for other’s. Like Mohan Dharia, he has love and care for entire Maharashtra. He is a sensitive social worker, cultural leader, leader of literature movements and encouraging others to strive for success.’ Justice Sirpurkar honoured Dr Gandhi as a person having sacred mind, pure heart n clean character who is ready to sacrifice his everything for building lives of many persons. Arun Gujarathi mentioned, Dr Girish Gandhi has preserved human values. He is a person with wisdom and humanity.

 

 

This is a felicitation of good values, best human being, service to society and humanity, Gujarathi said. Responding to his felicitation, Dr Girish Gandhi said that he was a staunch believer in democracy and its underlying principles. “I am willing to do anything to preserve democratic values. The country will thrive only on the basis of democracy and social harmony,” he said. Dr Vedprakash Mishra recalled a quote of Oscar Wild in the honour of Dr Girish Gandhi and mentioned Dr Girish Gandhi became a personality who touched lives of others. Atul Kotecha, General Secretary of Organising committee made welcome speech, Shrikant Tidke made introductory remarks, Shubhada Fadnavis read out the scroll of honour and senior journalist Bal Kulkarni conducted the proceedings.