Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 7: ‘Legends never die. They remain etched in the memory of generations to come. Comrade Dhanwantri is one among such immortal revolutionary characters of history of Indian freedom struggle. A great son of the soil, he, still, continues to inspire millions of those, who believe in human values and freedom.’
This was the assertion of renowned Hindi litterateur, painter and the former Secretary J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) Ramesh Mehta. He was delivering his presidential address at an impressive function organised by Jammu Sanskriti Manch Jammu (SMJ) to celebrate 119th birth anniversary of Comrade Dhanwantri here on Sunday.
“Though he has not been given his due yet his inspiring persona and contribution are still strong enough to move and shake our conscience and thought process. This finds resonance in this unique programme cherishing his memories,” he said while congratulating Sanskriti Manch Jammu for its endeavour.
Mehta averred that just installing his statue or naming the university library after him (Dhanwantri) was not enough to keep alive his memory.
Mehta also lauded the poems, supporting the ongoing farmers’ agitation, rendered by prominent Hindi poet Manoj Sharma on this occasion.
Earlier Mehta, joined by SMJ president Abhimanyu Sharma, its founder member and poet Manoj Sharma, secretary-general Sheikh Mohammed Kalyan, prominent writers and scholars present on the occasion, paid floral tributes to the picture of Comrade Dhanwantri.
This was followed by a lively rendition of his poems “Dangai”, “Aansu”, “Suraj Chadh Raha Hai”, “Goonj” and “Jhooth Ne Apne Muhawarey Badal Diye Hain” dedicated to the agitating farmers, by Manoj Sharma.
SMJ president Abhimanyu Sharma, in his address, reiterated his commitment to preserve and keep alive the memory of Comrade Dhanwantri.
At the very outset of the function, SMJ secretary-general Sheikh Mohammed Kalyan, in his welcome address, underlined an exemplary contribution of Comrade Dhanwantri in the framing of (now abrogated) the Constitution of J&K.
Dr Alka Sharma ably conducted the proceedings of the programme.
Meanwhile, All India Students Federation (AISF) J&K remembered Comrade Dhanwantri on his birth Anniversary.
“The statue of the great revolutionary national hero, an illustrious son of Jammu and a close associate of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh in such undignified manner has shocked all,” said Mukesh Parihar former J&K President of AISF.
He expressed anguish over the improper and unacceptable manner of unveiling the statue of Dhanwantri and said that no one should be allowed to dilute the historical importance of the event.
“Whole J&K is remembering him and paying tributes to this son of the soil who earned for Jammu a place of pride among legendry Indian revolutionaries.
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