Governor address at the release of the book ‘Priya Ha Bharat Desh’ (प्रिय हा भारत देश) edited by Dr. Vijaya Wad

Release of the book ‘Priya Ha Bharat Desh’ (प्रिय हा भारत देश) edited by Dr. Vijaya Wad at Conference Room, Raj Bhavan, Mumbai at 1100 hrs on Friday 5 August 2016

Dr Smt Vijaya Wad, Captain Dr Wad, eminent poets, invitees, ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased to associate myself with the release of the book ‘Priya Ha Bharat Desh’ compiled and edited by Dr Vijaya Wad.

I understand that the book is a compilation of 100 poems written by 27 eminent poets from Maharashtra on the theme of patriotism.

Dr Vijaya Wad mentioned to me that the book aims at rekindling the spirit of patriotism among the youths and students of the country.

This year we are commemorating the centenary of Lokmanya Tilak’s famous slogan ‘स्वराज्य हा माझा जन्मसिद्ध हक्क आहे आणि तो मी मिळविणारच !!’.

On the 1st of August, I released a report brought out by the Observer research Foundation on revitalizing the places associated with Indian freedom movement.

Maharashtra has played a pivotal role in India’s freedom movement. Leaders from Maharashtra had provided leadership to the freedom movement in the entire country.

There are many places, buildings and memorials associated with the freedom movement that are lying in a neglected State. We cannot blame the government for everything. It is our collective responsibility to restore and commemorate the persons and places associated with the freedom movement.

The contribution of poets from India to the freedom movement was of a very high order.

‘Vande Mataram’ by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee had the power to rally the entire nation for the cause of freedom.

‘Jana Gana Mana’ by Ravindra Nath Tagore became our national anthem.

Vinayak Damodar Sawarkar’s ‘ने मजसी ने परत मातृभूमीला’ has the power to move any patriot to tears. Such is the power of a patriotic songs.

I am fond of the song ‘जय जय महाराष्ट्र माझा, गर्जा महाराष्ट्र माझा’. It has the power to inspire the spirit of patriotism among the listeners.

We all know that the song ‘ ए मेरे वतन के लोगो, जरा आंख मी भरलो पानी’ had moved Pt Nehru to tears.

So a small poem when turned into a melodious song, has more impact on the minds of the people than a long narration. Schools and Colleges must organise competitions to recite patriototic songs. This will create a sense of pride for the nation among our youths and children.

I am pleased that we are honouring two patriots – Capt Dr. Wad who had rendered distinguished services in the Indo – Pakistan war of 1965 and who is a winner of Raksha Medal from the President of India, and Capt. Suresh Vanjari who had served the Indian Army from 1953 to 1968. Captain Wanjari, I understand has produced has 876 Army, Navy and Air Force Officers to the Nation through his academy. We are really proud of both of them.

I found the book inspiring and I do feel that it should be circulated in all schools and colleges across the State. i have no doubt in my mind that the book will be welcomed by one and all.

I congratulate Dr Vijaya Wad, Dr Nishigandha Wad and others for producing this wonderful book and wish all of you well in your good work.

Thank you.

Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra