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April      Last updated: April 29,  5:00 p.m.

Vaikahari Senad

The tragic death of Dr Sridhar Bhaskar Varnekar, 83 eminent Sanskrit Scholar who was killed in road mishap, has evoked responses from people from all walks of life.

Dr Varnekar's death has created a void that cannot be easily filled. He was a winner of prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award and has received the President's Award for his Sanskrit epic Shivarajodayam in 1993. He was also honoured with Kalidas Samman by the Madhya Pradesh Government. He was the Head of the Department of Sanskrit of Nagpur University and has more than 40 books in Sanskrit to his credit.

Speaking at a condolence meeting after the pyre was lit by Dr Varnekar's eldest son, Chandragupta, Shri M.G. Vaidya said that Dr Varnekar had passed away in the most unpredictable manner. This particular incident shows everyone is helpless before the vicissitudes of destiny, he added. Although he came from a poor family, he rose to great heights through sheer grit and determination, he added.

In a statement former Sarsanghchalak of RSS Prof Rajendra Singh said that Shri Varnekar was a wonderful personality and there are not many scholars like him. He recalled his association with Dr Varnekar.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Shri K.S. Sudarshan has expressed his deep grief and shock over the death of Dr Shridhar Bhaskar Varnekar.

Shri Sudarshan described Dr Vernekar's death as a loss of one of the most prolific Sanskrit scholars and encyclopaedia of Sanskrit literature and ancient scriptures. Sudarshan stated that Dr Varnekar composed many of RSS songs and used to guide swayamsevaks regularly. He devoted his entire life for the promotion, preservation and propagation of Sanskrit and he stated that his death has stunned one and all. Recalling his association with Dr Varnekar, Sudarshan said that he first met Dr Varnekar at Vijayadashmi Utsava of RSS held at Chandrapur in 1978 and then he had the fortune to have received guidance of a great Sanskrit scholar. Just three days back, Dr Varnekar accompanied Sudarshan during his Deekshabhoomi visit and it proved to be their final meeting. In his personal letter addressed to eldest son of the deceased, Chandragupta Varnekar, Sudarshan has consoled the death of Dr Varnekar whom he stated as a saintly father figure for every member of RSS. Sarkaryavah Mohan Bhagwat in his condolence message also expressed shock over the sudden demise of of Dr Varnekar. He described Dr Varnekar as an authority on Sangh, Sanskrit and Sangeet and stated that his death was an irreparable loss.

Ushatai Chati of Rashtra Sevika Samiti described Dr Varnekar as "Jewel of Nagpur and encyclopaedia of Sanskrit". Ushatai recalled that Dr Varnekar's association with Rashtra Sevika Samiti and paid homage. Sanskar Bharati has condoled death of Dr Varnekar and described him as a sadhak who lived for Sanskrit and Sanskriti". Dr Varnekar has composed many Sanskrit songs and guided the cultural movement in Nagpur. Under his able guidance many upcoming artists mastered the traditional science of music and drama.

Various schemes for the poor in general category and for SCs, STs, OBCs and the tribal boys and grils have also being launched. The Government has also decided to provide free education upto university level to students will more than 40 per cent disability.

The social services sector has been accorded top priority and Rs 702.36 crore has been allocated for this vital sector. This comes to 40.08 per cent of the Annual Plan of Rs 1720 crore approved for this year.

Agriculture is the main occupation of the people in the State. For improving the economy of the farmers, various new schemes have been initiated. The Government has given due priority for the construction and maintenance of roads. Efforts have also been made to bring qualitative improvement in education and health services in the State.

The Government contemplates to form a new education policy in which the Government will confine itself to only regulatory functions, except elementary education which is a constitutional obligation for the Government. The Government will seek investment from non-government sectors, institutions of repute and NRIs in the education sector. We have entered into an agreement with NASSCOM for formulation of Information Technology Policy for the State. Welfare of freedom fighters, soldiers and ex-servicemen has also been taken care of.

Our endeavour, during the last two years, has been to ensure equal and speedy development of all areas of the State, social uplift and economic betterment of the poor.

I make a fervent appeal to all the people of the State to take a pledge that they will not hesitate to make any sacrifice for the development, unity and integrity of the State and the Nation.