The concluding function of 150th Birth Anniversary of  Mahamana was celebrated under auspicious occasion of Geeta Jayanti (Magha Shirsha Shukl Ekadashi) by chanting Akhand Geeta path, followed by discourse delivered by the distinguished dignitaries, on the topic “Geeta & Mahamana” on 23rd December, 2012 at Malaviya Mission premises at Vivek Khand-I, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow-226010. The Chief Guest Hon’ble Justice S.N. Srivastava (Retd.) from Allahabad High Court deliberated on the topic exhaustively. Distinct gathering was spell bound to hear the lucid and thought provoking ideas expressed by Speakers. Dr. Karan Singh, M.P. who was the Chief Guest could not attend the function due to adverse whether and delay in flight.

Mahamana’s efforts in rejuvenating the Indian nation through various social, political, religious and educational activities were discussed in details and it was observed that the relevance of Malaviya’s thoughts are still pertinent and need attention of the nation.  It is the need of the hour to perpetuate, propogate and instsituttionalise his vision through various social, political and cultural efforts.  Geeta is the panacea to the complex problems that mankind is facing these days.  Justice S.N. Srivastava, through his impressive lecture, logically and judicially established that Srimad Bhagwad Geeta has the tremendous potential of being declared as “Rashtriya Dharma Granth”. The Chief Guest told that Bhagwan Ram accepted exile as his duty, stated in the Bhagwad Geeta, which was need of that time.  He organised weaker sections to destroy people of evil nature.  Much before first War of Independences 1857, Raja Dahir,  Maharana  Pratap and Shivaji fought for freedom. Acharya Chanakya took inspiration from Geeta and planned strategy accordingly. Freedom struggle movement was also inspired by the Geeta. Adi Guru Shankarcharya explained mantras of Vedas with examples for niskaam karm yoga. The political masters must introspect as to why India is lagging behind in the space of integrated development, despite tremendous intellectual potentialities. This is the high-time when super-ordinate goals of the Indian nation are defined for sustainable human development. Justice Srivastava requested that the decision of the Allahabad High Court of August 2007, which declared Gita as “Rashtriya Dharma Granth”, may be implemented.

The working President of the Mission, Lucknow, Sri A.S. Kapoor, delivered a key-note address. At the outset, Sri Govind Ram Agrawal, General Secretary, Mahamana Malaviya Mission, Lucknow gave information to the gathering about various projects being run by the Anpara, Obra (District Sonebhadra) units for the tribal children and of Lucknow & New Delhi, in the social and educational fields.  He demanded that the Government should name the Over Bridge of Gomti Nagar as Malaviya Bridge to honour the great man. All India Vice President of the Mission, Sri Prabhu Narain Srivastava, gave a call to observe 25th December, 2012 as the Sankalp Diwas on the birthday of Pt. Modan Mohan Malaviya. He emphasized that each devotee of the Mahamana and Swami Vivekanand should introspect to do something in person to translate the life ideals of these great leaders.

The programme was over after reciting Vande Mataram by the school children. The programme was attended by about 500 eminent persons, from all walks of life.  Sri R.N. Verma conducted the programme and Sri J.N. Sarin gave vote of thanks.

सुरेन्द्र अग्निहोत्री
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