Comrade Gandharav Sen Kochhar: 100 years and going on

Jalandhar, January 23

The Desh Bhagat Yaadgar Committee today celebrated the birthday of its oldest Comrade Gandharv Sen Kochhar, who entered into his 100th year today. Kochhar who was born on January 23 in 1919 in Nurmahal, was seen in high spirits despite his ailing health. Instead of addressing the media from his wheelchair, the comrade preferred to address the audience by standing on the dais. Senior trustee of the Desh Bhagat Memorial Committee, the man behind the rise of the Kirti movement since 1929, Kochhar always batted to create a free society.

On his birthday, the committee held a discussion on the issues of ideological, political, social, literary and cultural aspects and current issues. The committee members offered flowers to their oldest veteran.

On this occasion, 'Tujhko Chalana Hoga' pepped up the patriotic atmosphere in the hall. While commemorating the unique contribution of Kochhar, committee's general secretary Gurmeet Singh said, "There is a need to honour the consciousness and contemplation of the Gadharites."

Gandharva Sen Kochhar, in his special message, thanked people for their love and respect. He said his efforts were responded well by people. He also said the Marxist philosophy was the real path to the salvation of people.

The Desh Bhagat Memorial Committee member and daughter of Gandharva San Kocchar, Surinder Kumari Kochhar applauded the contribution made by her great grandfather in the Independence struggle.

She said her father’s birthday celebration is not a fulfilment of the traditional ritual, but it is a day of self-study and passing the torch of salvation to the next generation.

Speaking on the topic "Marxist Commitment Commemorating the Journey of Life: Gandharva San Kokhhar", Parminder Singh, joint secretary, Desh Bhagat Memorial Committee, Darshan Khatakkar, Dr Bhiminder Singh said in order to overcome the serious challenges of the present times, there was a need for a strong feeling of self-restraint such as that of comrade Gandharva Sen Kochhar.

The committee also honoured three of The Tribune’s journalists for their work and presented them with shawl, a set of books and a portrait of Nurmahal Sarai. The session demanded that the FIR filed against The Tribune correspondent Rachna Khaira should be quashed.

Also, on the occasion, a book 'Geetan da Phulkari' compiled by Amolak Singh was released. The book has songs of various stages and periods of contemporary legacy. Besides, the office-bearers of the Desh Bhagat memorial committee, renowned poet and literary observer Lakhwinder Johal also adorned the stage.

Making a concurrent comment on the behalf of the Presidency Board, Committee vice-president Ajmer Singh said the entire Communist revolutionary and democratic movement should learn from the life of Comrade Kochhar.