Cong has deep association with development of modern India: Pranab

Ravi S. Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 24

Former President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said the Congress has evolved as an organisation with its deep association and synchronisation with development of “Modern India”.

Mukherjee was speaking at a function after he released a book “Dilli Meri Dilli- Before and After 1998”, authored by former Delhi Chief Minister and Congress leader Sheila Dikshit.

He said post Independence, public figures generally did not pen down their feelings and experiences in marked contrast to those before pre-Independence era, including Congress presidents. He named WC Banerjee (first president of the party) and Dadabhai Naoroji in this regard.

Mukherjee said: “Their writing helps the future generation to find evolution of the national organisation and its linkages to development of Modern India.”

He lauded Dikshit, a public figure in post-Independence India, to have authored a coffee table book which brings to the fore the city-state’s multi-cultural diversity, its vibrancy in its past and present perspectives.

Lauding the former CM, Mukherjee said she symbolised the metamorphosis of Indian psychology. Born in Kapurthala (Punjab), won from Kannauj Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh to become Union Minister and later becoming the longest-serving Chief Minister for uninterrupted 15 years of Delhi since it became the capital state of India.

He praised Dikshit for taking to Delhi to new heights of development and progress during her stewardship.

He reminisced the growth of Delhi since he came to the place in 1969 as an MP. Then it looked like an “expanded or extended” village. “It has changed with mind-boggling speed.”

Delhi is one of the places which is not a mere geographical expression or extension, but one which strikes an emotive chord. The word “Delhi” (which in vernacular colloquy in large parts of India is prononced “Dil-li”) reflects emotions of entire India. Delhi holds a special place even for those who have not visited it, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Dikshit said it took her about two years of research work to bring about the book.

The book digs into the growth of Delhi for the past millennium in all its historical, geographical and cultural dimensions. The book bring to the fore the melting pot dynamics of evolution of the place an attain a microcosm of country’s plurality.

She also records the developments, modernisation and progress of the city-state during Congress rule under her.