Nationalism missing post-Independence: Himachal Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arleka

Tribune News Service

Shimla, November 12

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar today said that the spirit of nationalism, which was prominent before Independence, was less visible post-Independence and there was need to introspect on it. He was speaking at a seminar organised by the Sunil Upadhyay Education Trust on 75 years of Independence at the Gaiety Theatre here today. The occasion was also the death anniversary of Sunil Upadhyay. “To fulfil this dream, we should take a pledge to contribute in one or the other way on the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,” he said.

The Governor expressed happiness that today there was an atmosphere of enthusiasm in the country “but we need to reflect on what we have lost and gained in the past 75 years”. “India has had a rich culture for thousands of years but post-Independence we started looking towards other countries and adopted their models,” he lamented.

Arlekar said that it was the responsibility of everyone to change this environment in which every person should contribute at his level. He also released a souvenir published by the Trust and honoured seven freedom fighters for their outstanding services to the nation.

Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj said that Upadhyay had made great contribution towards society and established the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) as a strong organisation in Himachal.