Even 77 years after Independence, social evils reformers fought haunt the nation, says Jakhar
Addressing the closing session of the Sahitya Sadan centenary year celebrations, MLA Sandeep Jakhar highlighted that many of the societal issues reformers like Swami Keshwanand fought against still persist in India, even after 77 years of Independence.
Jakhar recalled that Swami Keshwanand, an octogenarian reformer, travelled from village to village before Independence, raising awareness against social evils such as child marriage, extravagant feasts during funerals, and alcohol addiction. Despite these efforts, on the 52nd death anniversary of Swami Keshwanand, Jakhar lamented that many of these issues, particularly the costly “Rasam Bhog” ceremony, continue to be a form of societal show-off. He also expressed concern over the growing menace of drug addiction, which has devastated countless families.
Praising the participants in the poetical symposium contest, Jakhar remarked on the confidence and quality with which students addressed issues like the exploitation of women, noting that it reflects the anger and determination of the youth to confront these horrors.
Rameshwar Lal Shastri, a member of the Swami Keshwanand Charitable Trust, stated that the teachings of Swami Keshwanand, a freedom fighter and former MP, remain relevant and capable of guiding society in the right direction.
Mayor Vimal Thatai expressed his disappointment over the continued lack of recognition of Hindi as the national language, even after seven decades of independence. He criticised successive governments for succumbing to pressure from southern states, thereby preventing the fulfilment of the dreams of leaders who supported Devanagari after Independence.
Sahitya Sadan president Suryakant Rinwa and SKN Ayurvedic Hospital in-charge Dr Sandeep Watts welcomed the guests at the event.
Prof Suresh Makkar, head of the judges’ panel for the poetical symposium, remarked on the difficulty of selecting the best performer among the 50 participants. The winners were awarded prizes by the distinguished guests.
