Swami Keshwanand remembered for promoting literacy

Paying floral tributes to Swami Keshwanand on his 52nd death anniversary at Sahitya Sadan established by him 100 years ago, Deputy Commissioner Dr Senu Duggal said despite being an orphan and illiterate, Swami Keshwanand founded more than 300 schools, 50 hostels, libraries and museums.

She said he had a deep understanding of the rural society and suggested appropriate and logical solutions. It was his lifelong endeavour to eradicate social evils like untouchability, illiteracy, child marriage, poverty, alcohol abuse and moral dissipation.

Dr Duggal said Swami Keshwanand did historic work by building Sahitya Sadan in Abohar and Gramotthan Vidyapeeth in Sangria.

Despite being a two-time MP of Rajya Sabha, he breathed his last on the footpath of Gurdwara Rakabganj.

On behalf of the organisers, the DC honoured 16 NGOs and Daulatpura-based litterateur Bhupinder Singh Brar.

Sahitya Sadan chief Suryakant Rinwa, Mayor Vimal Thatai, former president of panchayat samiti Ravi Kant Rinwa and Swami Keshwanand associate Raghubir Bhadoo were also present on the occasion.