CALL FOR BHARAT RATNA ON CHANDRA SHEKHAR

CALL FOR BHARAT RATNA ON CHANDRA SHEKHAR

13-JULY-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR--------------------------A grand birth centenary celebration and intellectual dialogue honoring the late former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar was held on Sunday at the picturesque 'Heritage Rani Kothi' in the city. Representatives from the political, social, and intellectual spheres across various states gathered to discuss his personality, achievements, and political philosophy in detail. During the event, all speakers urged the Central Government to honor the late Chandra Shekhar with the Bharat Ratna.

The event was presided over by Kunwar Kamlesh Singh, a former representative of the late Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar. He remarked that Chandra Shekhar was a leader who engaged in politics for the sake of society and the nation, not for power. His entire life epitomized struggle, simplicity, ideological clarity, and public service. The program was jointly conducted by Akhilesh Singh, Dr. Shashank Shekhar, and Rana Pratap.

Arun Srivastava, National Convener of the Chandra Shekhar Birth Centenary Celebrations, emphasized the need to connect the new generation with Chandra Shekhar’s ideas and his life defined by struggle. He noted that Chandra Shekhar fought ceaselessly to strengthen democracy and ensure that the fruits of development reached the most marginalized sections of society.

Former Madhya Pradesh Minister Ramashankar Singh stated that Chandra Shekhar was a national political leader who always prioritized principles and ethical values. Former Karnataka Minister B.R. Patil remarked that his vision was not confined to any single party or region; rather, he was a leader for the entire nation.

Renowned farmer leader Dr. Sunilam stated that Chandra Shekhar was at the forefront of those who most vigorously championed the cause of farmers, laborers, and underprivileged sections. Valmiki Tripathi, Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh PCF, noted that he always prioritized social harmony and national unity.

Sanjay Singh 'Tiger', Minister of Law and Higher Education in the Bihar Government, said that Chandra Shekhar’s ideals continue to serve as a guiding light for Indian politics today. They stated that the late Chandra Shekhar possessed a multifaceted personality, and his ideas, vision, and commitment to democratic values ​​would continue to inspire future generations.

Santosh Pathak, who arrived from Kolkata, described Chandra Shekhar as a grassroots leader who always prioritized the issues faced by the poor, farmers, laborers, and the common people. Buxar MP Sudhakar Singh remarked that Chandra Shekhar’s contribution to upholding democratic values ​​would always be remembered. Meanwhile, Amarendra Rajesh noted that it is unfortunate that Chandra Shekhar has not yet been awarded the Bharat Ratna.

Several speakers—including Janata Dal (Secular) State President Omkar Singh, Bihar State 20-Point Programme Implementation Committee member Chandan Kumar Singh, Dumraon MLA Rahul Singh, and former MLA Sanjay Kumar Tiwari (alias Munna Tiwari)—stated that Chandra Shekhar’s politics were dedicated to the upliftment of the most marginalized sections of society and that his public life was a model of probity and values.

Govindacharya, Gupteshwaranand Maharaj, Swami Abhishek Brahmachari, and Rohit Kumar (National Convener of 'Yuva Chetna') also shared their views during the event. All speakers unanimously reiterated the demand for the Central Government to honor the late former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar with the Bharat Ratna.

A large number of social activists, intellectuals, youths, and prominent citizens attended the ceremony, including Anil Singh (State President of 'Sach Baat Chandra Shekhar' from Ballia), Ashok Pathak, Digvijay Singh, and Amit Singh.

At the conclusion of the program, the attendees pledged to disseminate the late Chandra Shekhar’s ideas among the masses, uphold democratic values, and work continuously towards building the India of his dreams. Raviraj and Raghavendra Ujjain jointly proposed the vote of thanks.