Bal Apteji was 'Nation First' personified—Bhaiyaji Joshi

‘Nation First’, book on Bal Apte released

Nation First, a compilation of the selected speeches and articles by veteran BJP leader the late Bal Apte was released by senior BJP leader Shri LK Advani in New Delhi on September 30. RSS Sarkaryavah Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi presided over the function. Other prominent people who also shared the dais were RSS Sahsarkaryavah Shri Dattatreya Hosabale and director general of Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe. The book was published by Prabhat Prakashan, New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Advani said no other organisation can match the amount of work that has been done in the field of nation building and national awakening as has been done by the Sangh and its associated organisations. He said Bal Apte’s writings reflect the whole ideology of the Sangh and the title of the book, Nation First, describes this ideology in a nutshell.

Shri Bhaiyaji Joshi said Bal Apte never compromised on the values. He lived a noble life. He never made people his ‘followers’ but ‘companions’. Shri Joshi further said that Apteji’s was like a guiding star showing path to all.

Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe said Apteji was an activist as well as a philosopher, it was necessary that documentation of the thoughts of such person is done. The present book contains Apte’s 30 speeches and 22 articles on a huge diversity of subjects. Dr Sahasrabuddhe also said that Apteji was instrumental in establishing indigenous student centric education system; he was of the opinion that our attitude towards youth is enshrined in our culture.

Shri Hosabale said the present book is a compilation of his English writings and speeches, independent books of his Hindi as well as Marathi writings will be published later. Sharing his memories of Apte Shri Hosabale said Apteji was “candid as well as stern”; he had a very down to earth personality and always took care of party workers as his family members. “I always used to insist him to collect what he has written and to publish it,” he said.