105th Birth Anniversary of freedom fighter Bhola Paswan Shastri commemorated with fervor in Patna

On 21st September, 2019 ‘Kabir ke log’ of Patna organised a discussion on “Challenges before Indian Politics” remembering Freedom fighter and First Dalit Chief Minister of Bihar Bhola Paswan Shastri on his 105th Birth Anniversary.

Dr. C.P Thakur, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and other distinguished guests started the proceedings with the auspicious lighting of the lamp, which was followed by Bhajans of Kabir performed by Tana Bana group. It kick-started the event on a rousing note and had prepared the audience, sitting with rapt attention, for what was to follow.

Dr. Sanjay Paswan, Member of legislative council, Bihar, opened the discussion and said that Bhola Paswan Shastri’s simple life style is an inspiration to many. He also highlighted the factors vitiating present day politics like nepotism, favouritism and coporatisation of politics.

Prof. B.L. Chopra, Former Vice- chancellor, Baba Sahab Ambedkar Marathwara University, Aurangabad, Maharashtra also dragged attention of the guests and said that Paswan has contributed a lot for the Dalit community following the path of renowned social reformers like Mahatma Gandhi and worked rigorously to transform lives of many suppressed people.

Member of legislative council, Bihar Shri Sachidanand Sinha also expressed his views on the life style and political journey of Paswan. He raised his voice to strengthen the affirmative action provided under the Indian Constitution for accelerating the pace of development.

The main attraction of the event was the presence of Sambhu Ram ji, a cobbler by occupation from Aurangabad, Maharashtra who chaired the program. He is working for environmental and social issues and has devoted his life for the welfare of people.

During the programme, the performance of the first woman band of Bihar ‘Savita band’ mesmerised the audience and furthered the voice of women empowerment in Rural India.

The program ended with the concluding remarks of Padma Shri and Member of Rajya Sabha Dr. C.P. Thakur. He said that education is the key for the growth of the marginalised sections of the society. The way Paswan shaped his life and achieved a lot of success was because of his intelligence and his thirst for knowledge. He also thanked Dr. Sanjay Paswan for organising the program and congratulated ‘Kabir ke log’ for sensitising the downtrodden section of the society.

The program also witnessed the presence of venerable dignitaries from diverse sections of the society.