A postal stamp dedicated to Shri Dattopant Thengadi was released by former Sarkaryavah of RSS Shri Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi in presence of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at an event in Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi on November 10. The event was organised by Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), an organisation which was started by Shri Thengadi.
Addressing the gathering which included BJP President JP Nadda and Union Ministers, Bhaiyyaji recalled the contributions of Thengadiji who was a source of inspiration for millions of workers. “Humbleness was his hallmark. He left a lasting impression on the minds of workers whenever they came into contact with him. Such was his humility that everyone felt Thengaiji had a special affection for him,” he said.
Bhaiyyaji said Thengadiji was a saintly figure. “His intellectual range was so vast that he could form organisations working in diverse fields—from Ithihas Sankalan to Adhivatka Parishad to ABVP—and contribute intellectually to each of them in terms of moulding their vision,” he added. He never had a fanatic appreciation for all antiques. He had a balanced view.
Bhaiyyaji said: “In response to the call that ‘Workers of all nations unite’, Thengadi said that ‘workers will unite the world’.” Thengadiji had called upon the workers to work for the nation. “He had given a vision to the labour class,” said Bhaiyyaji. According to Bhaiyyaji, Thengadiji was able to give a vision that there can be an alternative to Communism and Capitalism.
Speaking at the event, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said Thengadiji was beyond all isms. “Thengadiji believed that the nature of humanity can’t be confirmed in any isms. Communism has failed, capitalism is also facing challenges in the West,” said the Minister. According to the Minister, the West always gives importance to individualism and individual rights which Thengadiji had always emphasised to the society. “In the West, it is always about individual’s rights but Thengadiji always talked about duties as well,” the Minister added.
Thengadiji had founded, mentored and nurtured many organisations including Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (1955), Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (1979), Swadeshi Jagran Manch (1991), Samajik Samarasata Manch, Sarva-panth Samadar Manch and Paryavaran Manch; also, a founder member of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad, Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat and Bharatiya Vichara Kendra. Thengadiji always believed in inclusiveness and refuted the idea of political untouchability. He was the member of the Rajya Sabha for two terms during 1964-76. He did not accept any post in the Government of Morarji Desai. He refused to accept the Padma Vibhushan title later on.
Eloquent in speech and versatile with his writing, Thengadiji has some dozens of titles to his credit in Marathi, Hindi and English. Some of his popular books are Karyakarta, Third Way, On Revolution and Prefaces in Hindu Economics, Vichar Sutre, Sanketrekha, Ekatma Manav, Pragati Path par Kisan, Dr Ambedkar Aur Samajik Kranti Ki Yatra, Saptakram and Lakshya Aur Karya. He was very keen to present Ambedkar in the right perspective based on his personal experience. His last book was on Ambedkar which he completed in July 2004 before passing away on October 14, 2004 due to brain haemorrhage.
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