Better late than never: Tukdoji

AMRAVATI: After being in deep slumber for more than 60 years, the government finally woke up and decided to posthumously honour Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj with the Swatantra Sangram Sainik award at a programme held at the collectorate on Friday. Janardhan Bothe, general secretary of Shri Gurudeo Sewa Mandal, Gurukunj Mozari, accepted the honour on behalf of Tukdoji Maharaj from collector Richa Bagla.Speaking on the occasion, Bothe said that Tukdoji Maharaj hadspent nearly 5 months in Raipur jail. "During the 1962 war against China,Tukdoji Maharaj calmed the nerves of soldiers with his bhajans," saidBothe.Tukdoji Maharaj's died almost 41 years ago. He played animportant role in India's freedom struggle. The honour bestowed on the latefreedom fighter evoked mixed reactions. Citizen Jayesh Bansod said, "It's sheerapathy of the government because of which the great man was honoured so late."Another citizen Shraddha Naikwade said, "We should be happy that at least thegovernment honoured him."Ajay Kadu said that it's nice that thegovernment honoured him but now, "The government should spend money to promoteTukdoji Maharaj's thoughts," he said. Speaking on behalf of thegovernment, collector Bagla said that Rs 100 crore has been sanctioned toimplement various developmental projects to mark Tukdoji Maharaj's birthcentenary.Manik More, president of Jilha Swatantray Sangram SainikGaurav Samiti, said that Tukdoji Maharaj's contribution is commendable. He addedthat the freedom struggle at Arvi, Ashthi and Chimur became more intense due toTukdoji Maharaj's bhajans.