Janardhanpant Bothe, a ‘messenger’ of Tukdoji Maharaj, Gets Padma Shri

Amravati: Janardhanpant Bothe, general secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Shri Gurudev Seva Mandal, Amravati, has been awarded the Padma Shri for carrying forward the legacy of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj's thoughts through Gramgeeta. Tukdoji Maharaj dedicated his life to rural development through literature and writing ‘Gramgeeta' for social transformation. Bothe, who hails from Mozari at Teosa taluka in Amravati district, believes Gramgeeta holds the key to India's bright future.Bothe worked closely with Tukdoji Maharaj as his personal assistant and spread the message of ‘Gramoddhara' (village development) through addiction-free initiatives, rural cleanliness, and collective prayers. Bothe has dedicated his life to the Gurukunj Mozari Ashram in Amravati. "I dedicate this honour to all those who cooperated with me in taking forward the thoughts of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj," Bothe said. He played a significant role in transforming the Gurukunj, Tukdoji Maharaj's karmabhoomi into a hub for social activities. The annual Punyatithi Mahotsav (death anniversary) is a testament to his organizational skills.Bothe's work includes documenting Tukdoji Maharaj's national and international activities through photographs, which are now a valuable historical asset at Gurukunj. Bothe created invaluable documentation of the saint's national and international activities through photographs. Captured during a period with limited technological resources, these photographs have now become a precious historical archive. A dedicated art gallery is being set up at Gurukunj Mozari with state govt funds to preserve these photographs, ensuring that the life journey of the saint reaches future generations.Under Bothe's leadership, more than 10,000 rural branches Gurudev Seva Mandal and 850 women's committees are active, working to promote the message of the Gramgeeta. He travels extensively to various branches of the All India Gurudev Sewa Mandal, attending programmes and ensuring the organization's activities continue smoothly by offering his guidance.