Calls for preserving the legacy of Saints Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram
Pimpri-Chinchwad | June 29 | Rayat Samachar
(Sharad Pawar Speech) Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar reflected on Maharashtra’s rich saint tradition, the Warkari movement, Indian classical music, and social democracy while addressing the prize distribution ceremony of the ‘Gandharva Manch’ International Music Competition. The event was jointly organized by the Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Santpeeth, run by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, and the Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal.
Speaking at the programme to commemorate the 750th birth anniversary of Sant Dnyaneshwar, the 375th death anniversary of Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj, and the 125th anniversary of Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Pawar said that Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram are the very soul of Maharashtra. Their teachings sowed the seeds of equality, fraternity, and social justice, values that later found expression in the principles of the Indian Constitution.
Pawar also appreciated the auditorium named after renowned Marathi poet-lyricist G. D. Madgulkar (GaDiMa) and recalled the enduring impact of Geet Ramayan on Marathi society. He congratulated the municipal corporation for honouring the legendary writer’s contribution.
Remembering Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar, Pawar said the music maestro played a historic role in democratizing Indian classical music by taking it beyond the elite and making it accessible to the common people. He noted that the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, established in 1901, made a remarkable contribution to the renaissance of Indian classical music.
Highlighting Sant Dnyaneshwar’s contribution, Pawar said that through the Dnyaneshwari, he translated the Bhagavad Gita into Marathi, opening the doors of knowledge to ordinary people. He added that the famous phrase “Jo Je Vanchhil To Te Laho” represents not merely a spiritual message but a vision of an inclusive and egalitarian society.
Speaking about Sant Tukaram Maharaj, Pawar emphasized his fearless stand against ritualism, caste discrimination, and social injustice. Referring to the scholarly work of Dr. A. H. Salunkhe, he stressed the need to introduce Tukaram’s progressive ideas to younger generations. He also cited Tukaram’s famous verse, “Bhale Tari Deu Kasechi Langoti, Nathalache Mathi Hanu Kathi,” saying its message remains equally relevant in today’s society.
Narrating the popular account of Sant Tukaram immersing debt documents in the Indrayani River to free poor farmers from debt, Pawar described him as one of the earliest inspirations for the idea of debt relief and an exploitation-free social order.
Concluding his address, Pawar said, “Sant Dnyaneshwar opened the doors of knowledge, Sant Tukaram raised his voice against injustice, and the Gandharva tradition democratized art. Maharashtra’s true identity lies not in the spires of temples but in its enduring legacy of knowledge, equality, compassion, and culture. It is our collective responsibility to preserve this great heritage.”
The event was attended by noted scholar Dr. Sadanand More, artist Avadhoot Gupte, Member of Parliament Shrirang Barne, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryawanshi, along with distinguished personalities from various fields and a large gathering of music lovers.
