From ADITYA RAJ DAS / NEW DELHI
At a national conclave of leading poets attended by the former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and the former Lok Sabha Speaker Mrs Meira Kumar paid rich tributes to the late Babu Jagjivan Ram on his 111th birth anniversary focusing on issues of communal harmony, social justice, equity, universal brotherhood and protection of democracy, which were dear to the heart of the departed leader.
In a unique gesture to the memory of the late Jagjivan Ram—fondly addressed by the people as Babuji—eminent poets from across the country paid homage by rendering their heart-felt compositions touching on his work and philosophy at the “Rashtriya Kavi Sammelan” organized by the Manvata Abhiyan—a socio-cultural organization and All India Tax Advocates Forum (AITAF) here recently.
Presiding over the conclave the former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh made a clarion call to the people to unite against forces bent upon destroying the democratic norms and the concept of social justice and equity and disturbing the communal harmony.
Pointing out that the country was passing through a “critical juncture” Dr Singh said “we must unite and stand up against negative forces which are opposed to ideals of democratic freedom, social justice and communal harmony, which were dear to the heart of Babuji”.
Speaking on the occasion the Lok Sabha Speaker Mrs Meira Kumar—daughter of Babuji—made a fervent appeal to the people to make sustained efforts to bring about a renaissance in the overall thinking process of the society to strive for equality and respect for one and all, universal brotherhood and communal harmony.
Speaking on the occasion the President of the Manvata Abhiyan, Mr M K Gandhi recited his compositions on the memory of the Babuji and made a powerful appeal to make an earnest and sincere effort to build up a compassionate society that respects tolerance for listening to diversified views, and maintains humanity, communal harmony, universal brotherhood and a life of dignity for one and all.
The three-hour long conclave of poets kept the audience mesmerized as noted poets enthralled the poetry lovers with their beautiful compositions highlighting the ideals of the Babuji and issues relating to democratic freedom.
The eminent poets who drew rich applaud include Ashok Chakradhar, Sunil Yogi, noted Urdu poet Rahat Indori, Sudip Bhola, Gaurav Sharma and Mumtaz Nasim.