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PONDA
He was speaking at a Vande Mataran programme organised by the Sadguru Foundation and Sadguru Youth Federation at the Tapobhumi in Kundai. Several thousands of followers of Brahmeshanand Maharaj were present on the occasion.
His institutions handed over a cheque for Rs 6 lakh to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for the defence forces.
Leaders from different parties were present on the occasion and they included Union ministers Manohar Parrikar and Shripad Naik, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, Opposition Leader Pratapsingh Rane and Marcaim MLA Sudin Dhavalikar on the dais.
Other leaders seated in the audience included ministers Mahadev Naik and Dayanand Mandrekar, Goa Forward leader Vijai Sardesai, Pandurang Madkaikar, Lavu Mamledar, MLA Naresh Sawal, MLA Pramod Sawant and GSM leader Subhash Velingkar.
Leaders from other religious communities present included the Jain spiritual leader Dr Lokesh Muniji, Dr Dilipkumar Thakkapan, Dr Brahjnandji Maharaj, Adv. Brahmidevi, Kiran Thakur, Sandeep Marva, Acharya Satyendra Narayanji, Rakesh Acharya, Fr Noel Dcosta and Mahendrabhai Gandhi.
Brahmeshanand Maharaj appealed gathering to spread the message of non-violence and to protect culture. “We have to organize awareness programmes of non-violence for the next 50 years,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Parrikar said it was the responsibility of all citizens to remember those who had sacrificed for the nation.
Politicians reminded the gathering that they would not speak much as the Election Code of Conduct was in force, but seized the opportunity to praise Brahmeshanand and his followers.
Describing it as a “very good programme,” Rane said: “Such programmes unite everyone.”
Dhavalikar said it was a proud moment that this programme was organised in his constituency. “We have to remember to those who sacrificed for freedom of nation.” Dhavalikar said.
Praising the organisers for conducting the programme, Parsekar said: “Patriotism should be there in our hearts. This nation has good future.”
Added Fr D’Costa of Rachol Seminary: “Helping others is real patriotism. We should develop good relations with all. This will help build a good nation.”
Shripad Naik said the work of the Sadguri Foundation Tapobhumi was commendable.
“The Mantra of Vande Mataram has united us all.”
Despite political ‘heat’, leaders sit ‘cool’
PONDA: With electioneering in full force and allegations flying in all directions, it is not common to find leaders of rival parties sitting on the same platform.
Sadguru Brahmeshanand Maharaj’s gathering at the Tapobhumi in Kundaim was a rare sight for several thousands of people to find BJP, Congress, MGP and GSM leaders at the same venue.
Aware of the politically volatile atmosphere, the organisers ensured that Union ministers Manohar Parrikar and Shripad Naik, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar were seated on one side of Sadguru Brahmeshanand Maharaj, while Opposition Leader Pratapsingh Rane and Marcaim MLA Sudin Dhavalikar were at the other side on the dais.
Other leaders, ministers Mahadev Naik and Dayanand Mandrekar, Goa Forward leader Vijai Sardesai, Pandurang Madkaikar, Lavu Mamledar, MLA Naresh Sawal, MLA Pramod Sawant and GSM leader Subhash Velingkar, were seated in the gathering.
Incidentally, before Parsekar could begin his speech, the compere began praising the chief minister and this brought out a wry smile from Dhavalikar. No sooner did Parsekar begin his speech, Dhavalikar left the dais and moved out of the venue.
Also significant was the huge turnout at the meeting. Some estimated that about 20,000 people were present at the event, a figure that none of the parties have been able to mobilise at any of their meetings and rallies.
