Bhajan Is A Powerful Tool Of Social Values: Gadkari

Nagpur: Bhajan remains one of the most effective mediums of social and moral education, Union minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said on Saturday, asserting that devotional music shapes individuals and strengthens society. Speaking at the grand finale of the MP Bhajan Competition organised by the MP Cultural Festival Committee, the city MP said music, dance, theatre and literature influence the human mind and nurture sensitivity and virtue. "Bhajan is also the best medium of social values. It shapes individuals, and such individuals are society's priceless assets," he said.
The concluding event, conceptualised by Gadkari, was held at the auditorium of Shikshak Sahakari Bank near Gandhi Sagar Lake. Padma Shri awardee Janardanpant Bothe of Shri Gurudev Seva Mandal, Gurukunj Mozari, was present as the chief guest. Several public representatives and members of the organising committee attended the ceremony. In the senior category, Swarswarangini Bhajan Mandal of Hindustan Colony secured 1st place and was declared overall winner, receiving Rs25,000 and a memento. Other senior category winners included Sur Surangini Bhajan Mandal (Jayprakash Nagar), Guru Mauli Bhajan Mandal (Old Kailash Nagar), Mahalaxmi Bhajan Mandal (Aradhana Nagar), Swar Kamal Music Academy (Bharat Nagar), Swar Sadhana Bhajan Mandal (Trimurti Nagar) and Swar Vihar Bhajan Mandal (Zenda Chowk). In the youth category, Saraswat Bhajani Mandal of Uday Nagar won the top honour, also receiving Rs25,000 and a memento. Hariom Bhajan Mandal (Mahal), Om Sangeet Yuva Bhajan Mandal, Sargam Sangeet (Old Subhedar) and Rashtrasant Gurudev Mandal were among the other winners. Gadkari noted that the competition, launched in 2016, saw steady growth. "In the 1st year, 123 bhajan mandals participated, and this year 754 mandals took part. As many as 13,270 women participated. This response, during the 750th birth anniversary year of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, is extremely gratifying," he said. Referring to the legacy of saints such as Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Tukdoji Maharaj, he said their teachings continue to guide society. Singing devotional compositions, he added, positively influences both performers and listeners and contributes to a cultured and peaceful society. He also stressed the need to take Tukadoji Maharaj's Gramgeeta to the younger generation through modern technology. "We digitised the Gajanan Maharaj pothi. Similarly, Gramgeeta and Dnyaneshwari should also be digitised. Only then will the new generation imbibe these values," he said. During the event, Janardanpant Bothe was felicitated following the announcement of his Padma Shri award. Gadkari said he knew Bothe for 4 decades and praised his efforts in spreading the message of Gramgeeta. "It is a matter of pride that he is honoured with the prestigious award. I pray that he completes 100 years," he said.