In a grand ceremony held in Raigarh, Maharashtra, the “Maharashtra Bhushan” award for the year 2022 was presented to Dr. Appasaheb Dharmadhikari, a respected social worker and torchbearer of social consciousness. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, honored Appasaheb with this prestigious award, highlighting his dedication and commitment to serving the people. This article delves into the significance of the award, Appasaheb’s contributions to society, and the legacy of social service within his family.
Award Ceremony in Raigarh, Maharashtra
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, presented the prestigious “Maharashtra Bhushan” award for the year 2022 to Dr. Appasaheb Dharmadhikari in Raigarh, Maharashtra today. The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, and other dignitaries were present on this momentous occasion.
A Life of Dedication and Service
In his address, Shri Amit Shah emphasized the immense respect and devotion people hold for Appasaheb, a dedicated social worker who tirelessly served the public without seeking fame. According to Shah, such admiration can only be earned through sacrifice, dedication, and service, as demonstrated by Appasaheb. He encouraged others to follow Appasaheb’s example, inspiring people to follow their actions rather than simply following the crowd.
A Family Legacy of Social Service
Shri Amit Shah highlighted the rarity of witnessing three generations within a family devoted to social service. Appasaheb’s father, Nanasaheb, began this legacy, which Appasaheb continued and now has been passed down to Sachin Bhau and his brothers. By presenting the Maharashtra Bhushan Award to Appasaheb, the Maharashtra government has inspired millions to lead a life dedicated to helping others.
The Significance of Raigarh and Maharashtra
The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation noted the historical significance of Raigarh, Maharashtra, the holy land of the great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This region has continued three key traditions: valor and sacrifice for the nation, spiritual guidance through revered saints, and social consciousness led by influential reformers like Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Savitri Bai Phule, and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. Appasaheb and his family have played a crucial role in furthering this tradition of social consciousness.
Living by the Spirit of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah”
Shri Amit Shah acknowledged the difficulty of embodying the spirit of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” from the Upanishads, which calls for living a life dedicated to the happiness and well-being of others. He praised Appasaheb for teaching millions to work for society and others, in addition to themselves. When the country was in need, Appasaheb united millions of people under this spirit, which led to his recognition with the Padma Award by the government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Maharashtra Bhushan Award: A Tribute to Excellence
The Maharashtra Bhushan Award, established in 1995, has honored numerous individuals who have contributed significantly to the social life of Maharashtra and India. This year, Appasaheb Dharmadhikari received this prestigious award, marking the first time it has been presented to two members of the same family, as his father Nanasaheb was also a recipient.
Under Appasaheb’s guidance and the slogan “Let’s March On,” he has set numerous examples in areas such as children’s welfare, free educational material distribution, tree plantation, cleanliness, blood donation, waste collection during festivals, well cleaning, women empowerment, tribal welfare, drug-free society advocacy, eradication of superstition, and combating illiteracy.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of Dr. Appasaheb Dharmadhikari’s remarkable life and accomplishments, it becomes evident that his tireless dedication to social service has left a lasting impact on the people of Maharashtra and India as a whole. The Maharashtra Bhushan Award serves as a fitting tribute to his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others. May his example continue to inspire future generations to take up the mantle of social service and work towards a brighter, more equitable future for all.
Shri Amit Shah expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis for bestowing the Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2022 upon a deserving individual.