Sadanand Fulzele passes away

Staff Reporter :

Sadanand Fulzele, Secretary, Param Pujya Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Smarak Samiti, Deekshabhoomi, passed away on Sunday at his Dharampeth residence at 8.30 am. He was 92. Fulzele had played a key role in organising the historic programme of Dhamma Diksha in 1956 when lakhs of people had converted to Buddhism under leadership of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. He was Chief Convenor of the programme and also Deputy Mayor of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). Post passing away of Dr Ambedkar it was decided to build his memorial in city and Fulzele was named Secretary of Param Pujya Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Smarak Samiti in year 1963 and was at its helm till his death.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari paying obeisance to the mortal remains of Sadanand Fulzele at his residence on Sunday. (Pic by Satish Raut)

He remained in background and assiduously steered the Samiti while it shaped the memorial for Dr Ambedkar at Deekshabhoomi. Till date Fulzele oversaw organisation of all Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Din programmes at Deekshabhoomi. The funeral procession of Fulzele will start from his residence at Ambedkar Nagar, Dharampeth, on Monday at 3 pm. The mortal remains of Fulzele will be kept at Deekshabhoomi to enable people to pay their homage. Last rites will be held at Ambazari crematorium at 5 pm.

Fulzele was born in rich a landlord family but in early life he suffered a jolt as his father passed away when he was just a child. His mother and elder brother influenced Fulzele as he was inclined towards social work since early youthful days. In 1942, he took lead in organising convention of Scheduled Caste Foundation and therefore for first time Fulzele came in contact with Dr Ambedkar.

He completed his graduation from National College in Arts faculty. He was first elected to NMC in 1952 from Ramdaspeth ward and was asked to contest elections by Ramdas Fulzele and Vitthal Thul. In 1956, Fulzele was elected to the post of Deputy Mayor. In 1957, after foundation for Republican Party was laid, Fulzele took a plunge into active politics. He steered affairs of party in city under leadership of Padma Shri Dadasaheb Gaikwad and Barr Rajabhau Khobragade. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari visited residence of Fulzele in evening and condoled the family. He laid a wreath on mortal remains of Fulzele. Earlier, Mayor Sandip Joshi also paid tributes to Fulzele on behalf of Nagpurians.