City mourns the demise of Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare

 

 

 

A pall of gloom descended over Nagpur as soon as the news of the demise of Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare in Pune came in on Monday morning. Dignitaries from various walks of life mourned the passing away into history, of the eminent historian and recipient of the coveted Padma Vibhushan and Maharashtra Bhushan awards. Devendra Fadnavis, former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, said that it was painful to know about demise of Purandare. “Recently, we celebrated 100 years of his life. Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare had devoted his life to popularising ‘Shivcharitra’ and the tales of valour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and in the process made immense contribution to the building of a strong society,” he said. No one can forget the rich book ‘Raja Shivchhatrapati’ and mega-drama ‘Jaanata Raja’. In his demise, the world has lost a sagely personality, nation-builder, committed researcher, eminent historian who was against distortion of history, said Fadnavis. Dayashankar Tiwari, Mayor, said that demise of Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare had left a void in the fields of history, art, and literature.

 

“His contribution in popularising the inspiring life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is unparalleled. His works and speeches inspired many youngsters to work for conservation of forts built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Nagpur Municipal Corporation was fortunate to have got the opportunity to host the show of mega-drama ‘Jaanata Raja’ and felicitate Babasaheb,” he added. Bhaiyyaji Joshi, former Sarkaryavah of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), also condoled the death of Babasaheb Purandare. “His enthusiasm matched that of a youngster even at the age of 100 years. He had devoted all his capabilities -- reading, writing, oratory, travel -- only to the cause of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” he said. Joshi recalled that Purandare had successfully created the mega-drama ‘Jaanata Raja’. As the concept of ‘Shivsrushti’ was taking shape to inspire future generations, Purandare breathed his last. The flower that blossomed with the sanskaar of RSS has been offered to the feet of the God, Joshi said. ‘Shivkathakar’ Vijayrao Deshmukh aka Sadgurudas Maharaj expressed his shock and grief over demise of Purandare. “Babasaheb’s impressive speeches aroused a consciousness about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj across Maharashtra.

 

I have familial ties with Babasaheb for past 65 years. In his demise, an important party of my family has left us. Completing the work of realising his dream project ‘Shivsrushti’ with utmost dedication will be a real tribute to Babasaheb Purandare,” he said. Dr Ashish Deshmukh, former MLA and Congress leader, said that Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare was an iconic historian, accomplished litterateur, and a committed researcher who had dedicated his life to the cause of presenting the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Through his book ‘Raja Shivchhatrapati’ and mega-drama ‘Jaanata Raja’, Purandare had created awareness about the ideals, teachings, works, and glorious tales of valour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr Deshmukh stated in a condolence message. Datta Shirke, Convener of Shri Shivrajyabhishek Sohola Samiti, recalled that Babasaheb Purandare attended the ‘Shivrajyabhishek Sohola’ anniversary programme in Mahal in Nagpur in past six-seven years. “Even at the age of 100 years, he was engrossed in works relating to the cause he espoused for life. He was a great source of strength for our work,” Shirke stated.