“Today’s youth needs to follow life of Shivaji Maharaj and preserve his legacy. There is a need of youth like late Dr Sumant Tekade who can tell the brave stories of Shivaji Maharaj among masses nationally and internationally,” said Dr Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during the release of book ‘Yugandhar Shivraya’, penned by Dr Sumant Tekade on Wednesday at Mundle Sabhagruha, Andha Vidyalaya, near Deekshabhoomi. Renowned Shivcharitra researcher and motivational speaker Dr Sumant Tekade wrote this book on Shivaji Maharaj before COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, he failed to publish it as he passed away due to COVID-19. Dr Tekade’s family decided to publish the book and gave the script to Dr Shyam Madhav Dhond for editing and on Wednesday, on the occasion of Dr Tekade’s death anniversary, the book got released at the hands of Dr Mohan Bhagwat. Dr Bhagwat, in his speech, said, “India tolerated many invasions for thousand of years.

 

It started from Sikandar to Mughals and finally the British. India was ruled for years but still, our country is standing tall with pride. The great stories of Indian kings like Shivaji Maharaj, Maharana Pratap etc should be spread all over the world and more youth like Dr Tekade should come forward for this.” From ancient time, India always shared knowledge with the world and today also, our country is doing the same. Citizens like Dr Tekade are the torchbearers who guide masses about our great leaders, said the RSS chief. Mudhoji Raje Bhonsale was the guest of honour of the programme.

 

In his speech, Bhonsale said, “Dr Tekade started doing research on the stories of Nagpur’s Bhonsale dynasty and he took some books from us. However, his unfortunate death during the COVID-19 pandemic stopped the work.” Bhonsale also appreciated the work of Dr Tekade’s family who put efforts to get the book published which was written by the renowned speaker. The event commenced with lighting of traditional lamp. Dr Vaishali Upadhyay presented Shivmahima whereas Manik Dhole gave the introductory remarks. Dr Shyam Madhav Dhond presided over the event and talked about the story behind editing of the book after Dr Tekade’s death.

 

The popularity of Dr Tekade was clearly visible during the programme as the hall was jam-packed with audience and everyone wanted to witness the book release event. Datta Tekade, father of Dr Sumant Tekade, felicitated Dr Mohan Bhagwat and Mudhoji Bhonsale with shawl, shreeful and bouquet. Dr Sumant Tekade’s wife Madhavi Tekade; Sachin Updhyaya, Publisher, Vijay Publication and Datta Shirke also shared the dais during the event. Shantakka, chief of Rashtra Sevika Samiti, Padma Shri Dr Vilas Dangre, and other dignitaries were also present during the event. Datta Shirke proposed a vote of thanks.