India Post News Service
MILPITAS, CA: OFBJP N. CA (Zone) organized a Prayer Meeting for former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji on August 18.
Vajpayee Ji, who was a unique mix of a poet, social activist, politician and above all one of the founding members of today’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was loved by all. When the entire Indian nation went into mourning, OFBJP N.CA (Zone) organized an auspicious event to offer “Shraddhanjali” to this great soul.
The event was hosted at VEDA Temple in Milpitas and was very well attended by over 55 community leaders from across Bay area. While all waited in the hall for everyone to join, Chandru Bhambhra requested VHP America’s West Coast President Vijay Ruikarji to recite a poem Atal Ji used to like a lot.
Chandru Bhambhra after welcoming all, requested three other guests of that day, Sharad Aminji (Senior Pramukh from Houston), Vijay Ruikarji, Aruth Selvanji (Bay Area HSS Sewa Pramukh) to join him on the dais to begin the Prayers by observing one minute of silence. After that all three spoke remembering Atalji and sharing their personal experiences.
Sharadji said he, “first time as a young engineering student went to listen to Atalji in Vadodara Raj Mahal ground. For some reason the Municipal Corporation did not allow a stage in the ground. Janasangh karyakartas managed to build stage on the footpath and the public gathered inside the ground, which was packed with people. Arriving soon, Atalji started with the statement “Aap sabhi maidan ke undar aur main maidan ke bahar aur ab hojaye Jung shuru”. People kept clapping for a few minutes. Such was his prompt response to different situations”.
Aruthji said Atalji was a great poet/scholar and had a skill/art to articulate any complex ideas. He was well connected to lower rung party members. He was respected by all other parties and leaders.
Chandru Bhambhra recalled that in the year 2006 he along with his wife Sajni went to meet Atalji in Delhi at his residence. It was December 29, four days after Atalji’s birthday. When Atalji came and sat before them in the living room, Chandru did not know what to speak. Then he asked Atalji,”How are you doing health wise”? Atalji answered in his usual style that he was doing fine but since he was now 84 so few ailments here and there will keep happening. On that Chandru questioned that just few days back newspapers had reported that Atalji was 82 years old! On that Atalji responded smilingly that, “See what happened I registered two years less during school admission!” “.
The event was extremely well organized, starting from the offering of flowers, individual Shraddhanjali, bhajans and poetry. It was full of gratitude and deep expression of respect and love for Atal Ji. From Parivaar Organizations, Vijay Simha (HSS National Saha Karyavaha), Sanjay Tripathi (HSS West Coast Karyavaha), Suresh Deopura (Alameda Sangh Chalak), Minal Joshi (SEWA International), Rajesh & Seema Gupta (HSS), Gande Tirupataiah (HSS), also paid tributes to Atalji.
Vijay Simhaji said,” When we lost Shri Shyama Prasad ji (founder of Jan Sangh) and later Shri Deendayalji (ideologue), the Jan Sangh (current BJP) was treated as political untouchables by many parties, Atalji stood like a rock and worked for the cause of the nation. Atalji, a great orator and leader built bridges and fostered a coalition for running a welfare government. His remaining steadfast during the formative years is a unique aspect to be noted and appreciated.”
From other Bay Area organizations, Mahesh Patel (GCA), Sukhi Chahal (Punjab Foundation), Sam Satya (Kannada Koota), C. B. Patel (Gujarat Samaj), also paid their tributes. Many OFBJP local Office bearers like Rajan ST, Shivu Vibhuti, Gaurav Patwardhan, Judhajit Senmazumdar, Shachindra Nath, Shyam A, Tulasi T, Sharath P, Amit Prakash, Joydeep Dey, Paddu G, Rajesh Nair, Amruth M, Ashish K, Raghavendran N, Janmejai S, also helped in organizing the event.
All in all, in the name of Atal Ji, Bay area witnessed a mini Bharat where members from different states like Maharashtra, Bengal, Gujarat, Karnataka, Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan etc. shared their moment of grief together and offered prayers for one of the greatest sons of Maa Bharati.
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