look news india
New Delhi, 19 February (HS). Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addressed the function organized by Sant Sevalal Maharaj Charitable Trust in New Delhi today to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sant Sevalal and Roop Singh Maharaj.
On this occasion, Birla paid homage to the portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji on the occasion of Shivaji Jayanti. He also offered floral tributes to the picture of Sant Sevalal. Recalling Shivaji's contribution to Indian history, Birla said that his life is a unique example of bravery and sacrifice in adverse circumstances. He said that the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji has been a source of inspiration for Indians for centuries.
Talking about the life of Sant Sevalal, Birla mentioned Sant Sevalal's tireless dedication towards the welfare of the Banjara community, traditionally nomadic and one of the most neglected communities in the society.
Referring to Sant Sevalal's visionary vision for the upliftment of the Banjara community, Birla said that through his tireless efforts he helped transform the lives of this marginalized section of the society. Birla also said that Sant Sevalal was an advocate of Ayurveda as well as naturopathy, which helped him popularize these medical systems. He also made efforts to remove the evils and divisions prevailing in the society, which helped a lot in including the Banjara community in the mainstream. Birla said he also supported the personality development of the Banjaras so as to preserve their unique socio-cultural heritage as well as rid them of such myths and superstitions.
Birla, while talking about the contribution of the Banjara community in India's freedom struggle, mentioned the difficulties that the people of this community faced during the freedom struggle. Noting that the Banjara community present throughout the country has a common culture and the food, language and heritage are similar. Birla emphasized that the policies of social division and discrimination of the past should be done away with and the society should be rejuvenated so that the hopes and aspirations of the youth of the Banjara community are fulfilled and they get their rightful place in the developed India.
Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi and Member of Parliament, Dr. Umesh Jadhav were present on this occasion.