Dr Kumar Saptarshi Laid To Rest In Pune

Dr Kumar Saptarshi, a renowned socialist-Gandhian activist, writer, and founder of the youth movement Yuvak Kranti Dal (Yukrand), was laid to rest in Pune on Monday. The 84-year-old breathed his last at a private hospital in the city on Saturday following a prolonged illness.

His mortal remains were kept at Gandhi Bhavan in Kothrud for public homage from 9:30 am to 12:15 pm on Monday. A large number of citizens, social activists, politicians, and people from different walks of life paid their last respects to the noted Gandhian leader.

Dr Saptarshi's wife, Urmila, son Kabir Umakumar, brother Dr Pravin Saptarshi, foster daughter Nanda Patil, and other relatives were present at the funeral. The last rites were performed at Vaikunth crematorium in a flower-decked chariot, amid a sombre atmosphere.

Dr Saptarshi was a staunch Gandhian who worked for social transformation, democratic values, and progressive thought through the Yuvak Kranti Dal (Yukrand), an organisation he founded in 1967. The organisation worked on issues concerning students, farmers, social justice, and democratic rights. He was also associated with socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan.

During the Emergency, Dr Saptarshi worked underground for three months before being detained under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) from October 2, 1975, to January 26, 1977. He later entered electoral politics after joining the Janata Party in 1977 and was elected as a legislator from Maharashtra's Ahmednagar city in 1978.

Dr Saptarshi authored several books, including 'Sankalp', 'Yatri', and 'Days at Yerwada University'. He also established the Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan Vidyalaya in 1984, which later expanded into a higher education institution. From 1992, he edited and published the Marathi monthly 'Satyagrahi Vichardhara'.

Dr Saptarshi participated in several social movements and was arrested around 35 times during various agitations. He was also associated with the Maharashtra Gandhi Memorial Fund and continued to work for promoting Gandhian thought and democratic values till the end.

A condolence meeting in memory of Dr Saptarshi will be held at Balgandharva Rangmandir on July 26. Gandhi Bhavan trustee Tushar Gandhi said Dr Saptarshi had influenced the lives of many people and remained committed to social causes till his last days.

Dr Saptarshi's legacy will be remembered for his tireless efforts in promoting Gandhian values and democratic principles. His contributions to social transformation and progressive thought will continue to inspire future generations.

The passing of Dr Kumar Saptarshi marks the end of an era for social activism in India. His dedication to the cause of social justice and democratic rights will be deeply missed. However, his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the organisations he founded.