Shinde was speaking at a felicitation ceremony organised here to mark Nahar’s 61st birthday, the publication of the commemorative volume *Sarhadcha Sangati* and the completion of 30 years of Sarhad Sanstha.

 

“I salute the work of Sanjay Nahar, who has consistently reached areas of the country facing problems and suffering, always being among the first to stand with the people,” Shinde said.

 

He recalled Nahar’s visits to violence-affected Punjab following the assassination of former prime minister Indira Gandhi, when few people were willing to travel to the state.

 

Nahar visited villages and settlements, met distressed and orphaned people and provided them assistance and reassurance, Shinde said.

 

“When the situation in Kashmir became critical, Nahar reached Kashmir as well. He took responsibility for the future of orphaned children and arranged accommodation and education for them in Pune,” he said.

 

Despite threats to his life and attacks, Nahar continued his social service mission, Shinde said, adding that his life of action was “truly inspiring”.

 

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, who joined the programme online, said Nahar’s efforts to promote national unity and integrity were a matter of pride.

 

“In violence-affected Punjab, he undertook 21 peace marches with a strong sense of social responsibility. Going beyond all differences, he has preserved the bond of humanity and brought qualitative transformation to several regions,” Gadkari said.

 

Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil said Nahar had consistently worked to strengthen national unity and promote constructive and patriotic values among students.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

 

“Wherever there is a problem in the country, one sees Sanjay Nahar there,” Patil said.

 

Minister of State for Urban Development and Transport Madhuri Misal, senior litterateur Sadanand More and other speakers also highlighted Nahar’s contribution to social service and national integration.

 

More described Nahar as a contemporary torchbearer of the “Maharashtra Dharma”, while Rajesh Pandey called him a friend dedicated to the nation.

 

MPs from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh also highlighted Nahar’s efforts in exploring opportunities related to tourism, development, employment and education in the regions.

 

The ceremony was held at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch in Pune’s Swargate area. An audio-visual presentation showcasing the work of Sarhad Sanstha and Nahar was screened during the programme.

 

Responding to the felicitation, Nahar said the credit for his work belonged to his colleagues, friends and family members who supported him throughout his journey.

 

“I want the work to remain greater than the individual and to continue for generations,” he said, adding that a new generation had emerged to carry forward the responsibility.

 

He said revolutionary Bhagat Singh remained his hero and that his belief that thoughts could live beyond an individual continued to inspire him.

 

Several dignitaries, including former MP Ranjitsinh Mohite-Patil, editor Rajiv Khandekar, Vidarbha Sahitya Sangh president Girish Gandhi, Ladakh MP Mohammad Hanifa Jan, Manipur MP Pramod Bodo, entrepreneur Mushtaq Chhaya and Srinagar editor Faiyaz Kalloo, attended the event.(KNS).