In the midst of India going after terrorist camps in Pakistan, Vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday stated that every Indian had finally realized the power, perspective, and vision of governance. This realization had lifted the spirits of every citizen in the country, he added. Dhankhar made these remarks during the unveiling of Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya’s autobiography, ‘Janta Ki Kahani Meri Aatamkatha’, at Maharashtra Sadan.
Highlighting that no personal, political, or economic interests should overshadow national interests, Mr. Dhankhar stressed the importance of “expression” and “debate” in a democratic system. He emphasized that democracy relies on both expression and debate, as they are complementary and cannot exist without each other. The Vice-president recalled how Mr. Dattatraya exemplified this principle by engaging in debates with the Naxalites in 1984.
Dattatraya’s autobiography provides a personal and historically significant account of his life and journey. The book delves into his experiences as a Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh pracharak before transitioning into active politics with the Bharatiya Janata Party. Originally penned in Telugu, the autobiography was later translated into Hindi, offering readers insights into Dattatraya’s personal experiences and political growth.
Born on June 12, 1947, Dattatraya served as Union Minister of State for Railways in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 2002. Over the past four decades, he has held various portfolios and positions within the party. Dattatraya emphasized the importance of character, commitment, and conviction in facing life’s challenges. Despite coming from a humble background, with his mother being a street vendor, he dedicated himself to serving the common man. The Governor revealed that he never aspired to become a Minister or Governor but aimed to contribute to public welfare.
Union Minister for Power, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, praised Dattatraya as a humble individual and described his book as a portrayal of a simple human being’s story. Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy also addressed the audience. Union Ministers Arjun Ram Meghwal and Anurag Thakur, along with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini, were also in attendance.
Not really sure why this matters, but it seems like Dattatraya’s experiences during the COVID-induced lockdown were audio-recorded and later transformed into a book. It’s funny how things work out sometimes, right?
In the end, this event showcased the journey of a man who rose from humble beginnings to serve the nation in various capacities. It serves as a reminder of the values of humility, commitment, and dedication in public service.
