Jyoti Bandekar, youngest daughter of Dayanand (Bhausaheb) Bandodkar, Goa’s first Chief Minister, released a book on her father’s life titled, Bhau Aathvancha Parijat.
Ramesh Tawadkar, Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly said that Bhausaheb, the first chief minister of Goa was the ideal role model for present-day politicians and Goans, at large.
Tawadkar was speaking as the chief guest at the function. He further said, “Bhausaheb was a son of the soil and a villager at heart. He wanted the poorest Goan to be educated and hence set up schools across the length and breadth of the state. We need to emulate Bhausaheb and follow in his footsteps.” Citing the lessons, he had personally learnt from Bhausaheb’s life, Tawadkar said, “In my own constituency of Canacona, I have initiated the system of ‘Shramdaan’ where every citizen is encouraged to contribute to the social development of his/her village and town.” Citing the example of how Bhausaheb used to tour the most distant villages of Goa and spend time with the poorest villagers, listening to their problems and grievances, Tawadkar stressed the need to do the same by present-day politicians. Complimenting Jyoti Bandekar for writing the book on her father, Tawadkar said, “A lot more still needs to be written on Bhausaheb to encourage and motivate the future generations of Goans.” Somnath Komarpant, renowned writer, who was guest of honour at the event, also complimented Jyoti Bandekar for writing the book and said, “To be able to write about Bhausaheb in such a precise and concise manner is a huge achievement.”
According to Komarpant, the book and the many anecdotes mentioned in it, reminded him of his own happy memories of Bhausaheb which he had experienced as a youngster. Jyoti Bandekar in her short introduction to the book said, “I feel like I have repaid the huge debt I owed my father, for bringing us up so well.” According to Bandekar, her father always praised the poetry and articles she wrote as a schoolgirl. “It is this happy memory that finally proved to be the driving force to write this book,” Bandekar said. Several dignitaries from the field of politics, industry and social life graced the occasion. Dr Ajay Vaidya moderated the function.
