Dabholkar a hero for thousands of young docs
The death of such a great and pious person is a matter of shame for Maharashtra, says Dr Himmatrao Baviskar, who has been working in the tribal and rural regions
Doctors across Maharashtra, especially the younger ones, are furious over the murder of their hero, Dr Narendra Dabholkar.
“The death of such a great and pious person is a matter of shame for Maharashtra,” said Dr Himmatrao Baviskar, who has been working in the tribal and rural regions of Maharashtra, over the murder of Dr Dabholkar.
“He was working on Gandhian principles and even the revolution he was trying to bring about was being generated through peaceful measures,” said Dr Prakash Amte, son of the late Baba Amte, who has devoted his life to working for the tribals of Hemalkasa in Maharashtra.
Many young doctors from Maharashtra were inspired by the kind of work done by Dr Dabholkar. “In his death, his opponents have made him immortal. Thinking that his work will die with him has been their biggest mistake. I was his follower till now, but from now onwards I will take forward his work. His anti-superstition revolution will rise and not fall after his death,” said ex-MARD president Dr Shrikant Pandit.
The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors across many parts of the state feel that in Dr Dabholkar’s murder the deeprooted fear of the enemy has been exposed. They are planning to hold a condolence meeting for the rationalist on Thursday.
Protest marches were held by students of Mumbai University on Wednesday.
“Dr Dabholkar’s struggle was to succeed undoubtedly. There were no doubts about it. Even after being accused of being anti-religion by the powerful political parties and being strongly criticised by them, he was persistent in his struggle against superstition. His murder is reflective of their insecurities propagated by such a peaceful, simple man,” said spokesperson for MARD, Dr Swapnil Kulkarni.
Resident doctors from MARD also feel that his struggle can only become a victory story after the complete eradication of superstition from the society. “We have already taken the first step by giving clearance to his anti superstition bill. We will acquire complete success by questioning the very basis of superstitious practices in our daily lives,” said Dr Mahesh Jansari, MARD co-ordinator. MARD from Pune feels that the youth must become active for following the struggle he had begun with, “This is not only possible by joining his foundation, Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS). But we must integrate together by trying to change our perspectives and adopting rational thinking in our lives,” said Anit Lomte, MARD president from Pune.
Activist such as Dr Amte and Dr Baviskar feel that a being a doctor devoting life for social work is a sacrifice which the government must respect and safeguard.
Dr Anant Phadke of Jan Aarogya Abhiyan said his contributions will lead to rise of a new rational movement in the society. “His opponents have failed to kill him. He will be alive in the rationalist movement that is to follow the society from now onwards,” said Dr Phadke.
Dr Suhas Pingle said Dr Dabholkar was a simple straightforward man but a fighter at heart. He said the death of Dr Dabholkar had only strengthened the resolve of all those who wasn’t to see a superstition free and just and equal society.