Prez praises UP Guv for introducing Vande Mataram in Parl

President Pranab Mukherjee today praised Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik for introducing the practise of singing of 'Jana Gana Man' and 'Vande Mataram' on the opening and closing days of every session of Parliament.

He was speaking after receiving Hindi, English, Urdu and Gujarati translations of 'Charaiveti, Charaiveti', a book written in Marathi by Naik, at Rashtrapati Bhavan here.

These copies were relased by Vice President Hamid Ansari.

The President said he has known Naik in different capacities and his life is unique.

"He played an instrumental role in introducing the practise of singing of Jana Gana Mana and Vande Matram on the opening and closing days of every Session of Parliament...This reflected his originality of ideas," a press release issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan said.
 

Mukherjee said Naik always thinks of new and innovative measures which can also be seen in the reports Naik sends to him as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh.

Stressing that he was grateful to Naik for narrating his life in the book, Mukherjee said it was the story of a struggling soul which will inspire many to overcome odds in their lives. He also wished Naik many more productive years in the service of the nation.

Mukherjee said he was struck by the book's title 'Charaiveti! Charaiveti!', which means keep walking or keep marching. The title is both emotive and philosophical, he said.

"From our ancient ethos of continuous change to Buddha's philosophy of Charaiveti, to Gurudev's call of Ekla Chalo, the philosophy of eternal and continuous change is reflected in everybody's life as stagnation leads to death and marching ahead is life," the President said.

Among the other dignitaries present on the occasion were Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and Rajya Sabha MP Sharad Pawar.

All these dignitaries including the Vice President spoke highly about Naik, his fight against cancer and about his long years and achievements in public life.