Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma on Monday said that the government will commemorate the birth centenary of social activist and former RSS leader Nanaji Deshmukh from October 11 (Tuesday), 2016 to October 11, 2017.Nanaji Deshmukh was born in Kadoli in Maharashtra's Hingoli district on October 11, 1916 and passed away on February 27, 2010.Speaking at an inaugural programme organised on the eve of the birth centenary celebrations here, Sharma said that various programmes would be organised during this period including Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav-2016 from October 15 to 23 in the premises of IGNCA, Janpath, New Delhi. This will showcase Indian culture, traditions and food through various stalls besides art and culture shows by all seven zonal cultural centres (ZCCs) under the Ministry of Culture.
Addressing the gathering, Sharma said that Nanaji Deshmukh proved that if any work is done with a feeling of nationalism, then success is certain. "Nanaji wanted that the benefit of all facilities should reach to the poorest person of the society," Sharma said.Sharma said that the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned Rs 43 crore for tourism development at Chitrakoot, where Nanaji worked extensively for the welfare of the people. Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharti and Governor of Haryana Kaptan Singh Solanki were also present at the programme.Kaptan Singh Solanki and Uma Bharti highlighted various aspects related to Nanaji Deshmukh's life and shared their memories and association with Nanaji.