Ministry of Culture is celebrating the “Birth Centenary of Nanaji Deshmukh during the period 11th October, 2016 to 11th October, 2017”. Various programs will be organized during this period. As a part of activities under the commemoration, an inaugural programme was organized today at the Nehru Memorial Museum & Library, New Delhi. Professor Kaptan Singh Solanki, the Governor of Haryana presided over the function as Chief Guest. The programme was also attended by Sushri Uma Bharti, Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (I/C) for Culture and Tourism. Shri NK Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Culture and senior officers of the Ministry were present on the occasion.The Chief Guest Prof Kaptan Singh Solanki and other guests visited a photo Exhibition on Nanaji Deshmukh and thereafter lighted the lamp and paid shradhanjali to the great leader Nanaji Deshmukh.Prof Kaptan Singh Solanki and Special Guest Sushree Uma Bharati highlighted various aspects relating to life of Nanaji Deshmukh. They shared their memories and association with Nanaji Deshmukh.
Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister of Culture addressing the gathering, said that the Nanaji Deshmukh was a great person who proved that if any work is done with the feeling of nationalism, then the success is certain. He wanted that the benefit of all facilities should reach to the poorest person of the society. He informed that the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India has sanctioned an amount of Rs. 43 crore for the tourism development of Chitrakoot. The Ministry of Culture is going to organize Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav -2016 based on Rural India from 15th to 23rd of October 2016 in the premises of IGNCA, Janpath, New Delhi which will showcase the Indian Culture, traditions and food culture through various stalls besides art and culture shows by all seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) under Ministry of Culture.Shri Atul Jain, General Secretary of Deendayal Upadhyaya Research Institute, which was founded by Nanaji Deshmukh, addressed the gathering and spoke on life of Nanaji Deshmukh. Shri N. K. Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Culture gave vote of thanks on this occasion.