The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee received the Hindi, English, Urdu and Gujarati translations of the book ‘CHARAIVETI, CHARAIVETI’, originally written in Marathi by Shri Ram Naik, Governor of Uttar Pradesh at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (November 9, 2016). The President received these copies from the Vice President of India, Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari who formally released them.Speaking on the occasion, the President said that he was struck by the title of the book Charaiveti ! Charaiveti ! which means keep walking/keep marching. The title is both emotive and philosophical. 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 that the life of Shri Ram Naik is unique. He has known Shri Naik in different capacities. He played an instrumental role in introducing the practice 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. He said that Shri Naik always thinks of new and innovative measures to be taken which is also seen in the reports he sends to him as Governor of Uttar Pradesh. He stated that he was grateful to Shri Naik for narrating his life in the book. It was the story of a struggling soul which will inspire many to overcome odds in their lives. He wished Shri Naik many more productive years in the service of the nation.Among the other dignitaries present on the occasion were Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Speaker Lok Sabha, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister and Shri Sharad Pawar, MP (Rajya Sabha). All these dignitaries including the Vice President spoke highly about Shri Ram Naik as a person, his successful fight against cancer and about his long years and achievements in public life.