VOL 2 | ISSUE NO. 8 | DECEMBER 2012 | `50 | PAGES 60 ahead

Pioneer of Green Revolution Pandit and Vasantrao Naik

PERPETUAL BLOOM OF GREEN REVOLUTION…

We have reached the end of 2012, a year full of events and The politics of Vasantraoji was one of maturity and happenings. The month of December is filled with number of restraint. He held his opponents in esteem. He was a great events, variety of programmes and initiatives. administrator and had a vision for the changing scenario Pradnyasurya Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar attained of the World. He provided an equal justice to the needs of Mahaparinirvan on 6th December 1956. Millions of people rural and urban areas. Backbay Reclamation was carried throng Chaitya Bhumi in to pay sincere homage to the out during his tenure. This was a landmark in the great son of who provided an invigorating inspiration to developmental process of Mumbai. The credit for Navi millions of deprived people of the country. Remembrance of Mumbai and CIDCO, also goes to him. The the ‘Mahamanav’ on 6th December inspires all of us. Flag Day industrial development in Maharashtra found new vistas all is celebrated all over the country on 7th December in memory around the State during his tenure. of Soldiers who laid their lives for the nation. Flag Day However, the true identity for Vasantraoji Naik will always donation gives us an opportunity to give financial assistance be as the father of Green Revolution in Maharashtra. Even for implementation of welfare schemes for soldiers. On 20th after reaching the apex position in politics he remained December we reverently remember the great saint Gadge a farmer at heart. It was a great challenge for the sensitive Maharaj on his death anniversary who dedicated his entire personality like Vasantrao to face the distress during famine life to serve people for spreading message of cleanliness and of 1972. He took up the challenge and went on to vow for eradication of superstitions. The Consumer Protection Act self sufficiency in terms of food grains for the State. This was passed on 24th December 1986. Since then every year, was the first time for a Chief Minister in India to set up four 24th December is being celebrated as National Consumer agricultural universities in the State. He personally kept Rights Day for consumer awareness. The distinguished himself abreast while the agricultural universities went birth of Jesus Christ who gave message of Peace, Love and on to carry research for new varieties of pro-agriculture Compassion to the World will be celebrated as Christmas on crops, development of agro-technology and took the results the 25th December with devoutness and festivities. During of the research to the doorstep of the farmers. Many of his the same month a session of the Maharashtra Legislature is experiments were carried out by him on his lands at Gahuli held at Nagpur, second Capital of Maharashtra. and then propagated elsewhere. Due to his untiring efforts Birth Centenary of late Vasantrao Naik, the father of Green the scarcity of food grains in Maharashtra was reduced Revolution in Maharashtra and a personality who adorned to a great extent. It was during the tenure of Vasantraoji the position of Chief Minister of the State for 11 years at a Naik that the firm foundations for a dominant, collective, stretch is being celebrated during this year. I am extremely socially progressive, industrially developed and economically happy to present you the SPECIAL ISSUE of Maharashtra prosperous Maharashtra were laid… Ahead as “VASANTRAO NAIK BIRTH CENTENARY All these facets have been elaborated in this Special Issue. ISSUE” on this occasion. This volume is replete with articles penned by senior political It is a matter of coincidence that the Birth Centenary leaders, senior editors/ journalists and literature personalities of Vasantrao Naik has occurred in the same year that of on the life and works of Vasantrao Naik… , the Architect of Modern Maharashtra. I am hopeful that readers will welcome this issue just as Yashwantrao Chavan was the First Chief Minister of other ones… Maharashtra. The great visionary had laid the foundations of modern Maharashtra and dreamt for glorious future of Maharashtra. His expectations were fulfilled to a great extent by Vasantrao Naik during his tenure as Chief Minister for more than a decade. Pramod T. Nalawade Although he came from Banjara community of Rural Editor-in-Chief, ‘Maharashtra Ahead’, DGIPR , Vasantraoji proved his merits and started shining on the political and social horizons. Intellect, organizational excellence, vision, untiring efforts and the fellow feeling that he had for the common man, concern for neglected sections of the society and farmers were his virtues which carried him to the zenith of success.

DECEMBER 2012 3 Contents 5 The Revolutionist Maharashtra ahead - The Chief Minister VOL.2 ISSUE NO.8 DECEMBER 2012 `50 7 A Treasured Tenure - , Union Minister for Editor-in-Chief Agriculture Pramod T. Nalawade 9 The Statesman Managing Editor - Suresh Dwadashiwar Pralhad Jadhav

Team Maharashtra Ahead 14 Indebted to Vasantrao - , Suresh Wandile 7 Kirti Pande Union Minister for Home Kriti Lalla 16 Pragmatic leader Sales and Circulation - Dinkar Raikar Digamber Palve Vilas Bodke 18 The Quintessential - Na. Maa. Joshi Produced by Navbharat Press Ltd. Director Operations: D.B. Sharma 21 Pioneer of Green Revolution - Abhay Mokashi Project Management Team G.M. Operations: A. Shrinivas 25 The Visionary A.G.M.: Dalvinder Singh - Rajendra Darda, Minister for Education 9 Manager: Ashok Shirke

Editorial Coordinator: Subhash Shirke 28 Landmarks Prepress 30 Indomitable Willpower A.G.M. Prepress: Sachin Phulpagar - Prof. M.S. Swaminathan

Art Art Director: Mahesh Jadhav 32 Stalwart Leader Prof Fauziya Khan, Minister of State Photos Correction:Siddhesh Sawant - Maharashtra Ahead is printed on behalf of the 34 A Model Chief Minister Directorate General of Information and Public - Dilip Chaware Relations, Government of Maharashtra, at Navbharat Press Ltd 37 Foundations of Maharashtra 21 Navbharat Bhavan, State Kiran Kendre Plot no. 13, Sector 8, - Sanpada (East), 400 706. 41 The Optimistic - Narayan Haralikar Published by Pramod T. Nalawade at Mantralaya, Mumbai-400032 44 Humble Governance With Letters should be addressed to Social Sensibility Yudhishthir Joshi Directorate General of Information and Public - Relations, New Administrative Building, 17th Floor, Opposite Mantralaya, Mumbai-400032. 47 A True Family Man - Sharad Akolkar Email: [email protected] 25 Please visit the website http://dgipr.maharashtra.gov.in 50 A True Democratic - Homi J. H. Taleyarkhan

51 Courageous and Realistic - S. L. Kirloskar

53 Wielder of Power by Persuasion - Dr. Rafique Zakaria A Born Leader Directorate General of Information 55  Dayanand Bandodkar and Public Relations - A Government of Maharashtra Production 56 The Gospel of Self-sufficiency 47 - Dinesh Desai

Pls note: The views expressed by the writers are their own Vasantrao Naik The Revolutionist Late Vasantrao Naik who decorated the position of Chief Minister for the longest duration is also credited for an eminently admired tenure. The White and the Green revolutions during his tenure changed the whole lifestyle of the farmers and those connected with agriculture. Even today we continue to taste the positive fruits of change that he brought about in agriculture. Famous for his modern lifestyle Late Vasantrao would also be remembered forever for his historic decisions… The Chief Minister recollects…

passage in social and political circles. Phule and Sane Guruji. Subjects such as Starting as President of Municipal eradication of untouchability, women Council of , he ascended to such education, social awareness, and social well deserved positions as Legislator, struggle of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Minister of State, Minister and then and Dale Carnegie also impressed him the Chief Minister. Coming from an and ignited the spirit for social work in entirely rural setting this leader of the his mind… people remained at the helm of affairs On one side there was social and in Maharashtra State for the longest political agenda and on the other duration ever. The credit for the same agriculture and farmers. These were not has to go to his honesty, popularity and just subjects close to his heart but also of the complete faith he had in his work. intense studies. Curiosity in agriculture Vasantrao passed his Matriculation led him to devise many developments from the Neel City High School, in the Taluka. I need to emphasize Nagpur. It was during this period again that this eminent leader who lthough the outward appearance that he got interested in reading. He placed an indelible mark on the of Ex-Chief Minister Late extensively read novelist-authors like economy, agriculture, industry, society AVasantrao Naik seemed to Haribhau Apte and Nathmadhav. and political arena of Maharashtra be ultra-modern with closed collar Apart from these two literary geniuses also holds the record of being the Jodhpuri attire, stylish pipe at the lips, he was immensely influenced by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the shining golden spectacles and his true thoughts and writings of Mahatma longest duration. He could continue passion for hunting, his personality was in fact that of a total and typical rural Marathi by thoughts and practices. The agriculture and the farmers was a subject both of his interest and intent. After completing graduation from Morris College, Nagpur he also qualified himself with a Degree in Law. He was duly famous as the first Lawyer from Banjara community. He started his practice under the genuinely unique and famous lawyer Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh. However without getting caught up just in practicing the Law, he initiated a huge social movement for development of his own Banjara community. Vasantrao Naik, Vatsalabai Naik with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and It was here that he started on a Vijayalakshmi Pandit

December 2012 5 Maharashtra Ahead as Chief Minister without a break and in a dignified manner only due to his popularity… Vasantrao took many bold decisions during his extensive tenure. It was through these committed decisions that he provided a concrete direction to the State. He essentially prioritized farmers and their problems. He took a decision for monopoly purchase of prominent crops in the State such as Cotton, Jawari and Rice and implemented the same as well. He brought the milk deficit State to an apex position in milk production. In order to improve milk production he organized purchase of Hybrid cattle through Bank loans for farmers. Hence we have to give full credit to Vasantrao for White revolution just as the Green revolution. The Employment Guarantee Scheme that has been implemented in the whole country providing work to the poor as well as needy and proved to be immensely successful was initiated during the tenure of Vasantrao alone and a large number of wells and ponds were excavated. The roads reaching remote villages were laid out. While implementing these “Grass Root” projects, four Agricultural Universities

On 14th February His modern thought process could of 11 years. He made everything from be seen through an initiative to start agriculture to revenue, from official 1964, Vasantrao the first Open Jail in the State at language to liquor sale and also took an important Paithan. With a view to control the Government machinery oriented to matka and gambling menace he started work. He strived at his best during decision that Maharashtra State Lottery. On 14th natural calamities such as water Marathi would be February 1964, Vasantrao took an shortage and famine. important decision that Marathi would He carried the same indelible official language be official language for the State. In impression to the Parliament as he had for the State the year 1965 he publicly stated, “If left as a Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Maharashtra does not become self He was well known as a courteous, were also created in the State. The sufficient in food grains in the ensuing humble, cultured, composed and traditional agricultural methods to two years, you can hang me…” He kept smiling leader. With these virtues he be complemented by modernization, his word and within the next two years had very amicable relations with senior farmers to be equipped with state- he saw to it that Maharashtra was self leaders such as Indira Gandhi and Lal of-art technology and farm practices sufficient in food grains…Although Bahadur Shastri…Although seen with in order to survive competition with these are some of the symbolic examples his modern attire and lifestyle, this developed countries were the objectives of his work, they are immensely eminent leader was truly a saviour of behind this worthy initiative. All this important from the point of view of the farmers… could happen only due to the visionary overall progress of Maharashtra. Maharashtra has continued to take agricultural perspective held by He completely changed the face of strides on the path set out by him.  Vasantrao. Maharashtra in his extensive tenure - As told to Satish Lalit

6 December 2012 Vasantrao Naik A TREASURED TENURE Vasantrao Naik always felt that the country would only survive if the agriculture survived. During his tenure the industries ancillary to agriculture got a real boost. Being extremely well organized himself he was revered for his knack of carrying along everyone with him. Reminiscing memories of a bygone era, Union Minister for Agriculture Sharad Pawar has expressed his feelings…

Vasantrao Naik and Sharad Pawar

rom the point of view of Maharashtra and Vasantrao Naik to propagate industries in the State, we Maharashtra, it is truly a rare mounted a pinnacle on the same. must also preserve farmers as well as Foccasion that the Birth Centenary In the truest sense of the word it agriculture in the State. His contention of two of the most eminent craftsmen was Vasantrao Naik who provided the that majority of communities are who led Maharashtra to sublime direction to the State of Maharashtra. dependent on agriculture and if we prosperity namely Yashwantrao Chavan In the decade of sixties Maharashtra could preserve agriculture we could also and Vasantrao Naik is being celebrated was not flourished as an industrial preserve the Nation. He felt that the in the same year. It would not be out of State. The centre of industries was agriculture should be given the status place to say that Yashwantrao Chavan with the Uttar Pradesh. Vasantrao Naik of an industry. For him any subject laid the foundation of a modern always held that while it was necessary culminated in agriculture and the

December 2012 7 Maharashtra Ahead foremost ingredients for industries and Minister would say in his speech. In and the small and medium dams were agriculture were electricity and water. his speech he said, “The fact that we the result of this Scheme. Today the Huge electricity generation projects have to go pillar to post for food grains Scheme has been accepted by the whole such as Koradi were commissioned is disgraceful to a progressive State. Nation. In order to irrigate maximum during his tenure. Dams like Jayakwadi However I take a vow and all of you are agriculture land, a crash programme became operational. witness to the same that if Maharashtra of construction of wells and minor He accelerated the growth of State does not become self sufficient irrigation projects were undertaken. He agricultural ancillary industries such in terms of food grains within the next used to inculcate confidence in young as spinning mills and milk production two years, I shall publicly hang myself”. Ministers like me. The researchers at so that it would provide a boost to This showed the infinite confidence Agriculture Universities came up with agro-based industries. During his he had in himself and also served the a variety of new species of grains. In tenure not one but four Agricultural aim to generate immense confidence effect we could nurture a huge potential Universities were set up in Maharashtra. in the people of the State. After this, of agricultural scientists. The variety These were his gifts to the State. The he brought high yield Hybrid varieties Nanded 44 is still revered all over the setting up of Maharashtra State Seeds to Maharashtra. For propagating the country. Corporation so that the farmers should While addressing the farmers he get quality seeds also took place during used to insistently say, “Bring your his regime. It would not be agriculture under irrigation. Let the I could myself learn to fight famine out of place to say drops of rains drench the soil alone… and the calamities from Vasantrao Naik If your land does not have water use alone. No one will ever be able to forget that Yashwantrao your sweat…but see that the agriculture the Koyna Earthquake and the 1972 Chavan laid comes under irrigation…” famine. We could come out of both Under the provisions of Constitution these worst scenarios only due to the the foundation of India, only the Scheduled Castes exemplary perseverance exhibited by of a modern and Scheduled Tribes had reserved him. Being extremely well organized seats namely with 13 and 7 percent. himself he was revered for his knack Maharashtra and Maharashtra has a large number of of carrying everyone alongwith him. Vasantrao Naik Nomadic Tribes and they are living life During the famine period we had a on the boundary. When this came to his grave shortage of food grains. The mounted a pinnacle notice, the State promulgated the Third people had to go hungry at times. We on the same Schedule taking the provisions of article had to get the food grains from other 16(4)(b) into consideration. Through States. He used to personally talk to this decision was taken to reserve 4 the Chief Ministers of various States. Hybrid Jawari he himself carried the percent seats for deprived constituents I was a Minister of State at the time. mast through the whole of the State. In from the Nomadic Tribes. After this He asked me to shoulder responsibility order to provide a meaningful rate for a number of Ashramshalas were for co-ordination. I used to provide the cotton, he implemented the Cotton initiated in the State and effectively him a daily report in the evening. Here Monopoly Procurement Scheme. He this community got an opportunity for I would like to mention an incident used to gladly accept any constructive employment. down the memory lane…He had come suggestion even by the opponent During an 11 year period from to for a Review meeting of the parties. This was a period when agitated 1963 to 1975, Vasantrao Naik saheb Officers. I had reached Pune after mill workers took out processions. The took the State of Maharashtra to meeting the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Bandh-procession call by leaders such the utmost esteem in the Country. and briefed him about the food grain as Com. Dange or George Fernandes During the time, the Chief Ministers stocks and distribution. He was used to be unprecedented. He used from States like Uttar Pradesh and distressed by the fact that we had to to discuss and transact the matter Bihar used to be changed quite often. run from State to State for getting in an extremely skillful manner. He However, it was only Vasantrao Naik the food grains. Although the grave never allowed the matters to come to a who created a magic of providing a concern was bothering him he never break point. stable Government in Maharashtra for showed the same. He used to tell us The Employment Guarantee such a long duration. Due to this alone that we should face the calamities Scheme brought by him also was an we could generate infrastructural courageously. unprecedented one. This provided a facilities in Maharashtra. The ideals On the same day he had a public job to whoever asked for it. During the he projected are absolutely inspiring meeting at Shaniwarwada. Everyone famine the people got remunerative even today.  was anxious about what the Chief work. The road web in Maharashtra - As told to Mohan Rathod

8 December 2012 Vasantrao Naik The Statesman He was revered by rural folk as well as middle class urbanites and rich elite from the State. He was a leader of the farmers and had total confidence reposed in him by urbanites. He was recognized across the spectrum of social activities and was admired in the cultural arena says eminent Marathi writer and Editor of Daily Lokmat Suresh Dwadashiwar

available with Vasantrao to become the Chief Minister of the State. He had worked as Agriculture, Cooperation and Finance Minister in the Bilingual Mumbai State headed by Yashwantrao. However he did not have an aura as a Freedom Fighter. He did not have any class of disciples from the peoples’ representatives either. None of the organized castes was with him. The Banjara community from which he evolved had been known as a small nomadic and tribal cluster which was illiterate as well as backward. Although he came from such community, he was well known as a leading advocate with a clean character, a smiling representative of the people and a Minister who left his indelible mark on the administration. He was neither a mass leader like Yashwantrao nor did he have the popularity enjoyed by Kannamwar…and yet to raise him to the coveted position of Chief Minister of the State was clearly a politically visionary and intelligent leadership decision by Yashwantrao. At the time also there was a group of leaders from Western Maharashtra who was ready to ascend lthough the ascendance and the India-China War of 1962, Pandit to the throne of Chief Minister of the acceptance of reigns as Chief Jawaharlal Nehru offered the coveted State after Yashwantrao. Balasaheb AMinister of Maharashtra by designation of Defence Minister of the Desai was a front runner for the same. Kannamwar after Yashwantrao was Nation to Yashwantrao. At the time Balasaheb was also from a part of the established traditions of Dadasaheb Kannamwar was Deputy just as Yashwantrao and elder to him. the time, it was neither the tradition Chief Minister of the State. He was His contention that his seniority in nor the coincidence that Vasantrao prepared to forego the demand for politics, his contribution to the freedom Naik occupied the coveted position a separate Vidarbha State and to get struggle and the Maratha community immediately after Kannamwar. This Vidarbha merged into Maharashtra strength he carried with him would was an earnestly thought of strategy by alongwith fifty plus MLAs supporting bring the pie of Chief Minister post Yashwantrao although in the beginning him. He was also a very senior Freedom to him was even not out of place. it had the feel of a political option. After Fighter. None of these parameters were Balasaheb at that time and afterwards

December 2012 9 Maharashtra Ahead

the doused fires of a separate Vidarbha movement. That the three top leaders of the movement Loknayak Bapuji Ane, Jambuwantrao Dhote and T. G. Deshmukh hailed from the same District as Vasantrao was another plausible reason for the choice. The arithmetic choice also made the people of Vidarbha to forget their demand for a separate Vidarbha though it was duly accepted by the States Reorganization Commission. There might have been a thought in the minds of executive leaders in western Maharashtra that the Vasantrao at the helm would not be in any way overburden them as he did not have a sturdy support from any group of political activists as well carried an aura of a Chief get anyone to agree with him. All the or class to bank upon. Vasantrao’s Minister with him and spoke like one. bigwigs from Loknayak Bapuji Ane tenure as Chief Minister passed all The selection of Vasantrao Naik, to Yashwantrao honoured him for his the acid tests. However one must an unknown entity in Marathi and effortless cultured attitude and called admit the fact that Vasantrao carefully Maratha politics till the time to the him a ‘Leader who could carefully preserved his exclusive personality and position of Chief Minister of the preserve his innocent calm even in independent impression while catering State itself bore the signs of political stressful conditions’. Even opponents to the expectations of commanding and regional challenges that would like Atre and Mrinal Gore also never Maharashtra leaders from him. It face him in his tenure. The primary reserved themselves from praising him. was never seen during his tenure that objective before him was to generate His tryst with the administration as a he waited for approval either from empathy in the unhappy and dejected Yashwantrao or bigwigs from Delhi for Maratha leadership and to generate an any important decision. The State saw all-round acceptance from an entire He was never him resolving complicated State issues State while being from Vidarbha and overburdened just as naturally as he would light his from a backward class. The decision famous pipe. by Yashwantrao to provide the reins as with the problems During his tenure, Maharashtra Chief Minister to Naik who also hailed before him and faced many calamities. During from Vidarbha just after Kannamwar never seen losing the natural and manmade ones was definitely aggravating the Maratha such as Koyna earthquake and the community and sure to rebound on to his clarity of vision unprecedented famine during the him. It should also be understood here due to these seventies decade Vasantrao provided that he was targeted for the same. a genuinely positive leadership to the It was said that Yashwantrao was problems State. At the same time he also proved not confident about leaders from the that he alone understood the intricacies community and also did not feel that his Member of the Legislative Assembly of political and administrative matters disciples would continue his politics. and Deputy Minister in the erstwhile as well as the minds of the people from However as the Congress organization Madhya Prant and Vidarbha was quite the State…This soared his personality was absolutely more solid and was truly enduring and mature. He was a tiger to a larger than life stature in the hearts loyalty based and as any word from by attitude in his work. Vasantrao was of Maharashtra and he was seen with Yashwantrao was considered to be at the helm of affairs as a Maharashtra reverence and confidence by everyone. precious as a pearl Vasantrao was able Chief Minister for a long tenure of There was a political earthquake to overcome many of the difficulties 11 years and he spent all these years before the natural one at Koyna. faced by him. In his conquest of working absolutely 24x7 to put it in the Balasaheb Desai had resigned as Home Maharashtra mindset, a great part was phrase widely used today. Minister and had taken the road to played by his openness, soft spoken Of course there was another worthy Patan. When a procession by the mill nature and convincing attitude as reason behind handing over the reins workers in Mumbai took a violent turn, well as his smiling grace which could of the State to Vasantrao in terms of Balasaheb had refused to order firing

10 December 2012 Vasantrao Naik for maintaining Law and Order. The an invitation from Chief Minister and the tricolour in solemnity and with angry Mumbai Congress had passed a experienced his courtesies as a guest at total modesty from her hands showed resolution venting displeasure about ‘Varsha’ for a day….Acharya Atre was beyond doubt the sheer patriotism in Balasaheb Desai. Ministers Homi one of the intellectual powers during his heart. Talyarkhan and Kailas tendered their the time with extensive damaging Jambuwantrao Dhote also hailed resignation to the Chief Minister for the capabilities. He had continued with from just as Vasantrao. same reason. In order to find a solution, his fierce attacks on the Government. He was a true pro-Vidarbhaite Vasantrao used the good offices of S. In order to reduce the sharpness of and unnecessarily staunch critic of K. , a senior leader from Mumbai these attacks, Vasantrao invited Atre Vasantrao. He took up to agitations to mediate in the matter. The matter to his residence for a Lunch. Acharya against Vasantrao, stopped his vehicles, got diffused and the Ministers took Atre was provided with a silver plate disturbed his meetings and always back their resignations. At the same and bowls which was different than carried a political agenda to keep him time he politely persuaded Balasaheb others. When Acharya enquired about on his toes and distressed. However to be at the helm of Finance instead the same Vasantrao replied that these while Jambuwantrao’s mother was of the earlier Home portfolio. The were purchased by Vatsalabai for hospitalized in Mumbai, Vasantrao whole exercise in a way was an acid her brother. Vatsalabai’s brother was made it a point to visit her. The incident test of the lack of political experience no more at the time. Acharya was made Jambuwantrao to understand and Vasantrao passed the same with overwhelmed by the reverence she had Vasantrao clearly and his opposition honours. provided him by considering him as her afterwards did not carry the teeth it had The Finance Ministry was offered to brother. earlier. Balasaheb and which he had declined He envisioned bringing Green earlier proved to be a boon in disguise. Revolution to Maharashtra being a The Koyna earthquake jolted just while farmer himself. While announcing he was at Patan. He exercised all the this he also proclaimed, “If I cannot powers accrued to his post and worked wipe out the food deficit of the State for the earthquake affected areas in an within a year, you can hang me!” exemplary manner. He brought every in a public meeting in Pune. He help from the World over and came denied paying heed to the advice by back to Mumbai only when he had built Yashwantrao that a politico in power in 70,000 homes for the quake affected a democracy should not hasten to reach people. During the entire episode extremes. During the ensuing year and Vasantrao stood like a rock behind afterwards he undertook persistent Balasaheb and also was fully prepared efforts in the area of agriculture and with any kind of help needed in his irrigation which resulted in the State relief work. being acknowledged as ‘Sujalam During the same period Senapati Suphalam’ by the Nation and the World Bapat started his indefinite fast in front at large. of the residence of the Chief Minister on 1971 saw an unprecedented famine the question of border issue. Senapati gripping the State and also people was revered all over Maharashtra as from rural hamlets and urban areas a great elderly thinker and stalwart descending on the streets. Without such as Bheeshmacharya. Naturally giving in to the devastating calamity the whole politics got agitated with his Vasantrao got all the parties under fast. While everyone was concerned Under the fierce leadership of Mrinal a single umbrella and brought the how the matter could be resolved with Gore, young women from a rolling pin ambitious Employment Guarantee the firmness of Senapati on one end agitation stopped Chief Minister’s Scheme to Maharashtra. This brought and an option less Government on the vehicle on the road. One of the women employment to lakhs of youth and other, Vasantrao met the Senapati in got on to the bonnet of the car and provided strength to the lives of crores the pandal where he was on fast. He took out the tricolour with the rod of people. The Employment Guarantee volunteered to mediate with the Central raising the same in her hand. Mrinaltai Scheme was accepted by the whole Government on the question which was corrected the mistake of her activist country subsequently. The presently bothering Senapati. The honesty in afterwards. She went to the Chief operative National his soft and earnest pleading melted Minister’s cabin with the tricolour and Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme the firm stance of Senapati. He not the rod to meet him. In her own words (MGNREGA) is an extended and only ended his fast but also agreed to the way in which Vasantrao accepted National edition of the same Scheme.

December 2012 11 Maharashtra Ahead

Vasantrao strengthened the rural activists from Maharashtra and in dignitaries. While Vasantrao was about cooperative movement accelerated turn the rural areas met a worthy friend to light his famous pipe, even before by Yashwantrao for the next 11 to call their own. anyone could interfere an old rural folk years. The sugarcane production Vasantrao’s life had a rich cultural with a turban on his head came to him. increased and more than 100 sugar hue to it. He was a devoted and ardent What should he have demanded from factories got activated. He was also reader. He had a great repertoire of the Chief Minister? He said, “Could the leading encouragement to Grape English and Marathi books and was you give me the matchbox please?”… Farming. The huge grape farms and specific in referring to these books He had an extinguished bidi in the winery industries flourished from in his speeches. He was very close to his hand. For a moment Vasantrao the encouragement. He was also the Maharashtra cultural stream. The observed him and then without a word instrumental in accelerating efforts so 49th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya he went on to light the bidi by his that the milk production was increased Sammelan was held at Yavatmal in lighter in front of everyone present. The and that the farmers should get more 1973. His nephew Sudhkarrao Naik rural person came back naturally. A avenues of income… was the Chairman of the Reception journalist stopped him and asked, “Do During his tenure the Monopoly Committee. He himself was the Chief you know who had lighted your bidi?” Cotton Purchase Scheme was initiated Guest. Yashwantrao inaugurated “No. I do not know” the person said for cotton farmers from Vidarbha. the event and G. D. Madgulkar was innocently. The revolutionary Scheme relieved the President. In his speech on the “Vasantrao Naik…Chief Minister of the farmers from the clutches of occasion, Vasantrao earnestly called Maharashtra…” the journalist told moneylenders. upon the Marathi literary personalities him… With all these schemes, Vasantrao to see that the agony and the anxieties “My God! The son of that Phulsingh became a leader worthy of total of the rural people are reflected in Naik?” the person uttered at ease and confidence for the entire rural Marathi literature. His words and the was on his way…The incident clearly Maharashtra instead of remaining sincerity therein are still remembered… shows how close the leaders were to the a representative of Yavatmal or This is just a journey through the people… Vidarbha. Balawantrai Mehta memory lane… Although he was active in party Commission brought the scheme of The security at the time was not politics he always kept himself aloof decentralization of power to the Nation fortified to cut off Ministers and from party squabbles. He went on to and a huge enactment of the same was Organizers from the common man. The meet Golwalkar Guruji, the Supremo carried out in Maharashtra in 1962. inauguration was over and the event Sarsanghchalak of the R. S. S. while Vasantrao had a lion’s share when the President, Inaugurating Guest as well he was terminally ill and was able next 12 years saw strengthening of as Chief Guest were discussing just in to adhere to the restrictions to keep scheme and providing present culture front of the pavilion. The Police were at his politics aside. He had a perfect to the Panchayat Samiti and Zilla a distance. Common people attending sense of what kept his nearest people Parishad. He got firmly knit with the the event were able to reach the happy. When Prince Agakhan visited Mumbai, the Chief Minister arranged a Dinner in his Honor at the Princess Room at The Taj Hotel. Vasantrao provided an exquisite pleasure of a life time to his great friend from Khoja community Dr. Hirani and his wife by inviting them to this prestigious event. He could preserve inimitable non-enmity scarcely available in the political arena. While we can see what all small matters cause people to bloom and boast in the present times, it was really pristine and precious to see that this person who experienced the power of being at the helm of affairs of Maharashtra as a Chief Minister for 11 years and neither exhibited even the slightest of arrogance nor was never found to be Mrinal Gore addressing during rolling pin agitation inebriated with pride. The greatest

12 December 2012 Vasantrao Naik of the facts was that even when he held the power for so many years, no one could ever charge him with any wrong use of the same. His qualities of keeping aloof even being a part of the whole group, not to become a politician being deep in politics and to remain firmly on the ground while tackling the nuances of the world before him seem to be magical in the present period. It would not be out of place to say that Vasantrao alone could wield this magic during such a long political tenure in Maharashtra. The success Vasantrao had earned was larger than life. A child born at a hamlet Gahuli in Pusad taluka of in a nomadic community strived on the basis of his intellect, efforts and faith and became Chief Minister of Maharashtra State… He became a unique personality to Vasantrao Naik, Yashwantrao Chavan and G.D. Madgulkar at Marathi earn the repute to repeat the feat Sahitya Sammelan held at Yavatmal thrice…No one had earlier or after him carried this feat. His leadership became in politics for so many years. Neither grains front was self sufficient. The all inclusive and universal to foster his opponents nor the media or the so discontent in Mumbai and Vidarbha affection from all over the State. Many called investigative journalists were had pacified. The development deficit of the Schemes started by him at the ever able to stick a charge to his name… for Marathwada was overcome and State were acknowledged and taken up He carried himself as simple and clean Konkan had forgotten the clash with on a National basis. while entering politics as he was at the him…The difference between times He was revered by rural folk as well end of his life… when a responsibility is held and as middle class urbanites and rich If the period in between bestowed when it is relinquished alone decides elite from the State. He was a leader of anything on him, it was mature the success and failures of a leader… the farmers and had total confidence modesty, an ever smiling face, a true Considering this, although the success reposed in him by urbanites. He was disciple even while being a leader that Vasantrao achieved was not total it recognized across the spectrum of himself and his selfless attitude to be was worth the congratulations and both social activities and was admired in aloof from the crowd although he was himself and Maharashtra as well were the cultural arena. He had fans all over one of them and also unique… satisfied about the same… the State in every field. He commanded When Vasantrao took over the reins Vasantrao never faced the type even greater success and reverence of Maharashtra, it was a deficit State. of criticism that Yashwantrao with his inimitable non-enmity amidst The State had a huge shortage of food faced during the early days of his fierce politics. He was befriended by grains and was in the shadow of a tenure and he never was an object stalwarts from across the political famine. Mumbai was discontent and of an immature ridicule faced parties. S. M. Joshi felt proud of his the workers were in agitation mood. by Kannamwar. Just as he was deeds and Thackerey from Sena also Vidarbha also reeled in discontent appointed as the Chief Minister with had an affectionate feeling. He was and Marathwada was facing a storm dignity, he also transferred the same to friends with Krishnarao Dhulup of over the development deficit… the incumbent next to him keeping the Peasants and Farmers Party and Com. Western Maharashtra felt that this integrity of reverence for him in public Dange also wished to keep affectionate Chief Minister was forced upon them, minds… relationship with him. Congress owned whereas Konkan felt the brunt of That a leader of this stature remained him fully and the opponents did not distance between the region and the at the apex position at Maharashtra consider him to be an enemy. Another origin of Chief Minister… for so many years and created a solid of his larger than life successes could When Vasantrao relinquished the path for its progress to eminence be attributed to his being spotlessly reins as Chief Minister the deficit in future itself commands warm clean character while remaining active had been mopped out. The food salutations! 

December 2012 13 Maharashtra Ahead INDEBTED TO VASANTRAO Vasantrao played a major role in crafting and nurturing my tenure. I can never forget the debt that I owe to him. I am going ahead with the thought process that he bestowed on me and I humbly accept his major contribution in my political and social achievements reminisces Union Minister for Home, Sushilkumar Shinde

hile Vasantrao Naik was Shri Nashikkar had just forgotten to the Chief Minister of inform Vasantrao of my arrival due to WMaharashtra, I was a Police exigencies of work and he also begged Officer. It was a coincidence that I for an excuse. He said that he would came to politics. During 1974, I was immediately inform the Chief Minister contesting a Bye-election for the State about me and got in touch with the Legislature. As soon as the ticket for Chief Minister on telephone. Within 5 the same was allotted to me I went to minutes Vasantrao came to the main Varsha bungalow to meet Vasantrao. hall to meet me. He enquired about I met Shri Nashikkar, his secretary at me. He told me to contest the elections the time and requested for a meeting with confidence. He also said that with Vasantrao. Shri. Nashikkar made he would be standing firmly behind me to wait for an hour in a hall at me and that I should not worry at all. Varsha. Even after an hour there He gave me an envelope and best was no sign of any message from wishes for my success in the election. Vasantrao. I met Shri. Nashikkar once The envelope contained the amount for again and brought this to his notice. expenses for contesting the election. with a very bright future ahead of He promised me him. He is going to eminently serve that he would the State of Maharashtra. You elect come personally him and I shall definitely make him a for electioneering. Minister.” All of us were speechless. Generally the How was this possible? I was contesting Chief Minister the election for the first time. There does not were many legislators senior to me. participate in This was something incredible. All of the election us felt that he had spoken with the propaganda for intent of finding me elected and not to a Bye-election. lose the election. However I won this election with a huge Vasantrao margin. I became a legislator for the participated in the first time and Vasantrao kept his same for my sake. promise. Naiksaheb got me inducted Huge crowds to the State Ministry. Just as the had gathered proverb said his deeds always for the public reflected his words fully. He adhered meeting. He to his promise to the voters from my conquered the constituency and my entire political audiences through career took a positive turn. I never his speech. During had to look back at any time. In an his speech he said, ascending order I went ahead in my “I have come here career. I got an opportunity to occupy for propaganda the chair once adorned by Vasantrao for an activist from which he governed the State…I

14 December 2012 Vasantrao Naik went further to become Governor and the thought process that he bestowed today I hold the prestigious position He had closely on me and I humbly accept his major as the Union Home Minister. While contribution in my political and social working with Vasantrao, I learnt watched the achievements. many factors of State governance. It problems faced by Vasantrao Naik had an immaculately would not be wise to say that State has admired personality. He had closely moved forward and progressed unless common people, watched the problems faced by common there is an overall development of farmers and the people, farmers and the oppressed the neglected sections of the sections of the Society. He crafted society. Therefore we must be most oppressed sections meticulously and laid the foundations proactive towards them and see to it of the Society of a new Maharashtra. The ideals and personally that various projects are the directions he provided are planned for them and implemented immensely inspiring for Maharashtra. effectively. This factor was brought many schemes for Social justice and I feel myself privileged that I got an to my notice by Vasantrao on many implemented them with a dedicated opportunity to work in his Council of occasions and I always carried the same phased programme. Vasantrao played Ministers; I could observe him at close with conviction. a major role in crafting and nurturing quarters and could study his method When I took over as Chief Minister my tenure. I can never forget the debt of work. of Maharashtra State, I planned that I owe to him. I am going ahead with As told to Mohan Rathod

Through Others’ Eyes

“Shri Vasantrao Niak “Shri Naik is “Shri V.P.Naik is an is truly a man from an essentially able administrator the countryside. human person, and a statesman. His undoubted and that is what He possess all the sympathy with the has particularly qualities of a strong rural folk has well attracted me to leadership.” attuned him for him. He is a person - Jagjivan Ram dedicated work for of wide sympathies their uplift. He looks and most upon their prosperity and happiness as scrupulously keeps up his associations symbolic of India’s prosperity.” with colleagues when once those are - Y.B.Chavan formed.” Minister of Defence, New Delhi - Sri Prakasa

“Shri Naik ranks high “Shri Naik is not among the architects only an outstanding of Maharashtra. administrator “Shri Vasantrao Every field he has but also a great P.Naik has a entered, beginning humanitarian. He background of from Local self- never lost sight selfless service Government to the of the overall rendered to State Legislature, he requirements and different causes for has enriched by positive contributions situation in the several years. His of far-reaching significance. His work in country and always viewed his State’s services to the State the agriculture sector, his introduction problems in the perspective of the and to India are of the Land Ceiling Act and Panchayat national problem.” well-known and needs no recital.” Raj in Maharashtra are true and strong - C. Subramaniam - K.M.Munshi foundations for socialism which the Minister for Food & Agriculture, country has set out to achieve.” New Delhi - F.A. Ahmed Minister for Irrigation & Power, India

Courtesy : Shri Vasantrao Naik Gaurav Granth, 1966

December 2012 15 Maharashtra Ahead Pragmatic leader Vasantrao Naik decided to diversify industrial sector. He offered special incentives to industrialists moving to backward areas. As a follow up, he announced setting up of Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation zones at taluka level to ensure that jobs stayed within the range of villages and yet industrial clusters would provide the prosperity to the inhabitants and fatten the State treasury as well says Dinkar Raikar, Group Editor,Daily Lokmat

popularly known, ruled Maharashtra with a firm and just hand from 1963 to 1975, The State of Maharashtra had been loyal to the Congress party since Independence and since then the tradition was for the local legislators to elect the Chief Minister on their own. The State was the embodiment of stability when several States were witnessing the era of “aya rams and gaya rams”. Today no one will believe that Maharashtra had abundant power supply and used to cater to the requirements of Karnataka and . Industrialists were happy with the availability of land and power. With stability and peace, there was an influx of labour to this State as well, which the industrialists appreciated. Farm and food grain production too was on the higher side. In fact, Naik was a pioneer of green revolution in the State. Pollution was under control and there were no headaches about water supply as well, with big irrigation schemes under way. Naiksaheb was clearly in command and took keen interest in ensuring that his policies were being strictly rolled out. Maharashtrian visionary who Such a person did stride the political He had this keen eye to keep advocated industrialization firmament of this country. His name everybody’s interests at heart. The rise Aand advanced the causes of the was Vasantrao Phulsing Naik, who of urban clusters led him to realize that masses as well? If this question was served as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister there would soon be a mad scramble to be placed before any present day for 11 long, progressive and successful from the rural areas to leave their television anchor or the new generation years, before he made the way for villages for the glitter of the cities. It was of news editors, the chances of a reply S. B. Chavan at the behest of the party to stem this that he decided to diversify by another of these silver-tongued leadership. industrial sector. He offered special worthies even in 3 minutes is remote. V P Naik, or Naiksaheb, as he was incentives to industrialists moving

16 December 2012 Vasantrao Naik

Vasantrao Naik, Yashwantrao Chavan and Smt. Indira Gandhi consoling the affected to backward areas. As a follow up, he That is until politics came into everyone from the strata of society. He announced setting up of Maharashtra play-hardcore and non-developmental was smart enough to ensure that some Industrial Development Corporation politics. Which is why today you see the trade union morchas were allowed and zones at the taluka level to ensure that State losing its pace of industrialization gracious enough to meet the rallyists jobs stayed within the range of villages owing to acute shortage of power and half-way after having driven down and yet industrial clusters would water among other things. The well- from his residence and provide the prosperity to the inhabitants etched schemes of industrialization greeting them at Girgaum Chowpatty. and fatten the State treasury as well. have almost come to a halt following V This created a healthy atmosphere in all The MIDC schemes were ably P Naik’s exit and citizens have observed sectors. supported by the Maharashtra State how political cronyism rules State’s And how was Konkan’s drought Finance Corporation which offered various agencies meant to promote tackled? It was supposedly because financial assistance. And to complement industries. “well-meaning” journalists used to this dream further even SICOM Naiksaheb was a person at ease with harangue Indira-ji during her visits offered a helping hand. As a visionary, to Maharashtra about the need for Naiksaheb was peerless. infrastructure schemes in Konkan But it was indeed a powerful troika With V P Naik region to uplift the impoverished which was holding high the flag of keeping a firm population. It was from such sessions Maharashtra. At Delhi we had a stalwart that the idea for the Konkan Railway in Y B Chavan in the Union Cabinet. hand on the rudder, was floated. It did take some years And the redoubtable it was indeed before it became a reality, but the jobs was the president of the Maharashtra kept on flowing to ebb the tide of misery Congress. With V P Naik keeping a smooth sailing for in the region. firm hand on the rudder, it was indeed the State on the Naiksaheb’s character was clearly cut smooth sailing for the State on the from one rare bolt of cloth- never to be development front. development front spun again. 

December 2012 17 Maharashtra Ahead the quintessential Although Vasantrao was a man of few words he was an immaculately open minded as well as considerate…He was ready to understand his opponents and never lost his cool under any circumstances. In fact he loved his enemies… He could find an amicable solution to any problem…Maintaining dignity of the Chair and order at the house was his forte recalling , Minister for Food and Drug Administration talked about his uncle late Vasantrao Naik to senior journalist Na. Maa. Joshi from Yavatmal

How would you introduce Late administration attended him while he Vasantrao Naik to the present was at Pusad, he discussed the issues at generation? hand and moved to visit his fields. With Late Vasantrao Naik was like a sacred heavy expenses that he incurred on pink water lily Lotus in the politics. his experiments, he was reprimanded Although he was a revered as a pioneer by his elder brother for wastage of of Green revolution, efficient Chief finances. However he stood his ground Minister, creator of four Agriculture with humanitarian explanation that the Universities in the State and also a great family was capable of bearing the loss personality as leader of the masses, but needed to help marginal farmers for me he was my uncle and a true who were not so lucky. His objective farmer who always carried out new was to make farming comfortable experiments in the field of agriculture. and affordable for formers. He always He was closely related to farming for his considered that he was a representative entire life and also as a Chief Minister. of farmers and hence it was his duty cultivation as well as working schedule Visiting his ancestral hamlet Gahuli for to help the farmers in all respects. He and helped them to be independent. for undertaking new experiments and experimented with Hybrid jawari, adopting new projects and techniques tomato and cotton. He strived for Will you please focus on family was his passion. improving the variety and the yield. aspect? Even while the entire District He personally guided farmers about He sincerely maintained a rich family bond and took immense care to nurture the family. His relationship to his brother Babasaheb was like Ram and Laxman. Vasantrao took all decisions with the consent of Babasaheb. Every guideline provided by Vasantrao was like a commandment for Babasaheb. When Babasaheb suffered an acute heart ailment, Vasantrao took a quick decision and saw that eminent Cardiologist Dr. Date from Mumbai visited him at the earliest. When Vasantrao escaped a helicopter accident at Aurangabad, it was Babasaheb who rushed immediately. The love and intimacy between them would be remembered by generations to come. Babasheb continued to remain a mentor, guide Vasantrao Naik with his elder brother Babasaheb Naik. and philosopher for Vasantrao.

18 December 2012 Vasantrao Naik

Do you remember any incident than a decade and his mental prowess Vasantrao Naik certainly worked within when Vasantrao Naik was puzzled? was proved with the results he produced the frame of democracy. Although he I distinctly remember the dilemma during this period with incredible speed did not follow any regular pattern, Vasantrao was in when there was a split and acumen…He was totally analytical he clearly satisfied all the reasonable in Congress. There was a Congress with and cut through the problem with an expectations… Indira Gandhi and there was another ease which stunned many intellects… He not only loved the members of one with Yashwantrao Chavan and The solutions came by almost like a his family but also keenly appreciated others. Vasantrao was puzzled and it magic he wielded…In a way beyond all those who had talent. It was the was difficult at the time to arrive ata remembering and revering him for ingenuity of Vasantrao Naik who decision. He talked to Babasaheb and his political dominance he would be discovered gems in the form of rushed to Pusad to discuss the matter at remembered more for his courage never Dr. N. P. Hirani, presently the Chairman length with him. to submit or yield… of Cotton Federation and Shivajirao Babasaheb reminded of the Moghe presently the Minister of Social firm and rooted association with Tell us something about his Justice, Government of Maharashtra… Yashwantrao and also added the point nature and personality? Although Vasantrao was a man of of indebtedness as it was Yashwantrao As Chief Minister of Maharashtra State few words he was an immaculately open alone who installed him as the Chief Vasantrao Naik always remained at high minded as well as considerate…He was Minister of the State. In a very positive esteem due to his political impartiality ready to understand his opponents philosophical thought, Babasaheb and judgment. Chief Minister of a State and never lost his cool under any also stated that the greatness is a is one of the most important offices circumstances. In fact he loved his combination of character and intellect in Indian democracy that serves the enemies…He could find an amicable of the highest order. If the same is to constitutional, legislative and executive solution to any problem…Maintaining be measured by the lasting value of ends as well as almost every phase of dignity of the Chair and order at the solid work carried out in the arena of political arena. house was his forte…Sometimes when thought and action no one could come The Chief Minister has to be dynamic he was upset, he raised his hands and even near to the stature of Yashwantrao and with abilities to deal with the actual just said, “what can I say to you?” At the in Maharashtra. He guided Vasantrao needs and problems of masses from the official residence of the Chief Minister, to join Yashwantrao Congress and the State during the development process. the presence of Vasantrao Naik was word was obeyed sincerely. The incident He has to become a meaningful, genial, kind, affectionate, ready to will also show how these brothers were stabilizing and stimulating force help and extend uniform courtesy to true and committed to the values and in the democracy. Vasantrao Naik everyone. principles. Vasantrao remained as the sincerely served the objectives set When he resigned as Chief Minister Chief Minister of Maharashtra for more by the constitution. For that matter of Maharashtra State, he expressed his

December 2012 19 Maharashtra Ahead

gratitude with truly touching words, journalists or media persons could district in a Banjara family which falls “I am a debtor to you for many things, comment freely against him. under VJNT Community. He was a for your unfailing cooperation in the He did his best to implement the learned advocate. He got married to Legislative Assembly and Council and orders and Government Resolutions. Vatsala Ghate, a Graduate Brahmin girl for your expectations for decisions.” He Many times the members of his cabinet from Nagpur. This was an inter caste had a great and affectionate bond even disagreed with his decisions but frankly love marriage. He was the president of with Jambuwantrao Dhote, Uddhavrao paid fulsome tributes to his impartiality. Pusad Municipal Council and afterwards Patil, Krushnarao Dhulap, N.D. Patil, Many opposition leaders showed their Chief Minister of Maharashtra for 11 Ahliya Rangnekar, Tara Reddy, Mrinal years. He was an extraordinary person Gore and others… He sincerely from a royal Banjara family. He could When he resigned as Chief Minister not bare the shock of losing his elder of Maharashtra State on the 20th maintained a rich brother Babasaheb. Vasantrao Naik February 1975, Janta Shikshan Prasarak family bond and died on 18th August 1979 at Singapore Mandal’s College had a debt of around due to a massive heart attack. The end Rs.12 Lakhs. Vasantrao calmed down took immense came just two months after the death of a perturbed President of the Mandal care to nurture the his elder brother Babasaheb. Dr. Hirani and assured that help would Vasantrao Naik built modern be coming from the friends… After family Maharashtra with care and love. He the sad demise of Vasantrao, my elder never lost his temper. He was unique. He brother Sudkhakar Naik and the then dissatisfaction and displeasure saying loved agriculture and cared for farmers. Chief Minister of Maharashtra raised that a certain decision by the Chief He was an excellent administrator. funds by organizing various cultural Minister was not in the larger interest After his sad demise in Singapore at the programmes and freed the Mandal from of the people. Vasantrao Naik always age of 66 his remains were brought to financial burden and tension. tried to convince the opposition when Gahuli and funeral rites were performed Vasantrao Naik had maintained they organized morchas held Dharna in the presence of lakhs of people from very good relations with press and andolan and patiently faced them all… all walks of life. His Samadhi was built media persons. He was of the opinion Vasantrao Naik was a fan of cricket. in the field of village Gahuli near the that media and press should criticize He enjoyed all test matches in Mumbai. Samadhi of Babasaheb Naik. Vasantrao Government if it does not work for He loved non-vegetarian food. He was Naik will always remain a source of the betterment of the common man well known for his passion for hunting. strength, love, energy and belief for us of the land. He disliked sycophancy. He was an all-rounder. He was born and all his fans. I pay my humble tribute He appreciated the role of media and on 1st July 1913 at Gahuli in Yavatmal to Vasantrao Naik. 

20 December 2012 Vasantrao Naik Pioneer of Green Revolution Vasantrao Naik made a mark for himself, not merely in politics, but also the socio-economic life Maharashtra. He revealed his qualities as a Statesman, with a keen interest in the welfare of the people at large, especially the downtrodden says Abhay Mokashi

asantrao Naik, whose birth especially the downtrodden. He was he was elected to the Maharashtra centenary is just a few months a great visionary and all the decisions State Legislative Assembly in 1960 V away, holds the record of being that he took showed great application and continued to be a member till the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for of mind. 1977. In 1977 he was elected to the Lok the longest period of time- eleven years. Naik was born on July 1, 1913 in Sabha from the Washim parliamentary He was in electoral politics for 33 years Gahuli, a small village in Yavatmal constituency. and made a mark for himself, not merely District. He participated in the freedom Between 1946 and 1952 he was in politics, but also the socio-economic struggle and was elected Member the President of the Pusad Municipal life of Maharashtra. of Legislative Assembly of Madhya Council. He holds the unique distinction Whether as a Minister or as the Chief Pradesh during 1952-1957. Later, he of being a Minister in three different Minister, Naik revealed his qualities was a legislator of the then bilingual States. He was Deputy Minister in as a Statesman, with a keen interest during 1957-1960. from 1952 to 1956; in the welfare of the people at large, After the formation of Maharashtra, Minister in the bilingual State of

December 2012 21 Maharashtra Ahead

Vajpayee. Within three years of his becoming the Chief Minister, the was born and Naik’s detractors often nicknamed Shiv Sena as Vasant Sena, alleging that the Shiv Sena had Naik’s silent blessings. Right from its formation, the Sena had taken an anti- Bombay from 1956 to 1960; Minister in Accompanied by Union Home Communist and anti-migrants attitude. the Government of Maharashtra from Minister Yashwantrao Chavan, he During that time, Naik had stated that 1960 to 1965. He became the Chief visited the riot affected areas to national integration and national unity Minister of Maharashtra three times in understand the plight of the people. were highly essential to fight against the 1963, 1967 and 1972. Seeing the loss of life and property of various problems of the State and the After the death of Marotrao both the communities, he took a policy nation. Kannamwar, he was elected Chief decision that riots victims would be In his address on the occasion of Minister of Maharashtra, a post which given aid by the Government on the Maharashtra Day of 1966 he said, “While he held for more than eleven years lines of the aid given to those affected looking at the problems of Maharashtra, during 1963-1975. He was the father of by natural calamities. there is a need to have faith in national the Green Revolution in Maharashtra. His commitment to secularism integration. Today there are discussions The industrialization of Maharashtra was exhibited during this riot. In the on the interests of the Maharashtrians is largely the legacy of his progressive thick of the riots in Bhiwandi, the and the non-Maharashtrians and it is industrial policies. Later his nephew then president of the Jan Sangh and sad that these discussions often have also became Chief Member of Parliament, Atal Bihari some bitterness in them. All those Minister of Maharashtra. Vajpayee addressed a public rally in who have settled in Maharashtra for He was a secular person to the core Mumbai, where he said, “…henceforth employment are Maharashtrians. and strongly endorsed the right of the Hindus will not take the beating.” This They may have come from any State, people from other States to come to was reported by the media and Naik but they all belong to Maharashtra. Maharashtra. Communal riots broke was irked by Vajpayee’s statement. Opposing this view is not only out in the powerloom town of Bhiwandi, He wrote to Vajpayee that as a unconstitutional, but also it damages in district, in 1970, when respected Member of Parliament and national unity.” Vasantrao Naik was the Chief Minister as the president of a political party, While stating this, he made it clear and the riots spread to Jalgaon. Naik he (Naik), found it improper on the that the interest of the Maharashtrians was able to ensure that the riots do not part of Vajpayee to name a religion. would be taken care of and that those spread to other parts of the State. He “During a riot, nobody belongs to any who come from others States, should gel set up peace committees in different religion. Respected persons like you, with the local people and should strive areas and immediately started work who believe in democracy, should try for the development of Maharashtra. on rehabilitation of the riot affected. In to bring about peace. It is easy to make Naik’s biggest contribution can be order to ensure that peace is restored inflammatory speeches well meaning said to be in the field of agriculture. He fast and that the rehabilitation work is leaders should decide whether to fuel was keen on making Maharashtra self- carried out efficiently, Naik stationed fire or to extinguish it. I have expressed sufficient in its food grain needs and himself in Bhiwandi. my feelings,” Naik said in his letter to he took several steps in that direction.

22 December 2012 Vasantrao Naik

He is known as the father of Green that democracy can become strong only seeds in agriculture and the exploitation Revolution in Maharashtra. Naik was when agriculture becomes strong and of the farmers by the private sector concerned about the food shortage in if the nation’s democracy collapses, supplying the seed, Naik took the the State and the country and he decided it would be only due the collapse of initiative in setting up the Maharashtra to give priority to the development of agriculture. State Seed Corporation in 1976, though agriculture in the State. He did not the seed of this concept was sown leave a single opportunity to speak by Naik in 1972. Though there was about the importance of development of He did not leave a one such body at the national level, agriculture. He appealed to the farmers floated by the Central Government, to put in hard work and that he, as the single opportunity Maharashtra became the first State to Chief Minister, would provide all that is to speak about have such a corporation. Seeds need to need for the growth of agriculture in the be made available to the farmers taking State. He was not an armchair advisor the importance into consideration the climate, the on agriculture. of development rainfall and the quality of soil, where He toured the State to understand they are to be used. the problems of the farmers and to of agriculture. The Maharashtra State Seed immediately resolve those issues that He was not an Corporation, known as Mahabeej, could be resolved. was floated with Maharashtra State, He often lamented that agriculture armchair advisor National Seed Corporation, farmers received attention only during the on agriculture and Maharashtra State Agricultural times of a drought. Land being one Universities as share holders. Thanks to of the most important factors for the He firmly believed that the State and Vasantrao Naik’s visionary outlook, the development of agriculture and Naik the nation could become strong only Mahabeej, with its advanced research realised that unless the farmers had due to development of agriculture. He laboratory, has come up with 50 types access to land, they would not be carry was critical of the repeated statement of crops and has done research in 250 out agricultural activities properly. that Maharashtra and India are poor. varieties of seeds, including various Maharashtra is the first State in the He sought the proper utilisation of land pulses, oil seeds, cotton and hybrid country to bring about the Land resources for increasing the agricultural jowar. Reforms Act and Naik was instrumental produce. Naik was aware that the agricultural in incorporating this law. During Naik’s tenure as the Chief production cannot be increased merely The vestiges of zamindari had been left Minister Maharashtra contributed 25 to by making available land and seeds; in the country even after Independence. 30 per cent of the total food production sufficient amount of water was also While the land owners relaxed in their in the country. required and Nail sanctioned several homes, those who slogged on the field, Acknowledging the need for good dams for that. He started concentrating were given very little money and some of the produce, which kept them in poverty; the landowners on the other hand, were earning good money. In an effort to end this kind of exploitation, Naik took the initiative and brought about an amendment to the land Act, giving rights of ownership to the tiller. The new law came into effect on April 1, 1957 and principle incorporated in it came to be known as land to the tiller, Maharashtra being the first State in the country to incorporate such a law. The law not only gave the tiller ownership of the land, so that his exploitation would end, but it also gave the tiller the opportunity to live with dignity. So strong was his faith in the importance of agriculture that in his speech before a Congress camp, he said

December 2012 23 Maharashtra Ahead on the construction of dams, from the be lifted and the traders would import He knew the intricacies of farming time he was the minister for irrigation. cotton from Egypt and dump it in and did not lose any opportunity to Among the dams that came up due the market to bring down the prices go to the fields. He had himself sown to his efforts are Ujjani, Jayakwadi, of the home grown cotton. Even hybrid jawar in his farm at Pusad, his Arunavati and Upper Wardha. otherwise the traders would quote a birth place and staunchly advocated At a time when there was a belief, low price for the cotton, aware that the use of the hybrid seeds, which gave which still continues, that the rural the farmers would not be in a position better yield and required less water. economy in Maharashtra is dependent to take the cotton back. Naik was Naik also introduced the drip irrigation on the production of sugarcane, Naik aware of this, but had to give a thought system, which helped farming with the firmly believed that it was cotton and to the problem for a few years, to use of very little water. not sugarcane that played a major role find a solution to the problem and It was during his study of the in the rural economy. He was of the to stop the exploitation of the cotton problems affecting agriculture that he opinion that the cotton growers were growers. With the help of his ministerial realised that the mere use of hybrid the real backbone of Maharashtra’s colleague, Yashwantrao Mohite, he seeds was not enough to increase food economy. introduced The Maharashtra Raw grain production and that there was When there was a shortage of Cotton Procurement, Processing and a need to come out with seeds that cotton in the country, he assured that Marketing Act, 1971. would require less water for growth. Maharashtra was single-handedly The Cotton Procurement sought to He also felt the need to do research in agriculture and also study the soil quality and find out ways to improve the quality and to find seeds that could be used for cultivation in different kinds of soils. With a scientific outlook, Naik established a Directorate of Agriculture and on September 1, 1964, appointed a ten-member expert committee. Among other things, the committee recommended the setting up of an Agricultural University in the State and recommended seven places where such a university could be set up. Thus the first Agricultural University in the State was set up at Rahuri in in 1968, with the help of Pennsylvania University. Soon such universities were set up in Akola, and Dapoli too. Naik’s mandate for the universities capable of overcoming the deficit, ensure that the cotton growers got a was clear; it was not merely to create provided there was a proper policy fair price for their produce and that the graduates in agriculture, but also to to stop the exploitation of the cotton price was not decided by exploitative take up research that would be helpful growers by the traders. He was critical agents, but there was resistance to it in increasing agricultural produce in of the fact that when the cotton grown from the agents and some elements in the State. by farmers was ready the Centre the Marketing Federation, who brought These universities have done would lift restrictions on the import of obstacles in the implementation of amazing research in jowar, cotton, cotton, but the moment the cotton was the scheme. Moreover, the Central wheat, tur, rice, chickpea, ground nut, purchased, the restrictions reimposed, Government would give extension to orange, chickoo, soil and so many other leading to an increase in the price the Act on a yearly basis. To add to issues connected with agriculture. The of cotton and the benefit, instead of it, neighbouring States started giving effect of all this is Maharashtra is today going to the cotton growers, goes to the a better price for cotton and the self sufficient in food production and traders. cotton found its way to these States. there is enough surplus too. Whenever the cotton was ready All in all, Naik’s intention of giving a No wonder, Vasantrao Naik is known to be brought to the markets in better price to the cotton growers was as the father of Green Revolution in Vidarbha, the import restrictions would fulfilled. Maharashtra. 

24 December 2012 Vasantrao Naik The Visionary Interestingly, he first used to experiment new techniques at his in Gahuli village and then only advised others to use them. Vasantrao Naik was basically a hardcore farmer who simply loved farming reminiscences Rajendra Darda, Minister for Education

Vasantrao Naik accompanied by Jawaharlal Darda, Veenadevi Darda, the then Zilla Parishad President Deorao Patil Chaundhikar and Rajendra Darda [Small boy] in vineyard of Yavatmal

self-less leader who strove for people aware of modern science and of society and worked hard for turning empowering and educating agricultural techniques. this dream into reality. Apeople, a visionary who ushered Interestingly, he first used to Vasantrao was a politician in green revolution and also laid the experiment new techniques at his in committed to the welfare of the foundation of industrialization of Gahuli village and then only advised common man. He made every possible Maharashtra and an able administrator others to use them. Vasantrao Naik was effort to protect interests of the State. who successfully steered the destiny of basically a hardcore farmer who simply In him, Maharashtra had an amazing this State for more than a decade, late loved farming. But then, he also knew individual who respected opposition Vasantrao Naik was indeed a visionary importance of education. He himself parties and leaders and won over and remarkable individual. Looking had to face a lot of difficulties while the enemies by his loving and caring back, it’s amazing to see various aspects obtaining education as there were no nature. A large-hearted friend, strong- of his personality. Naik used power schools in his native village. That is why willed politician and altruistic social for making farmers turn to modern he was possessed with a thought that worker is how Maharashtra knows him. farming. He was the one who made education must reach to the grassroots It’s not easy to effectively lead the

December 2012 25 Maharashtra Ahead

State like Maharashtra for eleven and vital for Banjara community to obtain had to sell cotton at throwaway prices half consecutive years but he did this education. I am going to conduct classes and Monopoly Scheme was born to with élan. Fortunately, I could see him to impress importance of education on stop this. from close quarters since my childhood. the community members,” Vasantrao He was never a controversial Leaders- I was witness to many discussions said. He himself was well-educated but may they be State or national leaders- the late Chief Minister had with my earnestly believed that his backward land themselves into controversy by father. Later, as a journalist, I had society should also educate itself. This their statements or deeds sometimes an opportunity to move around with yearning for education in him was or the other. However, Vasantrao Naik Vasantrao. The whole Maharashtra indeed praiseworthy and aspiring. was an exception. He never uttered a is aware about the warm and cordial single improper word and was never in relations Darda and Naik families Never made Decisions in a the eye of the storm. He led the State share. Vasantrao hailed from a society Hurry by coordination. Vasantrao had to which lives in ‘tandas’ (small hamlets). Vasantrao never took any decision in a deal with fiery opposition leaders like During the pre-independence era, hurry. He always thought once, twice Krushnrao Dhulup, S M Joshi, Acharya the Banjaras were not initiated into and ten times. So, his decisions never P K Atre, Jambuvantrao Dhote, education at all. turned out to be incorrect. On the Mrinal Gore, Keshavrao Dhondge, and I remember an anecdote dating contrary, they used to be far-reaching Uddhavrao Patil. He offered respect to back to 1945 narrated to me by and effective. He very adroitly led the such leaders even accorded the status father Babuji. Those were the days of State during the famine of 1972 and of minister in the opposition parties as freedom struggle. Babuji had returned ensured that nobody remained hungry. in his own. to Yavatmal after his release from Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) Vasantrao Naik was a man of few Jabalpur jail and taken up work of mooted by V S Page was implemented words and no enemies. He never got uniting youths of the district. It is for under his leadership. The root of the angry and if he ever was angry one this cause that Babuji had been to Pusad Union Government’s Mahatma Gandhi could not discern this from his face. to meet Vasantrao, who was practicing National Rural Employment Guarantee Maximum you could see is smoke law there. It was monsoon season and Scheme lies in the EGS. Naiksaheb blowing out from his pipe at a faster Babuji saw Vasantrao venturing out of is also known for another landmark pace. Here, I would like to specially his house with an umbrella. “Where scheme-Cotton Monopoly Procurement mention an incident. All Maharashtra are you going?” Babuji asked. “It is Scheme. He observed that farmers knows that Vasantrao and my father

Vasantrao Naik, Jawaharlal Darda and others

26 December 2012 Vasantrao Naik late Jawaharlal Darda were close friends. Late Mrs Indira Gandhi was defeated in 1977 elections. After this, differences cropped up between two friends over whether to stay with Indiraji or not. My father chose to go with Indiraji and even resigned as legislature. In January 1978, he wrote a touching editorial ‘Runanubandhachya tutuni padlya gathi’ describing the pain of parting with a friend. The next day, Naiksaheb came to Nagpur to meet my father. We saw both hugging each other and crying inconsolably. Though they were in different parties, their friendship remained intact. During the Legislative Assembly elections in 1978, he came to Vidarbha for the campaigning of Swarnsingh Congress. He stayed at our house at Nagpur. Naik was on the ground floor, my father was on the upper. The later campaigned for Indira Congress and are looking for, we will have to toil It is being said that education makes the former for Swarnsingh Congress. hard in farms and work ceaselessly in man perfect. However, these days we Naiksaheb wanted to visit Bhandara for industries. This is the revolution that are witnessing that nation prosper by campaigning. Vidarbha was swept by we want to usher in.” the dint of hard work of their people. Indira wave then. I was entrusted with “Education should lead to awareness the responsibility of taking Naiksaheb of dignity of labour, confidence and to Bhandara and bringing him back to “Irrigate your tendency to be self-dependent or else Nagpur safely. land by any way it will reduce to merely compiling information”, he used to say in his Inspiring Speeches possible. Give speeches. Naik had great concern for farmers. it dam water, In a way, Vasantrao Naik was not a Maharashtra could witness green person inclined to politics. Still, he led revolution only because of him. In rainwater, well or Maharashtra nearly 12 years. Vasantrao those days, I got an opportunity to nullah water. If this worked ceaselessly and toured the move around with Naik as news editor entire Maharashtra for battling the of Lokmat. I heard and jotted down is not possible, grim situation created by the famine many of his speeches addressed to moist it with your of 1972-73. People with him were group of farmers. These discourses tired but Naiksaheb never looked used to be inspiring. I have notes of a sweat” exhausted. A leader belonging to speech he delivered at Pandharkawda nomadic tribe like Banjara became in Yavatmal district. “Irrigate your Vasantrao Naik’s Thoughts the darling of the whole Maharashtra land by any way possible. Give it dam on Education with the help of his wisdom and water, rainwater, well or nullah water. He considered education as sacred and loving nature. He made this State If this is not possible, moist it with important task. He was particular that financially strong, taught us how to your sweat.” It was moving words teachers get prestige and status. We fight famine. He was the one who like these that made green revolution should create great faith in the minds offered good prices to farmers who possible. Naiksaheb used to say that of students about schools and teachers, cultivated white gold. A leader like we have to bring about revolution. he felt. He was worried over the trend Vasantrao Naik who gave prestige “One always equates world revolution of lack of dignity of labour creeping in to farming and farmers, cared more with blood. It is said that revolution the society and believed that if today’s for hungry populace of his State than is not possible without bloodshed. education does not change this mindset, power and remained unassuming even But we are not envisaging such a there is no possibility of the country after remaining in the top echelons of revolution. For the revolution we overcoming the problems it was facing. power for years, is indeed rare. 

December 2012 27 Maharashtra Ahead Indomitable WillPower Shri Vasantraoji was convinced that Maharashtra’s agriculture can be improved only by bringing about a combination of scientific know–how, political do-how and farmers’ enthusiasm. Hence, he wanted to strengthen the Agricultural Universities, states Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, M.P. (Rajya Sabha)

he lives and livelihood of the young Shri Sharad Pawar as a majority of population the Minister for Agriculture in the Tof Maharashtra depend on State Government. Shri Vasantrao agriculture, comprising crop and encouraged Shri Sharad Pawar to take animal husbandry, fisheries, forestry bold and imaginative steps to bring and agro-forestry. Shri Vasantrao a message of hope among farmer Naik therefore chose agricultural families. Shri Sharad Pawar convened progress as the pathway for rural and a meeting at the Mahatma Phule Krishi agrarian prosperity. A large portion of Vidyapeeth’s Agricultural College at Maharashtra was rain fed and there Pune to chalk out a new strategy for was drought frequently. The yield of agriculture in Maharashtra. I also dry land farming crops like Jowar, attended that historic meeting when Bajra, Oilseeds like Safflower and Niger it was decided to launch and Yield and pulses was low. Farmer-centric Guarantee Programme in Wheat, Jowar marketing arrangements were poor. and Bajra, where new high yielding Shri Vasantraoji was convinced The monsoon and the market were the varieties of hybrids were available. that Maharashtra’s agriculture major determinants of a farmers’ well- This scheme was designed to instill can be improved only by bringing being. confidence in the minds of farmers about a combination of scientific Shri Vasantrao Naik was convinced that they can double the yield of these know–how, political do-how and that we need a technological crops, provided they cultivated the high farmers’ enthusiasm. Hence, he breakthrough to end the misery of yielding hybrids/varieties with proper wanted to strengthen the Agricultural farmers. Fortunately, Hybrid Jowar, agronomic practices. Shri Vasantraoji Universities. Due to political reasons CSH-1, became available in 1965. Shri gave enthusiastic support to the yield Maharashtra had established four Vasantrao Naik decided to test CSH-1 in guarantee scheme, which instilled a Agricultural Universities in the his own farm first before recommending new confidence in the minds of farm 1970s, namely Mahatma Phule it to farmers. He obtained over 5 tonnes women and men. Krishi Vidyapeeth, Panjabrao Krishi of Jowar per hectare with CSH-1. He Vidyapeeth, Marathwada Agricultural therefore used Hybrid Jowar and later University and Konkan Krishi hybrid bajra as the agents of change in Vasantrao Naik Vidyapeeth. Shri Vasantraoji, left the Barani (rainfed) areas of Vidarbha became a great to himself, would have followed the and Marathwada regions of the State. University of California Model, with He took hybrid jowar seed production teacher through a uniform Agricultural University in his own farm. Thus, he became a practicing what of Maharashtra with well developed great teacher through practicing what campuses at Rahuri, Akola, Parbhani he advocated. He became role model he advocated. He and Dapoli. All these campuses would among the farmers of Maharashtra. became role model have retained their special names like In the 1970s, Maharashtra was Mahatma Phule campus, Panjabrao affected by severe drought. It was among the farmers Deshmukh Campus, etc. However, then Shri Vasantrao Naik appointed of Maharashtra what has been done politically

30 December 2012 Vasantrao Naik cannot be undone and Vasantraoji proceeded with developing coordination mechanisms which will enable them “to deliver as one” as far as transferring the fruits of research to farmers is concerned. He also transferred a large area at the Aarey Milk colony, Mumbai, to the Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth for providing opportunities for practical training to Veterinary Graduates. Now the Animal Sciences and Fisheries Sectors are in a separate University. Even if there are several Universities, the “deliver as one” principle of Vasantraoji should prevail, if the Farm Universities are to fulfill their original purpose of extending end to end service to farm women and men. Shri Vasantraoji was deeply During Expansion of Shetkari Sahakari Sakhar karkhana Vasantdada, concerned about the adverse impact Vasantrao Naik,G.D.Patil, Rajarambapu Patil and Krishnarao Dhulap of recurrent drought on rural families. He recognized that livestock and the animals were fed with nutritious “Jai Kisan” into reality. He supported livelihoods are intimately related feed comprising sugarcane, bagasse, movements like Pani Panchayat of in villages. Also, the ownership of molasses and urea. Thus he helped to Salunkhe, as well as Van Panchayats. livestock is more egalitarian than that save valuable animal germ plasm. We are now entering an era of of land. Hence, along with Arvind Shri Vasantrao Naik served as a climate change and global warming. Let Mafatlal, Manibhai Desai and others, bright affirming flame amidst the sea us organize in memory of Vasantraoji he organized cattle camps during of despair prevailing then in rural “Mausam Panchayats” to enable rural drought years. Farmers can keep areas. Where there was darkness, he families to maximize the benefits their cattle in such camps during the brought light. Where there was a sense of a good monsoon and minimize duration of drought. The camps were of hopelessness, he brought hope. He the adverse impact of unpredictable established near a water source and converted Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan weather.

Birth Centenary Celebrations Committee A committee of following honourable members have been set up to chalk out the proposed programmes to celebrate Birth Centenary Year of Ex-Chief Minister Late Vasantrao Naik from 1st July 2012 to 30th June 2013.

1] Prithviraj Chavan, Chief Minister -Chairman 10] Prof Fauziya Khan, Minister of State for General 2] Chhagan Bhujbal, Minister for Public Works- Administration- Member Member 11] Manikrao Thakre, MLA- Member 3] R.R. Patil, Minister for Home-Member 12] Sandeep Bajoriya, MLA- Member 4] Patangrao Kadam, Minister for Forest- Member 13] Nilesh Shivram Deshmukh Parvekar , MLA- 5] Shivajirao Moghe, Minister for Social Justice Member -Member 14] Shantaram Potdukhe -Non Government Member 6] Balasaheb Thorat, Minister for Revenue- Member 15] Haribhau Rathod- Non Government Member 7] ,Minister for Food and Civil 16] Girish Gandhi- Non Government Member Supplies- Member 17] S.P. Upasani- Non Government Member 8] Manohar Naik- Minister for Food and Drugs 18] Secretary, GAD-Member Secretary Administration-Member 9] Nitin Raut,Minister for Employment Guarantee Scheme - Member

December 2012 31 Maharashtra Ahead Landmarks

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1st July, 1913 : Born in an affluent farmer family from Banjara community from Gahuli, a hamlet in Pusad Taluka, Yavatmal District. 1933 : Passed Matriculation Examination from Neel City High School, Nagpur. 1937 : Passed B. A. Examination from Morris College (Present Vasantrao Naik Social Sciences Institute). 1940 : Passed LL.B. Examination from University College of Law, Nagpur. 1941 : Started practicing Law with Late Barrister Panjabrao Deshmukh, eminent lawyer from Amravati and then started independent Law practice at Pusad. : At the forefront in Pusad Taluka ‘Adarsh Gram Chalwal’. : Due to his passion and efforts ‘Gahuli’ became an ideal village. 6th July, 1941 : Married to Miss Vatsala Ghate B. A. coming from a Brahmin family. The Banjara community got agitated over this Inter-caste marriage. He was also castigated for some time. 1946 : Elected as President of Pusad Municipality. He held this position till he was elected and became Deputy Minister in the erstwhile Government of Madhya Pradesh. During his tenure he carried out many developmental activities. 1950 : Adorned as President, Pusad Harijan Free Hostel and Digras National Free Hostel. 1951 : Member of the Vidarbha Pradesh Congress Committee and Executive body.

28 December 2012 Vasantrao Naik

1952 : After the 1st General elections, appointed as Deputy Minister for revenue in the then Government of Madhya Pradesh. :  Adorned as Chairman of Madhya Pradesh Housing Board during this period. : He was also Vice-Chairman of Madhya Pradesh Land Reforms Committee and Chairman of the Government of Madhya Pradesh Metric Committee. 1956 : After the reorganization of the States, he was appointed as the Minister for Cooperation, Agriculture and Dairy Development in the then Mumbai State. : Member at the All India Congress, Maharashtra Regional Congress Committee and its Executive body since then. 1957 : Elected to State Legislature from Pusad Constituency for the second time and adorned the position of Minister for Agriculture at the State. : Elected as a member of the Indian Council of Agricultural Finance Society. 1958 : Visit to Japan as a member of the Indian delegation to the International Rice Commission. Attended F.A.O. meetings at Tokyo. 1959 : Establishment of ‘Phulsing Naik College’ at Pusad. 1960 : Appointed as Revenue Minister in the 1st Council of Ministers after the creation of the Maharashtra State. It was this time that the Government of Maharashtra enacted the path breaking Land Ceiling Act. : During his tenure as a Minister was also the Chairman of the Democracy Decentralization Committee and initiated the Pachayati Raj System in the State. 1962 : He was elected for the third time to the Maharashtra State Legislature from Pusad in Yavatmal District and once again was adorned with the position of Revenue Minister. He continued with this Ministry till he became the Chief Minister of Maharashtra State. 5th Dec. 1963 : He took over as Chief Minister of the State. 1964 : A tour to Yugoslavia 1965 : Inauguration of AANTAR BHARATI (Indian Academy of Letters), Mumbai. : With the onset of Indo-Pak war, he inspired the audiences with his forceful and mentoring nationalistic speeches between 9th and 11th September. The whole Maharashtra was fully enlightened with the spirit. He toured the whole Maharashtra for war related efforts by the State. : A whirlwind tour of 25 districts of the State for propagating the NEW programme for agricultural productivity. 1966 : There was a grave situation due to the scarcity of water. Another whirlwind tour of the scarcity-hit districts of the State in order to provide confidence and courage to farmers. 1967 : Tour of Maharashtra for effective electioneering for the General Elections. He was elected to Maharashtra Legislature for the 4th time from Pusad Constituency and once again was unanimously elected to decorate the position of Chief Minister, Maharashtra State on the 6th March 1967. : Speech at the State Legislature on Border Issue (17.11.1967) 1970 : Tour of U. S. A. on the invitation of Government of the United States and visit to some European countries. 1972 : Tour of Maharashtra for electioneering for General Elections. He was elected to Maharashtra Legislature for the 5th time from Pusad Constituency and was decorated with the position of Chief Minister, Maharashtra State for the THIRD time on the 14th March 1972. 20 Feb. 1975 : Resigned from the position of Chief Minister, Maharashtra State. 12 Mar. 1977 : Elected as a Member of Parliament from Washim Constituency. 18 Aug. 1979 : Breathed his last at Singapore at the age of 66. Coutresy: Mahanayak, authored by Madhukar Bhave Reference: Samanyatil Asamanya- Vasantrao Naik : Written by Pandharinath Patil

December 2012 29 Maharashtra Ahead Stalwart Leader In the decade of sixties per acre agricultural productivity was very low. Due to the efforts by Vasantrao Naik new varieties of Jawari and Cotton were researched. Agricultural Scientists started reaching farmers to mentor them. As a result of all these the agriculture productivity improved during the decade of seventies. A change in the lifestyle of farmers was evident describes Minister of State Prof Fauziya Khan

he meaningful support to areas such as cannot be complete without agriculture, farmers, education and Thonourable mention of the Late industry he also extensively cared for Chief Minister of Maharashtra State deprived constituents of the society as Vasantrao Naik among the very few a social commitment. He used to say visionary stalwarts who contributed that if the educated people are not able immensely to the crafting and laying the to work for social justice, how can we foundations of a modern Maharashtra. expect the same from the uneducated? Many a times it may happen that With a view to proliferate education to the society oriented role played by all strata of the society he initiated and personalities does not find a place in accelerated the establishment of hostels the present while these people and primary schools. He streamlined were active but the history has to the education in Maharashtra. The unquestionably take cognizance of secondary education in Western the same. While discussing about Maharashtra and Marathwada was in 2003. I followed it up with full the passage of Maharashtra till date of 11 years duration while the same in conviction. During the year of his the history will undoubtedly have Vidarbha was 10 years. The disparity Birth Centenary, the University is to take cognizance of the era from was removed with streamlining of being renamed as an effort to relate Yashwantrao Chavan to Sharad Pawar. education all over the State. Green Revolution to Marathwada However the strong bond between them While I was a Legislator, I Agricultural University. I am duly was Vasantrao Naik. It is therefore had fervently demanded that the proud of the decision as a citizen of appropriate to say that the passage for Marathwada Agricultural University Parbhani and also feel immensely Maharashtra till date has been from at Parabhani should be adorned in gratified as constituent of the Yashwantrao Chavan to Sharad Pawar the name of Vasantrao Naik during Government and a Member of the via Vasantrao Naik. a discussion on a non-governmental Vasantrao Naik Birth Centenary During his formative years Naik motion at the Legislative Council Celebrations Committee. saheb was part of rural area and from a He was fully aware about Education. deprived as well as negative constituent He always insisted that apart from of the society. He strived and adorned moral education the students need highest education overcoming many It is therefore to inculcate the concept of social hurdles in the path. He achieved appropriate to say commitment in them. He held that the success even while the educational teachers were also equally responsible facilities were almost non-existent. that the passage for the same. Everyone should strive While studying at the Morris College for Maharashtra to endow an appropriate prestige and in Nagpur he was greatly influenced status for the teachers who carry out by reading as well as two eminent till date has been the indispensable and pious work of personalities namely a visionary social from Yashwantrao providing knowledge. The school and revolutionist Mahatma Jotiba Phule the teacher should remain as revered and writer Dale Carnegie. Chavan to identities in the minds of students. He A closer look at his 11 year tenure Sharad Pawar via used to emphatically say that the entire as Chief Minister of Maharashtra society must express at least a symbolic will prove that while providing a Vasantrao Naik gratitude for the precious work of

32 December 2012 Vasantrao Naik education carried out by the teachers and there should be a sincere societal attitude to appropriately honour them. He used to also say, “Please never think that you are undergoing education for a job”. While giving voice to his distressed sentiments he had once stated, “It is said that the education completes a person. However, the attitude observed in our country at the present is quite different. We need to become cultured through education”. Naik saheb was an illustrious personality. He courageously faced the incidents and calamities such as border issue, strike by mill workers, Koyna earthquake, the devastating famine of 1972 and skillfully handled these situations. He felt that while we must strive for industrial growth, building confidence in the large Vasantrao Naik with Acharya Vinoba Bhave majority of farmers and farm workers toiling in agriculture was also equally subjected to injustice during creation took the daring decision for bringing essential. To establish four Agricultural of Agricultural Universities. the Land Reforms Act. He challenged Universities in Maharashtra was not the Zamindars with his announcement an easy task. Out of these four, one is Contribution to BHUDAAN of “Land for those who till”. He was located at Parbhani. movement… himself a Zamindar and hence was able Non-irrigated agriculture ditches The prevalent system at that time was to bring about a change in their frame the farmers. The agriculture arithmetic that of Zamindari. Each Zamindar of mind. The announcement provided of the farmers collapses in the absence wielded thousands of acres of a renewed inspiration for farm of rains on schedule. Naik saheb agricultural lands. Vasantrao got workers and marginal farmers. These was fully aware of this. He therefore motivated by the Bhudaan movement steps deserve to be addressed as initiated projects for rainwater started by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and most positive ones in terms of social conservation in agriculture and got thousands of acres of agricultural justice… digging of wells. The wells irrigated lands donated to the movement. During the earlier part of the agriculture…Kirloskar engines and He invited Prime Minister Pandit seventies decade, the Marathwada pumps were visible on agricultural Jawaharlal Nehru and Shrimati Indira Development agitation had become lands. Small barrages were built around Gandhi and created a prestigious acute. Naik saheb did not lose his cool the same time and later got recognized moment for Bhudaan movement. He even while the whole Marathwada had as VASANT BANDHARE. In order to was the originator of Employment been stirred. This was because he had a avoid any regional imbalance, he made Guarantee scheme and Cotton knack to understand the problems faced sure that none of the regions were Monopoly Purchase Scheme. He alone by the agitators and also impeccable solutions to their problems. It was only due his vision that Marathwada was Vasantrao believed… bestowed with establishments such as This is no Culture…just an abnormality… Marathwada Agricultural University, Chikhalthana Industrial Estate, CIDCO “Does it constitute cultured attitude if a human discriminates between humans and does not treat others with humanity? We do not get outcast when we touch a dirty at Aurangabad, as also Marathwada animal. We do not get unhygienic when we touch a dog or a cat…But we get outcast Development Corporation. He used as soon as we touch a person born in an untouchable society no matter how clean to carry along everyone in any task. and hygienic he may be…What a wonder?...We get back the purity just by getting He never got caught up in any type sprinkled with a few drops of water…This clearly shows how badly the Indian society of group, discrimination and caste or is inflicted with abnormal attitude and how flimsy and meaningless are our ideas about touchable and un-touchable…We should truly pity ourselves if we consider this religion politics and hence he became to be the zenith of our culture…” a leader acknowledged and revered by everyone. 

December 2012 33 Maharashtra Ahead A Model Chief Minister Naik was, above all, a smart leader. He paid attention to all sections of the population. His tenure, one of the longest in India’s political history, was marked by two wars, two drought years, flooding and the Koyna earthquake. After each challenge, he rose more confidently. Still more importantly, he ignited a determination among the people fight to the situation and overcome the advertises says Dilip Chaware

by his single-minded concentration on raising the State’s farm output. Ever since, Maharashtra has not experienced food shortages. Explaining the reason for his declaration, Naik later said, “When I heard Shastriji’s words, I was angry with myself, with ourselves. Any self- respecting man would have felt the same anger. If the US was pressurizing us to give up the values on which we were brought up just because we were dependent upon it for food grains, what was the worth of our existence? Outraged by the frustration, I offered to get hanged if my State did not become self-sufficient in growing its own requirement of food grains within two Vasantdada Patil, Vasantrao Naik and others years.” on his farm land at Gahuli Naik made this declaration, knowing full well that no preparations had been asantrao Naik, the soft-spoken taking place. Against this background, made. Budgetary provisions and other Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri formalities were a long way off. Still, Vshocked the nation when he had disclosed at the public meeting that he felt confident to offer his own neck declared at a rally, “Hang me publicly the US President had been delaying since he had confidence in the people of if Maharashtra does not attain self- signing the PL 480 documents though Maharashtra. sufficiency in food grain production the document had been lying before A born farmer, Naik firmly believed within two years.” him for several months. that agriculture was the only avocation This ultimatum hit the headlines. India was to receive food grains that could feed billions of Indians, offer Vasantrao Naik made this grim from the US under the PL 480 and them work and livelihood. From time to declaration at a public meeting at Pune the payment for the consignments time, Naik impressed upon the people in 1965 when the nation was reeling was to be made in rupees. Shastri’s to adopt the new technology and water under the impact of two wars with disclosure disgusted Naik so much that management principles in agriculture. Pakistan and the earlier war with China. he made this declaration, on the spur He held that a Green Revolution means Recurring droughts in many parts of of the moment. Expectedly, he was bringing about a fundamental change the country had affected the production ridiculed for it by the opposition and in the farming community’s attitude of food grains. Reports were pouring the media. However, Naik showed that towards agriculture, changing its in that starvation deaths had started the impossible could become possible beliefs about traditional crop patterns.

34 December 2012 Vasantrao Naik

Therefore, he insisted that the age-old said that it was not a sudden thought. methods of farming must be discarded The best tool to measure a country’s and the dependence on the vagaries of affluence was its agriculture. This was nature must end. Modern and scientific an accepted principle. As far as the approach was the need of the hour. Indian economy was concerned, its Naik emphasized the role to be every sector had a close relationship played by each level of society in making with agriculture. Natural calamities the Green Revolution a success. He said had shown time and again that if that each elected representative, each agriculture was hit, even industry felt bank, each officer of the Government, the impact. Given this situation, the each voluntary agency and each Green Revolution’s successful march agriculture university must participate ahead was everybody’s responsibility. in taking on this challenging task. To elaborate his thinking, Naik said Naik firmly believed that agriculture that all available water must be used alone had the capability to end India’s judiciously to grow more and more. unemployment problem. Not opposing Referring to the war with Pakistan, he industrialization, Naik maintained that made a memorable statement, “We can be able to live as a human being, with the farmer was the backbone of the deploy more troops on the borders if dignity. I am aware that there is no Indian economy. None other activity the need arises but if we are defeated instant solution to achieving this goal. but agriculture could sustain the on the agricultural front, we will never All of us must work ceaselessly to growing population. recover.” achieve it. I am prepared to consider When the Green Revolution he had any suggestion, any proposal that will unleashed started showing positive “We can deploy take us forward in attaining this goal. results, an elated Naik said that this I assure you that funding will not be a unprecedented experiment had created more troops on problem for this. If we are determined, a confidence among the farmers of the borders if the we can surmount any challenge.” Maharashtra. The increased farm Naik was candid with elected production had reoriented the attitude need arises but if representatives as well. He told of ‘agriculture for survival’ to a ‘market- we are defeated them, “Members come and go but based’ approach. The farmer must not the institutions continue. Therefore, be content with just subsistence, he on the agricultural elected representatives must not forget must generate wealth from his holding. front, we will never that the institutions belong to them. The farmer of the future must be a They should minimize their social and ‘rich farmer’ and the chronic poverty of recover” political differences so as to make the villages must vanish. institutions more efficient and useful.” Naik believed that the farmer in Naik advocated the establishment of When Naik took over, Maharashtra India possessed an in-born wisdom. a society which was based on socialism was a young State, just three years old. When he was convinced of a philosophy, and social justice. Self-sufficiency in Western Maharashtra, Vidarbha and he embraced it without reservations. each sector was dear to him. He believed Marathwada were the three regions This had been endorsed by the Green that Maharashtra had the strength and which needed emotional integration. Revolution in Maharashtra, Naik potential to lead the nation on the The old British mindset was intact and announced cheerfully after the initial path of progress and transformation. the bureaucracy was very strong and success of his campaign to make the At the same time, he made it clear adamant. It was justly called the steel State self-sufficient in food grains that this would become a reality if frame. Maharashtra was regarded as production. He acknowledged this every individual in Maharashtra was the best-administered State. Naik was great achievement when he said at a motivated to contribute his best, was happy to inherit this legacy but he public meeting, “I am happy to note supported by the leadership and if felt that the State should run for the this change in attitude. The record this combination was dedicated to the people by their representatives and of the past four years shows that the removal of poverty. not by officers. He brought about this farmer of Maharashtra is convinced of Naik announced that the State reorientation almost painlessly. A bond the need to change his attitude towards Government would participate of confidence was established between agriculture. I find that he has been wholeheartedly in this human the bureaucracy and its political trying crop innovations in each season.” endeavour. He declared, “I don’t mind masters. Of course, both sides respected Explaining his insistence on if a few projects do not materialize but each other’s aspirations and limitations. modernization of agriculture, Naik the common man in this State must Still, something more was needed to be

December 2012 35 Maharashtra Ahead done and Naik was successful in doing seems, developed a process. Under in the house when veterans like it without disturbing any side. this, not doing anything, nor taking Krishnarao Dhulup, Datta Deshmukh Naik’s another major achievement any decisions is considered the safest or Uddhavrao Patil were scheduled was earning the confidence of the route in governance. In my opinion, to speak. This was in the days when people. He used to tell his colleagues this tendency is the main culprit. I don’t the opposition’s numerical strength and officials that the people should mind if some mistakes take place while in the house used to be minuscule. be taken into confidence. “Admit any working but not working at all under He would say, “No democracy mistakes you may have made but the shelter of rules and regulations is is meaningful unless there is an tell people that these were committed unpardonable.” opposition. Our faults and lapses come while working for the larger good,” Naik was, above all, a smart leader. to our notice when they are highlighted was his advice. This is the reason the He paid attention to all sections of by the opposition.” people of Maharashtra trusted him and the population. His tenure, one of the In personal relations, too, Naik lent their support to the Government longest in India’s political history, was had been most dignified. When Bapu whenever it was required, especially marked by two wars, two drought years, Kaldate, a prominent socialist, took at the time of the war with Pakistan. ill during a winter session at Nagpur, Women donated their gold, students Naik went to his MLA Hostel room their pocket money and elders, their and offered to extend the necessary pension amounts. medical treatment, including going to The best example of the unique abroad. In the next election, Kaldate chemistry Naik developed as a Chief was defeated. A couple of years Minister is the Employment Guarantee later, he was convalescing at his Scheme (EGS), which was enacted in Aurangabad residence when he Maharashtra when the State was facing received a call from Naik’s office that unprecedented drought in 1972-73. The the Chief Minister wished to meet him. opposition stood by Naik in formulating Kaldate replied that he was not well and implementing the scheme. An enough to leave his house due to health estimated 70 million rural people reasons. The same night, Naik reached could survive this challenging time Attending journalists tour at his his house and spent some time with owing to the EGS. It is now adopted at village Gahuli him. Showing such consideration for the national level. Implicit faith in the a former MLA by a Chief Minister was leadership by the people is guaranteed flooding and the Koyna earthquake. rare. But Naik had cultivated personal to prosper a State. It was during Naik’s After each challenge, he rose more relations with so many people that even term that Maharashtra recorded confidently. Still more importantly, his opponents thought twice before several spectacular achievements, the he ignited a determination among attacking him. self-sufficiency in food grains being at the people to fight the situation and Naik had a friendly equation with the top of the list. Chronicles of those overcome the adversities. Opponents the media, too. Still, he was not short of days describe how Naik met people on in his own Congress party and in critics. However, he never criticized the various EGS works in different parts the legislature had been looking for media. On one occasion, news stories of the State, listened to them patiently opportunities to counter his growing appeared in a section of the press that and amended the policies on the spot if popularity. Naik did not lose his balance Naik had constructed a palatial house he found that people’s complaints had even once. When Senapati Bapat, the at his hometown of Pusad. Naik did not substance. As a consequence, a vast respected freedom fighter, declared that send any clarification nor any rebuttal. number of people in rural areas were he would sit on an indefinite fast in front A few months later, he took a press enabled to tide over the crisis and there of the secretariat on the Maharashtra- party to Pusad to visit his farm and was no starvation death, neither any Karnataka border dispute, Naik went to naturally, the reporters saw his house, farmers’ suicides. meet him and disarmed the opposition too. On their own, they wrote how Naik abhorred negativity. In his which was planning to exploit the fast the reporters about his ‘palace’ were inimitable style, he would narrate how for mobilizing the opinion against the exaggerated. negativism had been ruling the roast. Congress party. But Naik’s gesture Naik’s rule was marked by harmony, Naik used to say, “The officers will of calling on Bapat had exactly the progress and development. He first try to find a precedent to turn opposite effect. remained the Chief Minister for over a down something. The bureaucracy Naik’s affection and regard for decade because of his positive attitude, will try to reject a proposal or public opposition parties ensured a smooth confidence and patience. Even today, demand by referring to previous sailing for him in the legislature. he is ranked among the best chief decisions or the laws. We have, it He would make it a point to stay ministers India has produced. 

36 December 2012 Vasantrao Naik FOUNDATIONS OF MAHARASHTRA STATE Vasantrao Naik’s immaculate 11 year tenure provided the stability and acceleration to Maharashtra. The decisions he took and the projects he implemented during this period were path breaking. He was always an intent personality. On one side he would think of the agriculture, on another getting self sufficient in terms of food grains, on the development of progressive cities such as Mumbai, Pune and Aurangabad, on industrialization of the rural areas, on the new dams and in addition to all these on providing work to the unemployed…This is an introduction to the decisions taken and the Schemes implemented by him during his extensive tenure…

he first Chief Minister of decentralization of power goes to State Maharashtra State Yashwantrao of Maharashtra, it also has to go to TChavan envisioned the Vasantrao Naik. decentralization of democracy. Vasantrao Naik played a major role Official Language Status in bringing this dream to reality. for MARATHI Yashwantrao Chavan was fully aware of Vasantrao Naik announced on the the fact that the true democracy would 1st May 1966 providing an official not be established unless the powers of language status for Marathi presiding the State were decentralized to the rural in the hearts of 40 million residents areas instead of remaining concentrated of Maharashtra. Orders for carrying at the Mumbai headquarters. With out all the Government work through the same perspective he appointed Marathi were issued. At the same time a ‘Democracy Decentralization a confidence was inculcated in people Committee’ under the Chairmanship of from the State speaking other languages the then Revenue Minister Vasantrao that they would not be inconvenienced. Naik. Vasantrao proved the confidence It was decided to establish Regional bestowed on him by Yashwantrao offices of Language Directorate at Chavan significant beyond doubt. Nagpur, Pune and Aurangabad. Before With fifteen months of exhaustive this decision, the language for official common man should be benefitted studies he presented his report. The work was English. As the medium of on priority as he is dependent on roots of the democratic decentralization interaction was a foreign language the the agriculture. He provided utmost in the State today can be found in common man and the Government priority to agriculture in the State this report. The Panchayat and Zilla remained distanced. The confidence and carried his ploy with a vow to Parishad Act came into existence based behind this decision was that in a propagate agriculture and to remove on this report. His recommendation in democratic set up the medium of the difficulties faced by the farmers the report that the Chairman of Zilla interaction would bring proximity wherever he went. He toured the Parishad should not be the Collector between the Government and the whole State with a message for using of the District but should be an elected people. modern seeds and fertilizers, for representative of the people was inducing the farmers to change the revolutionary. He always held firmly Agricultural Developments traditional agricultural perspective and that the leadership from rural areas Vasanrao Naik was hailed as the Pioneer take up the agriculture with modern must have a greater say in the decision of green revolution. He was fully methods. He inspired farmers with his making. This model of decentralization engrossed by a singular aim of making studied analysis and great oratory. He of power was accepted across the the State self sufficient in terms of would humbly say, “We do not have a Nation. Hence just as the credit for food grains. He contended that the magic wand which would make us self

December 2012 37 Maharashtra Ahead sufficient overnight. You will have to strive and I shall provide the resources. I shall not fail in providing you the resources”. His efforts proved quite rewarding. Maharashtra got a great fillip and acceleration in modernization of agriculture. While observing the huge yields from the green crops one finds an image of Vasantrao embedded therein.

Land Reforms Maharashtra became the first State to create and implement the Land Reforms Act. Maharashtra accepted the maxim “The land belongs to those who till it”. Maharashtra was also the first State to eliminate ‘Khoti’ and ‘Malgujari’. The main aim of the Act was to remove the disparity in respect of land holdings and to secure the people who actually tilled the lands from all types of exploitation. Employment Guarantee with an employment instead of leaving It was expected that the measures would Scheme him at the mercy of fate. For famine encourage farmers for improvement Originated in Maharashtra, the prone areas the scheme came as a boon. in the productivity of lands and Employment Guarantee Scheme has Works such as leveling of lands, road enhance the quantum of food grains. today been accepted all over the country. construction, trickle lakes, reservoir The establishment of the principle of Shri. V. S. Page presented the plans for lakes and excavation for wells were Social Justice was immensely helped by this Scheme. Vasantrao Naik strived taken up on a large scale. Through the these land reforms decisions taken by vision of Vasantrao Naik the Scheme Vasantrao Naik. “We do not have proved immensely successful and path breaking within a short span of time. Industrial Expansion a magic wand After Vasantrao Naik took over which would make Maharashtra State the reins of the State, the work at Lottery the Maharashtra State Industrial us self sufficient Maharashtra State Lottery started in Development Corporation was duly overnight. You will 1969. The background of starting the accelerated. The industries that same was to pull out the workers from had concentrated in Mumbai area have to strive and the clutches of ‘Matka’. The addiction got decentralized and expanded in I shall provide the of Matka was creating a disaster in other cities in Maharashtra. Butibori the lives of workers and middle class. (Nagpur), Walunj (Aurangabad), resources” While the subject was being discussed Satpur-Ambad (Nashik), Islampur Vasantrao Naik as Chief Minister (Sangli), (Dist. Latur) and others day and night in order to successfully initiated Maharashtra State Lottery as a got established during his tenure implement this Scheme which provided positive social option to the devastating alone. MIDC provided lands on work to lakhs of people. The pattern Matka. Prizes worth lakhs of rupees priority to sectors such as Automobile, of this Scheme was ‘work for anyone were announced for a single rupee. Chemical, Engineering, Pharmaceutical who asks for’. The Scheme specially The Lottery faced criticism at the time. and others and decentralized the envisaged equal remuneration for both However Vasantrao Naik emphatically industries to a very great extent. MIDC men and women and a crèche for caring said, “The mill worker from Mumbai developed the lands and provided the children of women workers. A huge and the working class are spending the infrastructural facilities to the quantum of work was created through hundreds of rupees on Matka and industrialists. The end result was the medium of Employment Guarantee getting ruined. Just by the closure of the facilitation of educated youth Scheme. The pride of toiling farm Matka we cannot ensure freedom of the particularly from the rural areas to find worker was awakened by this Scheme workers from gambling. We shall have employment locally. and during the famine provided him to find out a social option for the same.

38 December 2012 Vasantrao Naik

This is why we are initiating this lottery. Sales’ Act was passed by the Legislative city complete with all the facilities. A rupee spent for the same will go to the Council. The Scheme was to provide This city got created through the vision development work and few will also be worthy rates to the cotton producing of Vasantrao Naik. It is easy to dream benefitted”. farmers of the State. The Scheme nipped but very difficult to bring the dream in the bud the prevalent purchase to reality. But Vasantrao Naik dreamt Cotton Monopoly Scheme of cotton at rock bottom prices. The of a new city and brought the same to Vasantrao Naik was conscious that a support prices of cotton started to be reality. During the time we did not have farmer cultivating cotton is a major decided. Cotton got a guaranteed price. the modern machines seen today. Still stay of the State economics. However A system was developed to process Vasantrao ventured to construct the he was also aware of the fact that this cotton and to sell the same. A huge Vashi Bridge and brought it as a the Vidarbha farmers were always Scheme to constrict the tendency to total success. There was a huge change being exploited by the middlemen, loot the already distressed farmers had due to this bridge. The people trickled commission agents and the emerged from the exemplary vision of to make an abode in Navi Mumbai. businessmen for generations together. Vasantrao Naik… Today Navi Mumbai is a prestigious city While the cotton arrived during harvest replete with Railway, Transport, basic the businessmen purchased the cotton The Creation of Navi infrastructure, huge water resources at rock bottom rates. The farmer who Mumbai and expansive malls. The last 40 years had arrived with the bullock cart full of Considering aspects such as alarming have seen the rapid development and cotton could not return without selling growth of Mumbai, the vast crowds, expansion of this city. This is a symbol the same. As a result the farmer was insufficient and narrow roads and of the visionary that Vasantrao Naik being looted. Vasantrao Naik decided the increased shortage of housing was… to stop the loot. The then Cooperation Vasantrao Naik took an ambitious Minister Yashwantrao Mohite took the decision to create a satellite township Rural Electrification lead and from the concerted efforts of at Navi Mumbai as an option to After Vasantrao Naik took over as the duo a unique ‘Cotton Monopoly Mumbai. He constituted CIDCO as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Scheme’ emerged. For this purpose a new establishment. Today Navi the Maharashtra State Electricity a ‘Cotton Compilation Process and Mumbai is considered as a planned Board was accelerated. A challenge

December 2012 39 Maharashtra Ahead to provide electricity to the remotest was the pinnacle of the scientific village in Maharashtra was undertaken. Exemplary Decisions agricultural perspective of Vasantrao • D ecentralization of Democracy and Naik. While recommending supreme Power Generation was emphasized. implementation of Panchayat Raj Efforts were initiated for a chain of • Cotton Monopoly Scheme… priority for agricultural development Power Generation Centers across the • Employment Guarantee Scheme… the Kothari Commission had suggested State. Khaparkheda, Paras, Bhusawal • R ehabilitation of the people affected that each State should have an (Thermal) and Pophali, Yeldari by devastating Koyna earthquake in agricultural university. When Vasantrao 1966 Naik scientifically studied the subject (Hydroelectric) were commissioned. • C onstruction of 70,000 tenements At the same time electrical engineering destructed by the Panshet floods he found that research was essential education from various colleges started • A ssistance to the people affected by in many aspects of agriculture such as on a large scale. Hence there was never the communal riots in Bhiwandi city creating new species of seeds, searching a shortage of engineers and technicians in 1970 for seeds which could provide yields • P rovision of the rank of a Cabinet even at low rainfall, soil testing and in this field. Earlier, only a few cities in Minister to the Leaders of opposition the State had electrification. However both in Legislative Assembly and others. He set up a committee under Vasantrao Naik aimed at providing Legislative Council… the Chairmanship of State Director of electricity to the remotest village in • A decision not to initiate Chapter Agriculture. It was decided to create the State. Through electrification, the Cases against the opposition party the first Agricultural University at leaders for taking part in the political Rahuri in Ahmednagar district. Further face of rural Maharashtra transformed or public agitations… completely. New and modern industries • Important decisions to the effect Agriculture Universities were set up at got inspired and accelerated. With that there would be no shortage Akola, Parabhani and Dapoli. electrical connection to agriculture of food grains and cattle feed. The Through this initiative, the Chief farmers were able to reap two crops a problems of agricultural loss and Minister also managed a regional drinking water would be resolved… balance. These Universities carried out year. The darkness from the households • D ecision to effect purchase of Jawari disappeared and gave way to an through Marketing Federation a meritorious work in triple aspects of enlightened prosperity… • E stablishment of four Agricultural research, education and agricultural Universities with a view to modernize service and further in terms of Confrontation with Famine agriculture and creation of seeds agricultural reforms and development providing yields even with low rains as well. The record of creating four The 1972 famine was a grave calamity • Initiation of a Scheme for Rental faced by Maharashtra. With rains Housing Agricultural Universities during the absent, the rivers and the streams were • Cr eation of District Planning tenure of a Chief Minister in any State dry…A severe scarcity of drinking water Committee is rightfully held by Vasantrao Naik. loomed large coupled with stressful This is the most appropriate example hunger and non availability of work as of his tryst and relationship with there was no work in the fields. It was a large scale. The whole of Maharashtra agriculture. one of the biggest challenge to come saw the fruits of this exercise in the On the whole the tenure of Vasantrao out of the fierce calamity of famine. ensuing period. During the famine Naik was dedicated to laying the However Vasantrao Naik stood his it was necessary for the hands to get foundations for Maharashtra State. ground firmly and with conviction… work. For this Vasantrao Naik met His contribution to Agriculture, He and his colleagues collectively the Prime Minister and requested him Education, Employment, Industries, pledged to confront this natural to initiate some work on the railways. Urban Development and others were calamity head on… Tankers were used to supply drinking noble. He could relieve the State from During this phase the first decision water to various hamlets in the State. unprecedented calamities like he was taken to pay the fees for all the The cattle were also taken care of along had a magic wand to wield…Untiring school and college going students with the people. Camps for the cattle efforts, scientific perspective, judging from exchequer. The idea was that no were erected. It was ensured that the the people, affinity about the common student should lose his education due cattle would not be led to the slaughter man and inspiring words which could to the famine. In addition to this it was houses…This was the period which turn foes into friends were some of the decided to allow part time work under tested Vasantrao Naik on every aspect attributes of his enormous personality… Employment Guarantee Scheme to the and he came out with exemplary success This son of the soil who was always enrolled students if they wished so. in each of them. immersed in the thoughts of developing Thousands of students were advantaged Maharashtra could only be conferred due to this. Creation of Agricultural with the Honor of ‘Vikaspurusha’… During the same period the Universities The excellence of all round excavation work for the lakes and Nalla The decision to create four separate development.  bunding work were also undertaken on Agricultural Universities in the State - Kiran Kendre

40 December 2012 Vasantrao Naik The Optimistic The of the Marine Drive, Today is a gift from this visionary administrator .The Prestigious buildings standing there are no less than a monument to this able administrator, who changed the Sky Line of Mumbai, states Narayan Haralikar

comprised of present day Maharashtra and Gujarat, both. Later he was entrusted the responsibility of Minister for Cooperation in the year 1957, when the agitation for linguistic State for Maharashtra i.e. Samyukt Maharashtra had gained momentum. The unilingual Marathi speaking Maharashtra, though truncated, finally became a reality in the year 1960, under the leadership of Shri. Yashwantrao Chavan, popularly known as Y. B. Chavan. Shri. V. P. Naik was a Minister in the cabinet of Shri. Chavan. Biggest contribution to the administration, especially for the rural administration in Maharashtra, by Shri. V. P. Naik is the Panchayati Raj System. It had been a constitutional obligation Concern and care for the poor Vasantrao Naik with Smt. Indira Gandhi for the State Governments to adopt the Panchayati Raj System in the rural ombay (Mumbai) is that way 1963, almost 50 years back. administration. “The State shall take a very important city, and the We find the issue has not been steps to organize village panchayats “Bproblems that are facing us resolved completely even today. and endow them with such powers today are also as great as the city itself. The reasons may be various, but the and authority as may be necessary to The problem of the city is that we point is being as a Chief Minister, he enable them to function as units of receive thousands of people every day was sensitive to the grass root issues self-government,” it was stated in the who come without anything. Practically, that mar the administration and the constitution of India. I doubt whether they purchase their development of the city or the region. Later, in 1957, the Balwantrai railway tickets also. They come in He was considering to empower the Mehta Committee recommended thousands and create problems for us.” Municipal Commissioner of Mumbai democratic decentralization by One may doubt today that these (then Bombay) to demolish the illegal setting up Panchayati Raj Institutions are the words of a party leader with slums in the city and rehabilitate them, (PRIs), and devolving the necessary parochial policies, which the liberals using force if needed, elsewhere. resources, powers and authority to must attack. But No! No! These are not Those were the days when India as them. became the first (not) the words of any small leader of a a whole was facing acute shortage of State to institute Panchayati Raj in very tiny party. These are the utterances food grains. India was importing huge 1959, followed by Andhra Pradesh. of one of the ablest administrator quantity of wheat and millets (of poor Maharashtra Government, however, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri. quality) under international treaty for decided to set up a committee under the Vasantrao Phulsing Naik, an efficient, public distribution. Shri. Vasantrao then Revenue Minister Shri V. P. Naik, as sensitive, caring Leader and a stern, Naik, being a son of an ordinary farmer the Chairman, to study the Balwantarai astute administrator-the third Chief and that too from a tribal Banjara family, Mehta Committee report and make Minister of Maharashtra, that he was, was very much perturbed. He was then recommendations. Balwantrai Mehta who summarized the basic problems a Deputy Minister for Revenue in the Committee had recommended a three of this megacity Mumbai, way back in then bilingual Bombay State which tier system of rural governance with

December 2012 41 Maharashtra Ahead

common man and development of the village. It was means to create a New Society, he believed. It is for the people today to understand and judge the success of the Panchayati Raj. Administration with human touch and farmer first was motto of Shri. V. P. Naik. The contemporary media persons always remembered how V. P. Naik would celebrate the first showers of monsoon. He had studied the pattern of monsoon and the agriculture in Maharashtra earlier as the revenue minister and also as the minister for cooperation. The great famine (or the Vasantrao Naik and Vasantdada Patil at Yavatmal Zilla Sarpanch Sammelan Situation of scarcity, as the typical jargon of the Government revenue strong democratic structure. The by the Vasantrao Naik Committee, at machinery would say) of the late sixties, Naik Committee however preferred to the behest of the then Chief Minister during his tenure as the Chief Minister recommend shifting of the power base Y. B. Chavan. Addressing the delegates, of Maharashtra, stimulated him to from middle level Block Panchayat to Shri Naik said, “Grampanchayat usher in the much acclaimed Green the district level Zilha Parishad. The Administration is criticized by many. It Revolution. Stirred by the severe drought Committee was of the view that too is not the issue of academic excellence. and the difficulties of the cultivators and much of democratization of the grass Here we need to get the work done for the rural population, he inspired many root institutions, in the absence of the welfare of the people. Their issues of the agricultural scientists to research adequate skilled (trained) staff would should be resolved by themselves at for high yielding variety of seeds. do more harm than benefit. the village level. The local people must He was instrumental in establishing He as the chairman of the committee participate in the administration for Agriculture Universities in Maharashtra. suggested opening of more institutions the development of the village. It is His efforts yielded desired results. for training of the necessary staff at a policy to strengthen the Nation by Journey of Maharashtra towards self all levels. In the process it was also development at the grass root level.” sufficiency in food grains had begun. V. P. suggested that, though, the system He also exhorted them to run these Naik, though highly educated, he would would be headed by an officer of Indian Panchayati Raj institutions with a always take out time to experiment with Administrative Services (IAS) cadre, humane face for the welfare of the agriculture, cultivation. In order to avoid all other staff would not come from the State Revenue cadre. At the same time a link with the existing system was maintained by vesting the supervisory powers with the District Collector, of course without any interference from him. Today we find how prudent the decision was. This decision helped developing the administrative skills with firsthand experience in the Panchayati Raj system, as the next step was Administration with humane touch. It will be interesting to know his views on Decentralization of Power or Power to the Peoples’ Representatives, i.e. Democratization of the Governance. A conference of the elected members of the Panchayati Raj institutions in the State was organized immediately after Chief Minister of Maharashtra V.P. Naik (left) along with Vasantdada Patil the implementation of the Three-tier (right) and Vice Admiral Sourendra Nath Kohli watching the naval exercises Panchayati Raj system as recommended in Mumbai on February 23, 1973.

42 December 2012 Vasantrao Naik losses to common farmers, it was his practice to experience every new variety of seed first in his own farm. Many had criticized him that he wanted to earn first for himself. His critics were proved wrong as his observations about the yield in a corner of his farm land would provide minute and detailed inputs for further research. Farmer First was policy behind this kind of experiment. He also experimented with grape and sugarcane cultivation besides cotton and opened a hitherto unknown vista for the farmers of Vidarbha to earn more than the traditional cultivation. He provided a new dimension to the administration and the Government policy. the Sky Line of Mumbai. He knew there the trusted and obedient worker of the Administrative foresight of Shri V. P. was paucity of land in Mumbai. Mumbai ruling political party. He lamented that Naik provided great relief to farmers for had natural limitations for expansion “Bombay is that way a very important the past four decades and probably in the and hence he decided to reclaim land city, and the problems that are facing years to come. It was his administration in . The present day Cuff us today are also as great as the city with Humane touch, that gave birth to Parade and part of Nariman Point is its itself. The problem of the city is that the Employment Guarantee Scheme, outcome. Moreover one might see the we receive thousands of people every a tool for development of the State by seeds of recent State Government policy day who come without anything. . . . the providing means for living during the problem of slum is there and it adds to scarcity conditions. Many kilometer the problems that we are already facing. long roads were constructed in rural He also We will have to provide some facilities Maharashtra initially and later the experimented for them in order to attract them to leave scheme was utilized for creating their slums, but as I told you this is very irrigation facilities such as percolation with grape ticklish problem. There are a number of tanks and farm tanks. Years later, and sugarcane slums, uncertified slums, and the slums the very same EGS was used to boost can be created overnight. . . . So we will horticulture in the State during drought cultivation besides have to be rather stiff about it and meet conditions. It provided another earning cotton and opened the situation.” Unfortunately, however source for farmers during better weather earnest he was in resolving the issue of conditions. Despite his best efforts, a hitherto unknown slums in the city, as the Chief Minister however, the farmers of Vidarbha failed vista for the he could not progress a centimeter to utilize the Government schemes for ahead. The present day SRS or the slum own uplift and finally, about five years farmers of Vidarbha rehabilitation scheme is nothing but a back they resorted to suicide. Lately the to earn more than tribute to the visionary Chief Minister Central Government too accepted the V. P. Naik, who spelled it almost fifty Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) the traditional years back. at national level and it proves the vision cultivation This is the Centenary year of V. P. and administrative acumen of V. P. Naik. The State Government is also Naik, the Chief Minister. of Slum Clearance and Rehabilitation in planning to celebrate it on a massive Many tend to brand Shri. V. P. Naik one of his statements. scale. The State Government ( and also in black over his decision to reclaim Shri. V. P. Naik, as the Chief Minister the political party to which Late V. P. land from the Sea. But I would prefer to of Maharashtra, in the year 1963, Naik belonged,) if, could raise a cadre say it was his vision that he decided to addressing the Annual General Meeting of committed officers and subordinate reclaim land from the sea. The Nariman of the Bombay Chamber of Commerce staff, embracing the human values, for Point of the Marine Drive, today, is a and Industries (BCCI), dealt with the the development of the villages and gift from this visionary administrator. tricky subject of slums and civic amenities small habitats, preservation of our flora The prestigious buildings standing and public order. His address gives us and fauna , probably no other tribute there are no less than a monument to the glimpses of his administrative vision is necessary for this visionary Chief this able administrator, who changed and also the political inability, as he was Minister of yester years.

December 2012 43 Maharashtra Ahead HUMBLE GOVERNANCE WITH SOCIAL SENSIBILITY He created the expanse of Backbay Reclamation for accommodating the alarming increase of Mumbai city. He also laid the foundations of the satellite city of Navi Mumbai. He also brought CIDCO to reality in order that scientifically structured cities could be created in Maharashtra, says senior journalist Yudhishthir Joshi

reclamation at the Backbay, Mumbai. A single Education Board for the entire State and the thought of streamlined courses came in to existence during his tenure alone. Only a few years had passed for creation of Maharashtra State. Therefore it was natural that the thorns of regionalism were both stiff and pointed. Sometimes this resulted in sparks flowing around with full intensity. One such fierce agitation during his regime was that for a separate Vidarbha State. With the creation of a singular syllabus for primary and secondary education and a unique system for S. S. C. examination all over the State, the then Education Minister asantrao Naik was a rare left with a loss of their sting completely. Madhukarrao Chaudhary had already modest person to adorn the Another fact worth consideration is that made sure that the ensuing generation Vcoveted Chief Minister position although the common man was facing would not feel any differences due to of Maharashtra. He was a personality all types of problems and frustrations regionalism. The transparent results of which did not allow a minuscule in his daily life he never had any grudge visionary implementation of the scheme contempt of frustration within the against the Chief Minister. If the slogan can be seen today. After six decades residents of Maharashtra while he was popular today had existed at the time although the regionalism thorns have at the helm of affairs of the State for it would have loudly and affirmatively not lost the prick, they have definitely around 11 long years. The statement said, “Mukhyamantri kaisa Ho?... become blunt enough not to inflict a made here about the residents of Vasantrao jaisa ho” for sure. wound. Another courageous decision Maharashtra is not just indicative but Vasantrao had a poise of his own. implemented by Vasantrao culminated a deliberate one. The political leaders He had the courage and a straight in bringing the State out of the ‘dry’ fads all around him and playing everything talk from the heart. His vision always of prohibition. in the game of power for 11 years that proclaimed in very crystal terms Those who have witnessed Mumbai Vasantrao remained Chief Minister how the Maharashtra should prevail and other cities from the State earlier could not be considered as cooperative in the future. Vasantrao was apt to to 1965 would definitely be impressed with him as they were also in the fray and take extremely bold decisions. He in total by the decision by Vasantrao. were hurt at a very tender place in their was the father of Green revolution Particularly every dingy and dark lane hearts. However as he was also a great in Maharashtra. The Employment of Mumbai at that time proliferated with hunter and exactly knew how and where Guarantee Scheme was entirely his the illegal country liquor manufacturers to target, the opponents were usually initiative and he laid the foundation for carrying out their business in full swing.

44 December 2012 Vasantrao Naik

The cottage industry had created an used to always prefer Jodhpuri suit. unprecedented maximum in all the city He had a stature which would befit slums and the surrounding villages. the ‘stay fit’ terminology used today. The filthy liquor devastated generations Although he had straightforwardness together and distressed the families. in his deliberations he nurtured a The newspapers had sure news at very humble and convincingly soft least once a fortnight about so many spoken personality. This could be people dead after consumption of the amply proved by glancing through his poisonous country liquor. speeches in the Legislative Assembly. Faddist Gandhians and activists While speaking on an important topic from Sarvodaya cult were in total his presentation used to be tenacious favour of prohibition. On one side these and full of pervading humbleness but people were continuously pressurizing with a strong belief in himself and his the Government for prohibition and thoughts. After every few sentences in on the other the country liquor was his presentation, he used to skillfully proliferating everywhere. This was one of filthy and poisonous country liquor argue with the words…please…and cottage industry which was emerging was brought under control. The blunt the fiercest attacks from the stronger every day. The resultant threat decision also saved the lives of a huge opposition parties. perceptions arising out of this cottage number of poor youth who were On one side there were the industry turned Mumbai in to a base inducted to criminality through the newspapers that were ferociously for National and International gangs of illegal transactions of this liquor. slicing the Government on almost criminals. As they held the reins of this The generation today cannot even every issue and on the other there was multi million and fast breeding industry, imagine the condition of Maharashtra the Jambuwantrao Dhote Sena in full they had become almost monopolistic State earlier to 1968 due to Prohibition form and on a warpath demanding a criminal bosses. Vasantrao carefully in vogue. A single decision by Vasantrao separate Vidarbha. Mrinal Gore and and consciously analyzed the social, changed the scenario. Those who have her firebrand women activists kept economic and political angle of witnessed the life at the time and today the Government on their toes through the phenomena and decided to do can alone comprehend the visionary their rolling pin agitations and at the away with prohibition. The decision decisive powers that Vasantrao wielded. same time an all party ensemble at the brought in an increase in the revenue Total prohibition is never the way… Legislature proper used to attack point to the Government. It also provided diligent governance has to have the blank at the Government. an additional source of sumptuous flexibility. Without providing even a chance earning to the sugar factories in the There was a sea of change in attire as for bitterness about himself Vasantrao State through manufacture of country well in gossip when Vasantrao became completed his innings as Chief Minister and foreign liquor. The illegal business the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. He of Maharashtra State for 11 years at a stretch. The twofold character of Vasantrao always complemented and cared for each other while carrying out the governance of the State with full diligence. One of the characters was an exemplary CEO and the other character was a smart and visionary politician. This was one of the rarest combinations to be found in a personality born in a backward Banjara community and coming from a small hamlet of Gahuli in Vidarbha… During his college days he courted Vatsala a Brahmin girl from Ghate family and exchanged vows for a love marriage. This proved beyond any doubt that he was a person in favour of changes. When he arrived on the political stage and subsequently took over the reins of Maharashtra as the

December 2012 45 Maharashtra Ahead

Chief Minister the force of change soared amazingly. The media was not so much proliferated then it is today. The newspapers had a meager run and most importantly it was not a period when the politicos and the members of the Government provided sumptuous advertisements to the press for getting praised…They had a limited sphere… Agriculture was a subject which Vasantrao always held at his heart. He was sincerely proud of calling himself as a farmer. It was proper that during his tenure alone the Agricultural universities were set up in Maharashtra and the Maharashtra Seeds Corporation was initiated. Vasantrao, the Chief Minister was completely distressed during the severe famine that struck the State in 1972. He was putting himself fully on for saving the cattle. He was the person who Reforms in practice. others… implemented the Scheme of providing The entire lobby of the cotton It has to be mentioned as a fact that work to anyone and wherever he was traders was acting for bringing in and we would not have such a warm hearted and assure him of the future. This implementing the Monopoly Cotton Chief Minister for Maharashtra and this was the first time in India that such a Purchase Scheme. However without is not at all an exaggerated statement. Scheme was planned and implemented much of friction and bitterness the When Senapati Bapat started his with total success. At any cost he did not Scheme was implemented. indefinite fast in the scorching heat in want his farmer in a ramshackle…When He created the expanse of Backbay front of ‘Varsha’, the official residence the rains arrived after this distraught Reclamation for accommodating the of the Chief Minister, Vasantrao was famine, Vasantrao was as happy as a impatient. Not because he was against child…He had emptied his pockets and Vasantrao had a the insistence on a fast by Senapati. He immediately dispatched his orderly to only insisted that Senapati should be get sweets within a moment…The cheer poise of his own. seated in a shadow. on the face of this Chief Minister was He had the courage While the mandatory Winter Session beyond words… of the Legislature was on at Nagpur, A tour accompanying Vasantrao as a and a straight talk the firebrand MLA of the Peasants and Chief Minister was a boon in disguise. from the heart. His Workers party Shri. N. D. Patil started Just the reported word or any news a fast in front of ‘Ramgiri’ the residence carried to him would never satisfy vision always of the Chief Minister. The severe winter him. He used to visit the fields, see proclaimed in very winds saw determined Shri. N. D. Patil the crops for himself and at times sat scouting his stance… Vasantrao arrived down to clear the weeds. Very carefully crystal terms how in the night and escorted Shri. N. D. he observed the standing crops. His the Maharashtra Patil honourably to Ramgiri. The sight agricultural expertise would silence of a great leader fasting in the expansive even the field specialists. should prevail verandah of the Chief Minister’s He was the anchor for in the future Bungalow with the Chief Minister decentralization of governance in inside the bungalow itself cannot even terms of creation of Panchayat Samiti alarming increase of Mumbai city. be imagined ever… and Zilla Parishad. He ended the He also laid the foundations of the As the holding back of compassion regime of Malgujars by implementing satellite city of Navi Mumbai. He also expanded, the people started distancing the Land Reforms Act. The reform brought CIDCO to reality in order that themselves from one another…Under brought on a furious opposition from scientifically structured cities could be such circumstances the fond memories his own party men, but he conquered created in Maharashtra…There were of Vasantrao Naik truly and actually over them and brought the Land projects on Electricity, Dams and many shake the roots of our own being. 

46 December 2012 From The Memoires... A True Family Man Vatsalabai held a position of exemplary prominence in the life of Vasantrao Naik. She was a close witness to the all inclusive and enormous stature borne by Vasantrao in all respects…The interview by Senior Journalist Sharad Akolkar in the year 1966 and published in the Shri Vasantrao Naik Gaurav Granth placidly introduces the multi faceted personality of Vasantrao Naik

is religiously performed during this season alone. The exiled Yaksha from Kalidasa also sends his message to the farmers toiling on the soil through the medium of clouds…This is because the centre of aspirations for farmers is always located in the rains that is in VARSHA… Incidentally the name of the bungalow where the Chief Minister of Maharashtra resides is also VARSHA… I thought about how meaningful the name was… Occupied by my thoughts I had reached the entrance of the bungalow. As usual there were some people waiting in the hall. I started a conversation with Private Secretary to Chief Minister Shri Pathak. The same moment Vasantrao came out from the bungalow probably for going away with some work… Through the crowd of visitors he suddenly saw me and with his eloquent smile said, onsider this…Sometimes we This was the residence of Vasantrao “Are! When did you come?” play cards at leisure…In such a Naik, Chief Minister of Maharashtra. I went near him and answered, “I am “Cgame also Vasantrao is always I stood at the gate for a moment. His in Mumbai for the last two days. We are a winner and naturally all of us utter bungalow was attired with greens on all taking out a special issue of “Gramdoot” words such as “even the cards are on sides. The winds from the Arabian Sea Weekly and had to get the cover your side…” were jostling freely with the coconut, designed. I got some free moments and With a screeching sound the driver betel nut, banana and mango trees thought of meeting you. I understand stops the vehicle and awakens me with around the bungalow. While the greens fully well that you are hard pressed for his words… “We have arrived at the were moving on the waves of the wind time and hence I was trying if I could Chief Minister’s bungalow, sir!” I was they were exhibiting an excellence of life interview Kaku (Mrs. Vatsalabai Naik) not able to comprehend the elapse of 15 held by them…At the entrance I came at least.” minutes since I boarded a taxi to reach across a plaque which had ‘VARSHA’ “Oh! Although I do not think she also Malabar Hill from . engraved on it… has any time today you can try!” saying While I was engrossed in looking at the Within the cycle of seasons, the this Vasantrao went away. rainbow drenched city of Mumbai from Earth comes out with a variety of faces. I sent a slip through the peon and the window of the vehicle the taxi was During the monsoon it gets dressed requested Vatsalabai for providing me already in front of bungalow occupied with the typical hue of green. The time for an interview. I was immediately by Vasantrao Naik… musical presentation of Meghmalhar ushered into the bungalow.

December 2012 47 Maharashtra Ahead

used to visit our fields at Gahuli on and Vasantrao started practice as a lawyer at Pusad after LL.B. However law practice off. On one such visit to Gahuli a person was not the only thing that attracted him. He attended to his agriculture came to Vasantrao and requested for even more than his practice. He had dedicated himself to social work. From a loan of Rs. 500. Vasantrao obliged literacy to prohibition and from village improvement to doing away with the ancient traditions he carried his movement at villages near Pusad. He was him immediately… His attitude to help more interested in social development than in politics…He never had a place anyone with anything remains intact for isolation in his life…He never had lunch alone…there would be at least a even today. Along with his attitude for few people with him…On a day when there would be no one he would not eat extending huge courtesies, I have never properly…He was delighted to serve the people joining him for food…Being seen him getting angry with persons a great host and extending courtesies has been an integral part of his life and personality. Apart from this he is also keenly interested in helping others…He committing mistakes. In fact he used never thinks twice when it comes to help someone in need… to quietly make the person understand his mistake. I have always felt that he conquered many a people with his When I entered the bungalow, “Did I disturb your teaching schedule tolerance.” Vatsalabai was teaching her younger with Niranjan?” I just interrupted her and asked… son Niranjan. However I thought that “No…No…Not at all…The work was “Today Vasantrao is holding the session was almost over as she almost finished and that is why I could the position of Chief Minister of arrived in the hall immediately. The tea give you the time…” Maharashtra. It means that he is in and snacks were served. Before I could “Will it be OK if I started with some politics. The politics always needs introduce myself she said, “You are questions?” strategic abilities. A tactful person from Yavatmal and while I was at Pusad She agreed immediately… alone can be a forerunner in politics. Taluka during the last general elections “You have been the better half for However Vasantrao has not exhibited you accompanied us…” Vasantrao since his induction into any of these traits in his life. Then I felt much at ease. We started to public and political career. What were how could he reach the apex position discuss over a cup of tea. the specialties of his personality at that of a Chief Minister?...I believe that I explained that the topic for my time and how were these developed?” you alone can explain this in a better interview was “Personality of Vasantrao Listening to my question attentively manner as you have been very close to in her perspective” to which she she answered, “It was in 1941 that I got him all along… answered, “See, if there is anything married to Vasantrao. We stayed at “Yes. Vasantrao is extremely tolerant extremely important in his life from Pusad and Gahuli after marriage. The and he takes pride in playing a host. my point of view it is his tolerance and public life for Vasantrao emerged during He also has an attitude to mix up freely perseverance…” this period. While staying at Pusad, we with everyone. In spite of all these, it is only due to his destiny that he was able to progress in a political arena. He has been blessed with a huge luck factor. As a lawyer practicing at Pusad he was actively engaged in social developments. Incidentally he also got introduced and inducted in the political arena. His political career started when he was first elected as President of Pusad Nagar Parishad. Further with a similar coincidence he was awarded a ticket to contest elections to the then Madhya Pradesh Legislature. He had not even applied to Congress for consideration of a ticket. Still he got the candidature with which he won the elections and was even chosen to become a Deputy Minister. This was all part of the coincidence while he became Deputy Minister at the erstwhile Madhya Pradesh…It continues till today while becoming the Vasantrao with Vatsalatai and sons Avinash and Niranjan Chief Minister of Maharashtra State

48 December 2012 From The Memoires...

of working diligently… Of course I have to take the usual care that every other woman takes for her husband…” While Vatsalabai stopped for a moment, I put forward my next question… “I think that the wives of political personalities have to share certain extra responsibilities than those from common people and at the same time such women cannot escape their share of joy and sorrow!...” “In the married life of other women there is no chance for hustle-bustle… It moves on quietly…However, there is always a great hustle-bustle in the life of persons in political arena and they have to attune themselves to such life…The ladies in political environments carry higher and more sensitive concerns in addition to normal concerns shared by a married women from a common without any type of political tactical provide enough time for family family…Now consider this…As a child play whatsoever…Everything went on matters…How do you take care of such Niranjan always wishes to speak with either due to luck factor, coincidence eventualities?...” his father. However, one has to bear or his attitude and today he is the Chief Vatsalabai replied at once… with the fact that Vasantrao is always in Minister…” “It is not that Vasantrao is very busy a hurry and cannot devote enough time Once again I interrupted Vatsalabai… with his tasks only because he became for his home and family...” “Not possible by any chance…No We had been talking for a long time one can be bestowed with the position and I presented my last question… of Chief Minister of a huge State of “If there is “What would Vasantrao like to do Maharashtra only on the basis of his after his retirement from politics?...” luck. The services of such a person need anything extremely “He always says that he would like to be appreciated and acknowledged by important in his to build a farm house with a small the populace…Vasantrao has created a garden and lead his life as a farmer after huge deposit of services to the people life from my point retirement…” and hence based on his own capabilities of view it is his The interview was over and I bid a Naik saheb has become the Chief goodbye to Vatsalabai…However on my Minister…” tolerance and way back the sentiment voiced by her The moment I had completed my perseverance…” echoed in my mind… “Vasantrao would statement Vatsalabai said, “What you like to be a farmer…” say may carry some truth. However Chief Minister…The busy schedules Although the life of Vasantrao Naik what I say is also not false. In his entire have started ever since he got inducted developed sequentially as a social life Vasantrao has always had the to politics…It is true that the busy life activist, lawyer and political leader support of huge luck and he accepts the has further accelerated at present and while these were the prime facets same. Consider this…Sometimes we and hence my first priority is to look of his personality, his inner self always play cards at leisure…In such a game after his health as his wife. With this remained that of a farmer… also Vasantrao is always a winner and in view I try my best with the maxim I was returning through the tree naturally all of us utter words such as “early to bed and early to rise” for lined pathway with the background “even the cards are on your side…” him to the extent possible…However of lilting sounds of leaves swaying on I continued with my question… till now I have not been successful the winds and getting mixed with the “Since Vasantrao has become the in my endeavors…Even while he is roaring ones from sea behind…The Chief Minister he has to carry out so fully occupied with work he never Koel on a mango tree had also joined many duties and naturally cannot gets sluggish. He has pursued a habit the choir…”

December 2012 49 Maharashtra Ahead A True Democratic He is as much at home in the forest and the field as he is in the Cabinet or in the conference room. Whether he is dealing with the man in the street or leaders of the nation, he is his same unruffled, reticent self, flexible but unflinching, persuasive but persistent, vigorous but no vociferous, courageous to the hilt but without bravado in the least, recalls Homi J H Taleyarkhan

hri Vasantrao Naik, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, is a Sleader who is known for his unruffled nature and for his strength of character. He has steered the State with great courage and dexterity in a difficult period and by his own intimate knowledge of agricultural methods has pulled out Maharashtra from a very serious food situation. His tact has been responsible for the solution of many problems and his firmness has shown that he knows that if a democracy is to succeed, it also requires discipline of attitude and behaviour. His unassumingness is another trait which is greatly to be admired and however powerful his authority he has never sought to make a show or a parade of it. Difficulties do not deter him. He has Homi J. H. Taleyarkhan felicitating Vasantrao Naik on his birthday been quietly effective and determined in the implementation of the decisions Vasantrao Naik is a very devoted and the field as he is in the Cabinet or once taken. He has kept the cabinet husband and a very loving father. His in the conference room. Whether he working as one team and has been other keen interest is in shikar. He is is dealing with the man in the street responsible for many of the beneficial not only as sure shot but a very bold or leaders of the nation, he is his same schemes that have helped to improve hunter sometimes to the point of being unruffled, reticent self, flexible but the lot and the condition of the people reckless regarding his personal safety. unflinching, persuasive but persistent, of the Maharashtra. He is as much at home in the forest vigorous but no vociferous, courageous He has been held in the highest to the hilt but without bravado in the esteem in Delhi and greatly respected least. for his views, not only on agricultural Such is the stuff leaders are made of. policies but also on others. Difficulties do all of us who know him so intimately Maintaining an admirable balance not deter him. He for years, have come to appreciate of views as he does, he has the knack of these qualities in a man who weaves satisfying the largest number of people has been quietly patterns of progress out of the though naturally it is not possible effective and very smoke-screen of inscrutability to please one and all. He can do this in which the smoke from his because though he is in his insight, he determined in the pipe, his constant companion, shows understanding in approach to implementation gives the impression of shrouding problems. a personality, at once as Inspite of his very heavy and of the decisions outstanding as he is outspoken.  multifarious duties as Chief Minister, once taken  Courtesy: Shri Vasantrao Naik Guarav Granth

50 December 2012 From The Memoires... Courageous and Realistic “He also brought a new desirable trait in the administration. His instructions are clear and the objectives are well-defined and understood by men who carry out the instructions. As a businessman, I admire this change.”, recollects S. L.Kirloskar

One of the most profitable out of this cobweb, Vasantrao has contribution Vasantrao made to rendered a valuable service to our State. our State is the freedom he gave to I admire the courage he showed officers in the administration of our in relaxing the rigid rules of our State. The administrator, according prohibition policy. It was a bold to my experience, is a man tied to the step and much against the wishes of procedures without thinking of the those who are high in the Congress purpose for which actions are initiated. organization. By giving him the freedom to take action I also admire his frankness and and also make mistakes in the course earthly wisdom in declaring that the of his duties, Vasantrao has turned his farmer is a businessman and in order face to the purpose and made him take to keep his business going, he must decisions. earn reasonable profits. He got the He also brought a new desirable trait Government to assure the farmer a in the administration. His instructions floor price for his grain, in order to are clear and the objectives are well- motivate him to farm better and earn defined and understood by men more. who carry out the instructions. As a As a businessman and an engineer, n the confused atmosphere of businessman, I admire this change I am a firm believer in the freedom self-righteous smugness in our because, in business, confusion is a of man to pursue his profession and Ipolitics, Vasantrao Naik brought luxury your shareholders do not allow. demand a price for his ability, his skills the earthly feeling and thinking of a The administration tends to pick up and quality of his work and product can farmer. I have dealt with farmers all my the evil habit and get wrapped up in command. I apply the same principle life and my experience has taught me the resultant confusion for which the to a farmer and therefore I admire that the farmer is one of the shrewdest citizens pay. I think by trying to come Vasantrao’s wisdom in backing the individuals in our society. His feet and farmer to earn better price for his his thinking are firm on the ground and product. as he grows and lives, he takes his roots I think Vasantrao’s I also believe in human ingenuity. deeper and is firmer in his early sense. personality can That is one faculty which has brought Vasantrao loves the good earth and more progress to human society than has drawn his wisdom from it. He is be summed up anything else. The other day a friend successful farmer and it does mean in the two loves played a tape on which I heard our a great deal to me. You cannot feed Chief Minister talking of such plans the earth with either platitudes or he has: the good as the formation of ‘Water Grid’ for moralizing (our exclusive products in earth he loves the thirsty earth in Maharashtra. It the international field and also at home) may sound unconventional …but the, because the earth does not respond and the author he human society was always led by the to such a diet. The farmer, therefore, likes most….Dale unconventionals, and the rebels, with thinks of work and crops, and costs and conformists toeing their line, no doubt, believe me, also of profits. Carnegie after a fairly long time.

December 2012 51 Maharashtra Ahead

On many problems, I hold different views than those of Vasantrao. But that does not diminish my appreciation for his abilities and the great burden he carries. It is heavy and full of complex factors. Even the most rational man can find the job trying. I am not in politics and never regretted not being in it. Vasantrao is in it along time as far as I can see, is well set to be in it a long time to come. But basically he is a social worker. He has the traits still. He has the obstinacy…an earthly quality which the good earth gives her sons…and also the sympathy. He reveals both. He married outside his caste and even though his father promptly disinherited him, he stuck to his decision. In the end he won and held both, the woman he loved and The good earth which he loves and the he is trying to teach the value of winning the heart of his father. author he likes most…Dale Carnegie. friends and influencing people. 

I think Vasantrao’s personality can He brought a new approach to farming Courtesy: Shri Vasantrao Naik Guarav be summed up in the two loves he has. in our State and in the administration, Granth Through Others’ Eyes

Shri V.P.Naik has not only maintained Under the leadership of Shri Naik, the Shri Naik is a constructive worker of the the standards and traditions laid by his State has been fruitfully engaged in highest caliber which new India needs predecessors but has improved on them. the tremendous tasks of industrial and in their thousands if we have to realize A patriot imbuxed with a spirit of service, rural development throughout the vast the dream of economic prosperity a man of the people who understands expanse of the State and grappling with and power for peace in the world. Shri their needs and aspirations and leader the multifarious complex problems Naik has consistently devoted himself who inspires faith and loyalty among endemic in one of the biggest industrial in all his capacities as a public worker the masses, Shri Naik has shown great and commercial centres of the country, to progressive measures which have sobriety, tact and practical wisdom in his viz. Bombay.” contributed no little to forwardness of work as Chief Minister of Maharashtra.” - Hitendra Desai Maharashtra in several spheres”. - M. Bhaktavatsalam - K.L. Rao Chief Minister, Madras Minister of State, Ministry of Irrigation & Power

Shri Naik is an ideal public man and an Shri V.P.Naik is a well-known “Shri Naik is known for his dynamism administrator. He combines in himself, social worker. He is a man of firm and efficiency. His interest for the the great qualifications of humility with determination and his contributions backward classes is praiseworthy. He has firmness and efficiency. Maharashtra is towards the building up of a strong, made Maharashtra grow from strength fortunate in having him at the helm of united and progressive Maharashtra are to strength in all direction”. its affairs. I am confident that under his substantial and praiseworthy”. - B.S. Murthy stewardship the State of Maharashtra - Ram Subhag Singh Deputy Minister for Health, India will continue to make steady progress”. Minister of State for Railways, India - Bhakt Darshan Deputy Education Minister, India

Courtesy : Shri Vasantrao Naik Gaurav Granth, 1966

52 December 2012 From The Memoires... Wielder of Power by Persuasion The ability and courage that he showered in facing the conditions of drought in Maharashtra last year have earned him universal praise; from the peasant in the field to the Secretary of Agriculture in the United States his mastery of this problem is gratefully acknowledged describes Dr. Rafique Zakaria

Dr. Rafique Zakaria with Vatsalabai and Vasantrao Naik

efore I became a member of the appearance. He used to be much better for Congress victory in the State, which Maharashtra State Legislative dressed then, more immaculate and seemed rather doubtful in the charged BCouncil in May, 1960, I had elegant; but then, as now, he carries atmosphere created by the popular known Mr. V. P. Naik. I have had a himself with tremendous grace and Samyukta Maharashtra movement. glimpse of him, here and there, on dignity and has very pleasing manners. In Vidarbha and Marathwada these some special occasions but there was My earliest recollection of Mr. hopes no doubt were fulfilled but in no personal relationship. True, he Naik was after the general elections western Maharashtra, there was almost was one of the most able and likeable of 1957 when his election to the State a rout of the Congress candidates with colleagues of Mr. Y.B.Chavan, the Legislative Assembly was one of the the result that the Congress Party then Chief Minister of Maharashtra, earliest to be announced. He had won just managed to retain power. In the and had begun to charm the public in his seat by a thumping majority of about months that followed Shri Chavan had Bombay mainly by his sophisticated 25,000 votes, thus creating great hopes a hard and bitter fight to put up with

December 2012 53 Maharashtra Ahead to counteract the mounting opposition to the running of the bilingual State of Bombay; in that task he found in Mr. Naik a trusted, sober and responsible lieutenant. He held then the important portfolio of Agriculture and put in herculean efforts to improve the lot of the agriculturists in the State and win them over the new Congress leadership as embodied by Mr. Chavan. It was also at this time that he paid a visit to China and studied at first hand the methods adopted by the Communist leadership to reorganize the agricultural structure in that country. On the formation of the State of Maharashtra, Mr. Naik became the Revenue Minister and it was in that capacity that I came in close contact with him. As the Chief Whip of the Congress Party in the Council, I had to rush to him for work connected with the council Naik’s part. He waited for some more and tolerance that he has swallowed and I always found him courteous and persons to come and went through the many a time the poison of personal helpful; it was a pleasure to work with function, as if nothing untoward had hurt in order to serve the larger political him and to be guided by him. He is happened. When I tried to apologize interest, as he saw it. never domineering; never interfering; he just smiled and said that it was The ability and courage that he never gets ruffled; and allows the quite understandable. Ever since, I showered in facing the conditions of maximum of freedom of action to his have wondered at the infinite capacity drought in Maharashtra last year have colleagues. I also sat with him in the of the man to maintain his equilibrium earned him universal praise; from the Joint Select Committee meetings on in any situation; nothing irritates peasant in the field to the Secretary of the controversial Land Ceilings Bill him and nothing unnerves him. He Agriculture in the United States his and admired both his patience with is calm as still water and sometimes mastery of this problem is gratefully and tolerance of the opposition. He acknowledged. He knows the pangs would spend hours trying to bring the and sufferings of the peasantry in India members of the opposition to his point intimately and has provided lasting of view and would show no sign of He is not only solutions for tackling them. irritation in the face of all the obstinacy democrat but also Similarly, his broad humanism that they displayed. Many of us would is a part of his being; he is above all feel tired and exhausted but Mr. Naik a humanitarian. sectarian or communal considerations. would preserve till the last. He believes He likes to be good He is not only a democrat but also a passionately in the good of winning to all, even to his humanitarian, who is devoted to the over opponents; to him it is a sign of largest good of the largest number. He successful leadership. known opponents likes to be good to all; even against his Another of his great traits in his known opponents, he rarely speaks, spirit of accommodation. I remember unless compelled to do so on some the day, when I took him to Bhiwandi, deliberately unresponsive. It is difficult rarest possible occasions. A gentleman a place thirty miles away from Bombay to provoke the Chief Minister; I would to his finger tips, Mr. Naik has carved for presiding over a function. I was not like to recount the occasions out a place for himself in the hearts told by some of my friends that it would but there have been many such in of the millions of people in the State be a big gathering. However, when we his life, when even friends and of Maharashtra, over which he has reached the place there were not even colleagues did not hesitate to take presided with such distinction during ten persons. Some one had obviously undue advantage of his gentlemanliness one of the most critical periods in its blundered. I felt ashamed but there and put him in embracing situations. long and chequered history.  was no trace of annoyance on Mr. But so great is his capacity, patience Courtesy: Shri Vasantrao Naik Guarav Granth

54 December 2012 From The Memoires... A Born Leader The arduous duties of a Chief Minister of one of the biggest States of Indian Union has not dimmed his zest for a rich and varied life, says Dayanand Bandodkar

aharashtra’s soft-spoken, polished and superb Chief MMinister is undoubtedly a tremendous asset. I have had the good fortune to have met him when he was the Revenue Minister in that State. He stayed with me for nearly a week. I had thus a good opportunity to have a close glimpse of my dear friend in his most informal moments. Vasantrao, I observed, was a pure product of the soil and looked around him through the simple eyes of a farmer. Himself a cultivator, in a sense, he was greatly concerned about the masses of men and women, behind the plough who feed us all. I noticed that he was restless about the vagaries of the weather and looked up at the skies with the frequency and pinning of the Dayanand Bandodkar with Vasantrao Naik, Yashwantrao and Venutai Chavan farmer in the field. I also noticed, as did Shri Y.B.Chavan, our Defence Minister, from the late Prime Minister for this he has with sweet reasonableness, this particular trait and was indeed excellent innovation. traveled the arduous path, taking with happy. The Defence Minister had Bunding has now taken deep roots him the Opposition in his stride. On jocularly remarked recently that even if in Maharashtra, thanks to Vasantrao many momentous and controversial someone were to sprinkle a few drops of Naik and it is spreading outside the issues, he has unhesitatingly taken the water on Maharashtra’s Chief Minister State also. What I appreciate most in counsel of his party and the views of when he was asleep he would get up him is that, he is not a tub-thumbing the Opposition and he has always come shouting “Rains! Rains!” I think this is orator, talking year in and out, but he out with flying colours. I liked to watch a wonderful compliment and sums up him calmly, smoking his pipe, and his great and humane personality. undisturbed, solving many a tangled I said humane because, as Revenue A farmer loves problem of the premier State in India. Minister, he vigorously pushed ahead Nothing ruffled him. Taking over as a vast variety of agricultural reforms, harmony all around Chief Minister at a critical juncture, the tenancy legislation, land for the and being born he has piloted the destiny of the State tiller, democratic decentralistaion and and has firmly laid the foundation of a other agrarian reforms of far-reaching one, Vasantrao prosperous Maharashtra. consequences. These have been beacon loves it intensely Vasantrao Naik surely has the lights for many States. Our late and makings of a born leader, sprung lamented Prime Minister Pandit is a practical social worker who speaks as he did from the very masses and Jawaharlal Nehru was tremendously less and does more concrete work. It with an agrarian backdrop. But the fascinated by the vast and extensive would be difficult to find others who arduous duties of a Chief Minister of bunding work that was done in have done so much for so many in so one of the biggest States of the Union Maharashtra during Shri Vasantrao short a time. A farmer loves harmony all has not dimmed his zest for a rich and Naik’s regime. Naturally, the State around and being born one, Vasantrao varied life.  came in for very high compliments loves it intensely. That is why, perhaps, Courtesy: Shri Vasantrao Naik Gaurav Granth

December 2012 55 Maharashtra Ahead The Gospel of Self-sufficiency A variety of agrarian reforms of far-reaching consequences such as tenancy legislation, ceiling on agricultural holdings, and democratic decentralization were vigorously pushed ahead and they were beacon lights for many States, says Dinesh Desai State has its own problems resulting from its geographical conditions and historical traditions. Broadly speaking, Maharashtra is vast table land gradually slopping towards the east and the south-east, as a result of which the rivers here dry out soon after the rainy season is over. Therefore, although many rivers rise in the two mountain ranges on the edge of the Deccan plateau, there are no rich alluvial delta tracts in Maharashtra as, for instance, in West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. Again, unlike Uttar Pradesh which is one vast plain, the land in Maharashtra is, in most parts, undulating and poor in fertility. Although there is very heavy rainfall over the Western Ghats, the rest of the State does not have the benefits of these rains and the average rainfall in parts of Maharashtra ranges At inaugural ceremony of Koradi Thermal Power Station between 15 to 30 inches. These factors are chiefly responsible asantrao Naik was Minister men and women behind the plough. for the low irrigation potential of for Agriculture from 1957 to He knew that one cannot feed the earth Maharashtra. And the big central belt V1960. But his connection with with either platitudes or moralizing. He remains in constant fear of famine agriculture and its problem was not was perhaps the first Chief Minister to or scarcity conditions. To these very merely an official concern. Though a realize and emphasize the importance peculiar geographical conditions, lawyer by training, he was by birth, of agriculture to our national economy. historical circumstances have upbringing and outlook a peasant. When he was restless about the vagaries added one further dimensions. In In spite of his busy schedule of work of weather and rains, he looked up at Maharashtra, especially in its western as Minister, he often found time to the sky with the frequency and pinning parts, the land system was governed by experiment in his ancestral lands. The of a farmer in the field. Y. B. Chavan, a small peasant proprietorship. These policies that he formulated during the then Defence Minister, remarked small peasants had, on the one hand to three years of his tenure continued to once that even if one were to sprinkle face adverse agriculture conditions and, guide and dominate the department a few drops of water on him when he on the other, the rural money-lender, of Agriculture. He was able to lead as was asleep, he would get up shouting who at one time was their only source Chief Minister since 1963 campaign ‘Rains! Rains!” of finance and credit. His business was against shortage of food in the State. He Although the pattern of really nothing short of usury. looked around him through the simple Maharashtra’s economy, specially It came as a surprise to many when but shrewd eyes of a farmer and was its rural and agrarian economy, Naik publicly announced at Pune in greatly concerned about the masses of conforms to the all-India pattern, the 1965, that he would hang himself, if he

56 December 2012 From The Memoires... did not achieve self-sufficiency in food of self-sufficiency were very to irrigation pumps, Naik matters in the State in two years. But straightforward and simple. The first was extremely anxious Naik’s hopes and foresight were based and foremost was that agriculturists that irrigation channels should on concrete work. The State was hit in must have incentive prices for the be quickly constructed. The normal 1965 by the worst drought in several foodgrains they produced and, practice of the irrigation department years. Immediately after the reports therefore, even while faced with an to construct channels upto a discharge started pouring in of the failure of crops obdurate Central decision to keep the of 1 ½ cusecs was given up and in different parts of the State, Naik prices on a par with surplus States, channels were constructed upto ½ made an extensive tour of the State. Naik took a bold decision to assure the cusecs discharge only so that the last A number of measures were taken to agriculturists a higher floor price of four or five farmers should take water arrest the deterioration of standing their grain, in order to motivate them directly through their fields instead of crops and to save them from withering. to farm better and earn more. The waiting on the pleasure of recalcitrant They included free use of canal waters, prices of jowar and paddy were raised neighbours. restrictions on the use of irrigation by at least 10 to 15 per cent. He always The very handicaps and hardships for cash crops like sugarcane, supply maintained that he would like to give breathed in the peasant a spirit of self- of over 7,000 pumping sets for lifting if possible, even higher prices for the reliance and initiative. They responded water out of tanks and wells, supply of food crops the smaller agriculturists positively and enthusiastically when high yielding seeds, and aerial spraying generally produce. Similarly, he the co-operative idea was mooted as of crops. Particularly the decision to always took a generous view in giving the possible solution. The co-operative cut down water supply to cash crops assistance to agriculturists by way in order to save the existing food-crops of land mortgage bank loans for showed the mettle of Naik. Puritanic wells, engines, and pumping sets. economists might say that diversion He always resisted an increase in the of water from cash-crops, particularly rate of interest to the agriculturists sugarcane crops, would downgrade the and reduction in subsidies. On one gross national product of the State. But occasion when there was crisis and not knowing as he did the practical aspects enough funds were available, the State of agriculture prices and production, Government stretched its resources to a Naik pointed out that two or three limit and subscribed over Rs.10 crores hybrid and high-yielding seasonal as its additional special contribution crops during a year worth as much as to the land mortgage debentures. This best sugarcane crops from the point of enables the land mortgage bank to go view of the agriculturist’s interest. ahead with a programme of over Rs.20 He also supported the import of crores. Besides construction of and heavy cost, even by air, of hybrid repairs to as many wells as possible and varieties of seeds of jowar, bajara and utilizing all the electric connections maize and insisted on their sowing within a record time so as to cover as much acreage as possible under these giant crops even though it involved some risk of wicking, non-germination etc., under summer and drought condition. The result was that 4,000 to 4,500 acres of land were covered with parent seeds during the worst scarcity season in the State and though the seed programme suffered due to drought, the Department of Agriculture held a stock of over 50 per cent of total hybrid seed in the country, and could, therefore, plan a programme of over seven to eight lakhs of acres under the hybrid and high-yielding varieties during 1966-67. The main plans of his programme

December 2012 57 Maharashtra Ahead

given to the farmer to raise per acre yield by making fertilizers, improved seed and insecticides readily available to him. He was also helped in securing assured supplies of water for his field. He was induced to adopt bunding on an extensive scale, which then took deep roots in the State. Generous State help was given to small scale industries and to the traditional cottage and handicraft enterprises. Naik maintained that if you start one industry in the countryside, at least five villages drew sustenance from it. The condition of the landless labourers and the small holders also came within his ken and a programme was drawn up to cover by 100 blocks, the areas where excessive fragmentation movement started as an agricultural match the share-capital and stood and marginal nature of holding made credit movement, and gradually came guarantee for the loans taken by them it impossible for the rural population to to cover the fields such as the supply from other agencies. Besides this eke out a decent living. A sum of Rs.5 of seeds, implements, marketing of financial help, Government provided crores was set apart in the Fourth Five produce, etc. expert technical aid. Year Plan to see that these backward The volume of the cultivators’ Naik believed that the long range and famished people attained a higher positive response could be judged problems of agriculture needed a standard of living through a programme from the fact that when Nehru visited of subsidized cows, poultry, wells Yavatmal in 1959 at the request of bunding works, etc. As far as irrigation Naik, 57 multi-purpose co-operative Naik maintained was concerned the State had a planned societies instead of the proposed programme, but the irrigation potential 25, and 73 agricultural co-operative that if you start was not substantial. The maximum land societies instead of the proposed 51 one industry in the which could be irrigated by harnessing were registered. Particularly, the all possible would not be more than success in the co-operative venture in countryside, at 30 per cent of the total. The problem, sugarcane opened up in Maharashtra least five villages therefore, was tackled from a number a new vista of agro industrial economy of angles. Some of them were the in which the cultivators themselves drew sustenance provision of a subsidiary occupation organized an industrial apparatus to from it for the cultivators, mechanized and convert their farm or field produce into manures and development of animal finished products and thus escaped the thorough reorientation of approach husbandry on a scientific basis. exploitation of industrialists and the towards agriculture based on research, The last but not the least middlemen. Sugar mills, oil mills, rice technology and education, to build up aspect of Naik’s agricultural policy mills, ginning and pressing factories, agriculture as an industry is planned was his proclaimed aim of giving a spinning and weaving mills and canning and built up. His objective was to raise clean, efficient, dedicated and popular were some of the more important forms not merely the production of food but administration to the State. He wanted of processing which had a distinct agro- the general standard of the agriculture the official and non-official agencies industrial appeal for the co-operatives community, which forms the majority to work with missionary zeal. He and which were adopted in the parts of in the country. A variety of agrarian emphasized that food procurement Maharashtra in an attempt to establish reforms of far-reaching consequences and distribution were as important as an agro-industrial economy. The co- such as tenancy legislation, ceiling stepping up of production. He advised operatives in addition to providing on agricultural holdings, and the Collectors to ignore intimation to farmers with work all the year round, democratic decentralization were Government routine procedures if they increased the employment potential vigorously pushed ahead and they hindered proper food distribution.  in rural areas. The State Government were beacon lights for many States. (Courtesy: The Plough and the Pipe Book by offered to such industries a loan to Every encouragement was Dinesh Desai)

58 December 2012 BIRTH CENTENARY During the BIRTH CENTENARY YEAR of the Ex Chief Minister Late Vasantrao Naik, it has been decided to organize a variety of programmes throughout the State. The Birth Centenary Year has started on the 1st JULY 2012 and the concluding celebrations will be held in Mumbai with prestigious presence of dignitaries on the 1st JULY 2013. The following decisions were arrived at the meeting of a Committee under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Shri Prithviraj Chavan, set up to prepare a draft outline of the programmes to be held during this Birth Centenary Year…

1. To rename Marathwada Agriculture University with Late Vasantrao Naik. 2.  To establish a huge Memorial to Vasnatrao Naik at Gahuli, Taluka Pusad, District Yavatmal. 3. Exhibition of a Documentary Film based on the life of Vasantrao Naik, directed by Dr. Jabbar Patel all over the State. 4. Agricultural Meets and Agro-exhibitions in all the six regions of the State. 5. A Postage Stamp in honour of Vasantrao Naik. 6. A proposal to the Ministry of Railways for renaming Vidarbha Express as “Vasantrao Naik Vidarbha Express."” 7. “Vasantrao Naik Samaj Bhushan Puraskar” for activists from the Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes. 8. Hostels for boys and girls from Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes. 9. A volume “Hirvee Kshitije” first published on the occasion of 61st Birthday Celebrations of Vasantrao Naik to be reprinted as its Third Edition. 10. The life sketch of Vasantrao Naik to be included in the school curriculum. 11. Publication of a Volume containing Speeches by Vasantrao Naik in the Legislature. 12. Photo Exhibition of Vasantrao Naik to be showcased at Aurangabad, Nagpur and Yavatmal. 13. A SPECIAL ISSUE of Lokrajya dedicated to Late Vasantrao Naik. 14. The archives from Lokrajya during the tenure of Vasantrao Naik would be made available for research. VOL 2 | ISSUE NO. 6 | OCTOBER 2012 | `50 | PAGES 52

VOL 2 | ISSUE NO. 7 | NOVEMBER 2012 | `50 | PAGES 60

VOL 2 | ISSUE NO. 5 | SEPTEMBER 2012 | `50 | PAGES 52

Co-operative Sugar

Co-operative Spin Co-operative ning Mill -

O.I.G.S. Presented by The Government of India MaharashTra ahead

Digamber W. Palve Senior Assistant Director, Directorate General of Information and Public Relations, Maharashtra Government, Barrack No. 19, Free Press Journal Marg, Mumbai 400 021.

Printed at Navbharat Press Ltd., Navbharat Bhavan, Plot no. 13, Sector 8, Sanpada (East), Navi Mumbai 400 706. Published by Directorate General of Infromation & Public Relations Mantralaya Mumbai 400 032 on behalf of Government of Maharashtra. Editor-in-Chief Pramod T. Nalawade, Director General of Information and Public Relations.