Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati
The history of Pune's iconic Shreemant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati became the backdrop for a strong message on national spirit and cultural roots as Director General Assam Rifles Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera visited the historic Ganpati Mandal on Sunday and participated in the evening Maha Aarti.
Lt Gen Lakhera offered prayers at the historic Ganpati and prayed for the progress, security and prosperity of the country. Following the Maha Aarti, he was felicitated by the Mandal.
Speaking to the media, Lt Gen Lakhera said the opportunity to offer prayers at the historic Ganpati was deeply moving for him.
"The feeling is the same as that of a devotee. I am an ordinary human being, and for anyone who gets an opportunity to come to the house of God, it is an extraordinary occasion. I am overwhelmed. I thank God for giving me this opportunity," he said.
He said his prayers were centred on the country and its people.
"My only feeling is that our country should progress, our country should remain safe, our country should become stronger, and all the people of our country should prosper," Lt Gen Lakhera said.
The Assam Rifles chief then turned to the history of Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati, highlighting its significance in Pune's public Ganeshotsav tradition. He recalled that the Ganpati tradition emerged during the period of British rule and said its history continues to carry a powerful message for the present generation.
"When this idol was made, we were under the rule of British. This was the first Ganpati; Ganpati began from here. The biggest inspiration from this is that the nation is supreme," he said.
Lt Gen Lakhera said the history of the Mandal could serve as a source of strength during difficult times. Referring to the circumstances in which the tradition emerged, he said that when the country had limited resources and was under foreign rule, the spirit represented by such traditions remained alive.
"When we had nothing, this was there. So, there can be no greater source of inspiration than this," he said.
His message also had a clear focus on the younger generation. Lt Gen Lakhera urged young people to understand their cultural history and remain connected with their roots even as they embrace modernisation.
"Do not forget your culture. Your greatest strength is your culture. Your history will determine your future. Stay connected to your roots," he said.
He also encouraged youngsters to consider joining the armed forces and contribute to the country through service. "You come, try, work hard, and join the Army. The Army of the country belongs to the people of the country," he said.
During the visit, the Mandal highlighted its efforts to preserve the legacy, traditions and historical significance of Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati. The Mandal has been working to keep the historical character of Pune's Ganeshotsav alive while connecting younger generations with the cultural legacy associated with the festival.
The visit took place amid Pune's ongoing Ganeshotsav celebrations, bringing together devotion, history and a message centred on national spirit and cultural continuity at one of the city's most historically significant Ganpati mandals.
