Tukdoji Maharaj Instilled Patriotism Through Bhajans: Gadkari
2
Nagpur: "Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj awakened rural India through bhajans and kindled a spirit of patriotism that helped rebuild the nation," said Union minister
Nitin Gadkari
, while addressing the grand finale of the first-ever Vidarbha-level Khanjiri Bhajan Competition at Suresh Bhat Hall on Friday.
Gadkari emphasised that Tukdoji Maharaj's legacy must reach the new generation using modern technology.
"Tukdoji Maharaj's compositions were never meant for mere entertainment. They are tools for transformation. Maharaj promoted ideals of sanitation, rural development, and national identity through his bhajans. This thought must not remain in words, but be translated into action," he said, urging youth and universities to keep the tradition alive.
The contest, organised by the Khasdar Cultural Festival Committee, concluded on Friday. A total of 271 bhajan groups participated in the preliminary rounds held over two days earlier this week, out of which 21 teams were selected for the final round. The top prize of ₹1 lakh was awarded to the Swara Gurukunj Bhajan Mandal from Gurukunj Ashram, Mozari, the very place associated with Tukdoji Maharaj's spiritual mission.
Adarsh Gurudev Seva Mandal, Nimgaon (Chandur Railway) won second prize of Rs 71,000 while the third prize of Rs 51,000 went to Sarthak Gurudev Seva Mandal, Hastapur Babhulgaon.
Revered Jitendranath Maharaj of Devnath Math (Anjangao Surji) praised the initiative, saying, "Vidarbha is blessed to have saints like Gurudev. Bhajans inspire ideals and valour, and Nitin Gadkari is carrying forward that spiritual legacy."
Spiritual leaders present at the event echoed the cultural and moral significance of bhajans. "Tukdoji Maharaj often composed bhajans during train journeys. These compositions are nourishment for the soul," said Janardanpant Bothe Guruji of Akhil Bharatiya Gurudev Seva Mandal.
Khasdar Cultural Festival Committee president Prof Anil Sole noted that the event aimed to promote Tukdoji Maharaj's thoughts and foster community bonding through music.
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Prize Winners List:
1st prize (Rs 1 lakh): Swara Gurukunj Bhajan Mandal from Gurukunj Ashram, Mozari
2nd prize (Rs 71,000): Adarsh Gurudev Seva Mandal, Nimgaon (Chandur Railway)
3rd prize (Rs 51,000): Sarthak Gurudev Seva Mandal, Hastapur, Babhulgaon
4th Prize (Rs 41,000): Gurudev Manavseva Chatralaya, Mozari
5th Prize (Rs 31,000): Akhil Bharatiya Gurudev Seva Mandal, Hirapur-Bothali (Chandrapur)
6th Prize (Rs 21,000): Jai Walekar Mauli Bhajan Mandal, Khamgaon
7th Prize (Rs 11,000): Gurumauli Bhajan Mandal, Sahur-Ashti
Consolation awards of Rs 5,000 each were presented to 14 groups from various towns including Nagpur, Sakoli, Arjuni Morgaon, Kalmeshwar, and Ralegaon.
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