Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Remembers Dattabhau Meghe as a Guiding Elder Brother
In a heartfelt tribute, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Nagpur MP Nitin Gadkari fondly recalls Dattabhau Meghe as more than just a colleague in public life. He describes him as an elder brother and a guiding presence whose warmth and generosity profoundly impacted countless lives. Gadkari emphasizes that Meghe's passing has created an irreplaceable void, noting that despite his deep involvement in politics, Meghe remained an ajatshatru, a person with no enemies, a rare quality in the political arena.
From Humble Beginnings to Political Leadership
Dattabhau Meghe's journey began from a very modest background. He studied at CP and Berar College while supporting himself through small means such as selling ice-fruit and running a used bookshop. From these humble origins, he entered public life as a Congress worker and steadily rose to become a legislator and a leader with a distinct identity. His personality was marked by simplicity, compassion, and an innate ability to bring people together, ensuring that anyone who connected with him never drifted away.
Commitment to Society and Generosity
What truly set Dattabhau Meghe apart was his unwavering commitment to society. He believed that a portion of whatever he earned must reach the needy, and he worked tirelessly to support poor families and ensure that children from underprivileged backgrounds could pursue education. Many students studied either free of cost or at minimal fees in the institutions he established. Gadkari compares his generosity to that of Mahabharata's Karna, highlighting that even those who criticized Meghe often received help from him quietly, as he prioritized people over political affiliations.
Remarkable Contributions to Education
Dattabhau Meghe's contribution to education was remarkable. He created a vast network of institutions, starting from a pharmacy college at Ravi Nagar and CP and Berar High School to establishing engineering and medical colleges. These institutions not only generated employment but also opened doors of opportunity for thousands of students, transforming lives and communities through accessible education.
Personal Bond and Legacy
Nitin Gadkari shares that his association with Dattabhau Meghe went beyond politics. In recent years, they worked together for the welfare of senior citizens, with Meghe's support and guidance being invaluable. Meghe always believed that the elderly should live with dignity and satisfaction, and he worked towards that goal until his last days. Despite holding positions as MLA, minister, and MP, Meghe remained the same humble person, with relationships that never changed and humility that never faded, earning admiration even from political opponents.
With his demise, Gadkari feels he has lost an elder brother, emphasizing that their bond was not just political but deeply personal, extending to their families. He prays for strength for Meghe's family to bear this loss, affirming that people like Dattabhau Meghe live on forever in the hearts of those they touched, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and service.
