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By:

Bhalchandra Chorghade

11 August 2025 at 1:54:18 pm

Jaspal Rana taught India to aim higher

Indian sport lost one of its finest champions on June 12, 2026, with the untimely passing of shooting legend and coach Jaspal Rana at the age of 49. His death has left a void that will be difficult to fill, not only in Indian shooting but in the hearts of countless athletes, admirers and young dreamers who looked up to him as a symbol of excellence, discipline and perseverance. Born in the hills of Uttarakhand, Rana emerged as a prodigious talent at an age when most children are still...

Jaspal Rana taught India to aim higher

Indian sport lost one of its finest champions on June 12, 2026, with the untimely passing of shooting legend and coach Jaspal Rana at the age of 49. His death has left a void that will be difficult to fill, not only in Indian shooting but in the hearts of countless athletes, admirers and young dreamers who looked up to him as a symbol of excellence, discipline and perseverance. Born in the hills of Uttarakhand, Rana emerged as a prodigious talent at an age when most children are still discovering their interests. By his teens, he had already announced himself on the national stage and over the years he would go on to become one of India’s most decorated shooters. His remarkable achievements at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Championships and international competitions transformed him into a household name and brought unprecedented attention to shooting in India. Yet medals alone do not define Jaspal Rana’s legacy. What truly set him apart was his unwavering commitment to the sport long after his competitive career ended. As a coach, mentor and guide, he devoted himself to nurturing the next generation of Indian shooters. His influence can be seen in the success of numerous athletes, most notably Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, whose achievements carried the unmistakable imprint of Rana’s guidance and belief. He possessed the rare ability to identify talent, instill confidence and demand excellence without losing sight of the human being behind the athlete. To his students, he was more than a coach. He was a teacher, protector and source of strength during moments of doubt. To colleagues, he was a respected professional whose passion for Indian sport was evident in every conversation and every training session. To fans, he represented an era when dedication and hard work could elevate a niche sport into the national spotlight. His sudden departure is a painful reminder of life’s fragility. But while Jaspal Rana is no longer with us, the values he championed — discipline, courage, humility and relentless pursuit of excellence — will continue to inspire generations. India mourns a champion. The shooting fraternity mourns a mentor. His family mourns a beloved husband and father. And the nation bids farewell to a man who spent his life helping others find their aim. Jaspal Rana’s final shot may have been fired, but his legacy will echo through Indian sport for decades to come.

Annasaheb Patil: A Lifelong Advocate for Workers’ Rights

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

Annasaheb Patil

Annasaheb Pandurang Patil, a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, made significant contributions to the uplifting of scattered workers in Mumbai. For this reason, he is regarded as the architect of the progress of the Maratha and Mathadi workers in Maharashtra. Annasaheb Patil proposed a simple yet broad definition of a `Maratha,’ stating that every person residing in Maharashtra and standing for its defence is a Maratha. With this ideology, he established the Mathadi Workers Union and the All India Maratha Federation.

When Annasaheb Patil arrived in Mumbai from his native village, Mandrulkole in Patan Taluka, he began his career as a worker. At that time, workers in Mumbai were facing dire conditions, and a majority of them were Marathas. Annasaheb Patil believed that workers needed to experience both economic and social progress. He deeply studied their issues and began organising them, forming the Mathadi Workers Union, formally known as the Maharashtra State Mathadi Transport and General Workers Union. This became one of the largest labour unions in the state.

At the time, most labour unions were led by communists, but Annasaheb Patil rejected their ideologies, instead building a union based on Indigenous principles. He organised protests and movements, putting forward workers’ demands for better wages, healthcare, and basic rights for workers before the government. His relentless work eventually bore fruit, and he became the guiding force for workers.

Annasaheb Patil’s efforts resonated with the government. The then-Chief Minister, Yashwantrao Chavan, addressed the demands put forth by Patil, and on June 5, 1969, the Mathadi Workers Act was enacted in Maharashtra. This legislation brought joy and relief to the workers, improving their quality of life. Due to this act, facilities such as hospitals, consumer societies, housing through CIDCO, and educational and medical services were made available to Mathadi workers. Patil’s contribution to their welfare was pivotal.

Today, the issue of Maratha reservation is a significant topic in Maharashtra. Annasaheb Patil, the father of the Maratha reservation movement, made sure that his demands were reasonable and did not disturb social unity. His image is revered across Maharashtra for this reason.

Annasaheb Patil worked tirelessly for the welfare of Mathadi workers, most of whom were Marathas. He united the 12 Balutedars and 18 Pagadi communities, forming various organisations under the All India Maratha Federation. His leadership earned him widespread respect, and on July 8, 1980, he became a member of the Legislative Council.

During this time, the demand for Maratha reservations based on economic criteria was gaining traction. Annasaheb Patil toured Maharashtra while advocating for this cause. He resolved to lead a protest march to the Legislative Assembly. As an MLA in the Congress government, Patil, along with Advocate Shashikant Pawar, led a massive procession from Azad Maidan, Mumbai, on March 22, 1982. The sight of the marchers carrying Shivaji Maharaj’s saffron flag caught the attention of the citizens of Mumbai.

Annasaheb Patil submitted a list of nine demands to the then Chief Minister, Babasaheb Bhosale. Realising that the demand for reservation would not be considered, he declared that if justice were not served to the Maratha community, he would not live to see the next sunrise. True to his word, he ended his life on March 23, 1982, leaving an indelible mark on the state.

Annasaheb Patil devoted his life to the progress of Mathadi workers, raising their issues before the government and improving their living conditions. His efforts for the Maratha reservation and social justice brought attention to the problems faced by the community. His life was a testament to the struggle for the welfare of society. Rightfully, he is remembered as the father of the Maratha reservation movement and the architect of Maratha upliftment.

On his birth anniversary, we humbly pay tribute to the sacred memory of Annasaheb Patil.

(The writer is a BJP member of Maharashtra Legislative Council. Views personal.)

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