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23 August 2024 at 4:29:04 pm

Guru of Gurus: Tribute to M.M. Sharma

Luminaries of science and industry at the launch of "Guru of Gurus" at the ICT in Mumabi. Mumbai: In an evening marked by deep reverence and scientific celebration, eminent scientist Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar paid a moving tribute to his mentor, Padma Vibhushan awardee Prof. Man Mohan Sharma. The heartfelt reverence took center stage at the K.V. Auditorium of the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), where academicians, students, and industry leaders gathered to honor one of India’s...

Guru of Gurus: Tribute to M.M. Sharma

Luminaries of science and industry at the launch of "Guru of Gurus" at the ICT in Mumabi. Mumbai: In an evening marked by deep reverence and scientific celebration, eminent scientist Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar paid a moving tribute to his mentor, Padma Vibhushan awardee Prof. Man Mohan Sharma. The heartfelt reverence took center stage at the K.V. Auditorium of the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), where academicians, students, and industry leaders gathered to honor one of India’s most distinguished chemical engineers. Speaking passionately at the event, Dr. Mashelkar affectionately addressed Prof. Sharma as his revered "guru." He reflected extensively on Prof. Sharma's pioneering contributions to chemical engineering, placing special emphasis on his unique and visionary approach to science. Dr. Mashelkar noted that his mentor possessed the rare ability to seamlessly bridge the gap between complex fundamental research and tangible, real-world industrial applications. For Dr. Mashelkar, the occasion was not just a formal celebration, but a deeply personal reflection on a mentor whose teachings have left an indelible mark on both academia and the broader industrial landscape of the nation. This gathering of scientific and industrial minds was organized to mark the launch of two significant publications that encapsulate Prof. Sharma’s extraordinary legacy. The releases included a newly penned Gujarati biography and a beautifully curated coffee table book aptly titled "Guru of Gurus," published by Sundaram Digital Publication House. Both works chronicle his unparalleled contributions to science, his philosophy of knowledge-sharing, and his lifelong dedication to mentoring generations of talent. The sentiment of deep respect initiated by Dr. Mashelkar was echoed by other dignitaries throughout the evening. Guest of Honour Madhukar Parekh, Chairman of Pidilite Industries, expanded on this narrative by highlighting Prof. Sharma’s profound structural influence on India’s scientific framework. Parekh emphasized how Prof. Sharma’s steadfast commitment to innovation and his role as an institution-builder have actively shaped countless leaders, entrepreneurs, and technologists across various sectors. Taking the podium amidst the tributes, Prof. Man Mohan Sharma looked toward the future rather than simply reflecting on his past achievements. He shared his enduring dream of elevating ICT to the prestigious status of a Central University, underscoring the institute's immense potential to evolve into a world-class, globally competitive center for science and engineering. Ultimately, the event stood as a fitting and intellectually enriching celebration of a legendary figure. Through the poignant reflections of esteemed peers like Dr. Mashelkar and the launch of these new literary works, the gathering immortalized Prof. Sharma not just for his scientific brilliance, but for his profound dedication to nation-building and his lifelong, guiding role as the ultimate "guru of gurus."

The Forgotten Chapter: RSS In the Quit India Movement

It is often claimed by selective narratives that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had no role in the Quit India Movement. However, events in Maharashtra demonstrate that many RSS volunteers, motivated by national loyalty, did participate both directly and indirectly. For years, Congress-leaning platforms and leftist historians have mainly credited Congress leaders, overlooking other revolutionaries.


A notable example comes from Vaduj in the Satara district, a key centre of resistance. Dr Shankar Ambike—Vaduj’s RSS branch leader and a respected doctor—made a significant but largely forgotten contribution. His involvement, along with that of other volunteers, challenges the claim that the RSS was absent from this phase of the freedom struggle.


In 1942, the Chale Jav (Quit India) movement swept across the country after Mahatma Gandhi’s call to “Quit India” and “Do or Die”. The agitation, which began in Mumbai, soon intensified in Satara. Resistance grew so strong that a parallel anti-British administration emerged under Krantisingh Nana Patil. Between 12 and 15 August, protests peaked across Satara. Demonstrations in Vaduj, Khatav, and Wai turned violent, and despite British crackdowns and arrests, the uprising continued with remarkable resolve.


Vaduj's battle

The Chale Jav movement in Vaduj, Satara district, began on 9 August 1942. Students, farmers, and freedom fighters gathered to protest against British rule, holding demonstrations, raising slogans, and issuing boycott calls.


British police tried to disperse the crowd, but people refused to retreat and continued shouting “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Chale Jav”. Lathi charges failed to break their resolve.


When the situation escalated, the police opened fire on 13 August. Several protesters were killed and many others seriously injured. During the firing, Dr Ambike, the RSS branch leader of Vaduj, bravely treated the wounded and was fined by the British for doing so. Because of the scale of the violence, Vaduj is remembered as the second Jallianwala Bagh in India’s freedom struggle.


British action

In 1942, the Chale Jav movement gained strong momentum in Vaduj, Satara district. People from Vaduj and nearby areas joined the protests, and the call of “Chale Jav – Quit India” quickly spread. Vaduj soon became a key centre of the movement.


One of its leading contributors was Dr Shankar Ambike, a respected doctor and committed patriot. He used his clinic to treat freedom fighters injured in British firing, despite pressure from the authorities. His family also participated — Ramchandra Ambike supported the movement alongside him.


Both were fined by the British government. Dr Ambike was externed from Satara for two months, and his clinic was temporarily shut. Ramchandra was detained for four months. Their names are now recorded in the Satara district’s official gazette of freedom fighters.


Start of RSS

During the Chale Jav Movement, the RSS operated as a nationalistic organisation similar to the Congress, though smaller in size. Even so, RSS volunteers actively joined the agitation—some participating openly, others helping underground freedom fighters.


RSS founder Dr Hedgewar visited Satara in 1932 and appointed Shri Ganesh Aaltikar of Karad as a branch leader and Shri Uddhav Dattatray Kulkarni as organiser. In 1935, Kashinathpant (Kaka Limaye) became the Western Maharashtra Provincial Leader. By then, RSS work had grown steadily in Satara. Many RSS volunteers took part in the movement. Uddhav Kulkarni of Wai joined the protests and was punished by the British; his name is listed in the Satara freedom fighters’ gazette. Vedmurti Shripad Satwalekar, the Aundh branch leader, also participated. He was later honoured by Shri Golwalkar Guruji and received the Padma Vibhushan in 1966. Dattopant Gokhale, the Wai branch leader, contributed to the movement as well.


People's doctor

Dr Shankar Ambike was a remarkable example of public service, courage, and patriotism. He is still remembered with pride in Satara’s freedom struggle, and his name appears in the official district register.


His work extended far beyond medical service. He helped organise society, promote national unity, and inspire people. As an RSS branch leader, he showed discipline, commitment, and strong organisational skills—qualities that earned him the titles “Vaduj’s Patriot Doctor” and “People’s Doctor”.


Even after independence, Dr Ambike remained active in social service. He dedicated his life to the nation and attained samadhi on 10 November 1993.


(The writer is a resident of Akola. Views personal.)

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