Nagpur: Former Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai, on Sunday said that while anyone can achieve success and social recognition through personal accomplishments, true greatness belongs to those who dedicate their entire lives to the service of society and the nation.Gavai stated this while recalling Dr BR Ambedkar’s observations drawing distinction between being “eminent” and “great.” “Dr Ambedkar observed people who live only for themselves and enjoy a life of comfort may become distinguished, but those who sacrifice everything for society are truly great. Nagpur University has honoured such personalities who have translated this philosophy into action,” Gavai said.He was speaking as chief guest at a ceremony organised by Nagpur University at Dr Vasantrao Deshpande Hall in Civil Lines to felicitate Padma Shri awardees from Vidarbha for their various contributions to society. The programme was presided over by Vice-Chancellor Manali Kshirsagar. Among those present were pro VC Akhilesh Peshwe, Felicitation Committee Chairman and Senate member Manmohan Vajpayee, deans, management council members, university authorities and senior academicians.Justice Gavai urged students to imbibe spirit of giving back to society and dedicate themselves to nation-building by drawing inspiration from lives of the Padma Shri awardees. He said the values of selfless service demonstrated by the honourees were examples for future generations.Referring to transformation of Gadchiroli, Justice Gavai said the district, once known for Maoism, is now witnessing rapid development after successful campaign initiated under CM Devendra Fadnavis. He also recalled that he knew about the humanitarian work of Padma Shri Shankarbaba Papalkar since childhood.VC Kshirsagar said the Padma Shri awardees had embraced a mission in life and pursued it with unwavering commitment. The ceremony, she said, was organised to introduce the younger generation to these extraordinary journeys of service so they could find direction in their own lives.University felicitated Padma Shri awardees from past 5 years, including Papalkar, who has devoted his life to rehabilitating abandoned, differently abled children at Wazzar village in Amravati district; Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram; Namdevrao Kamble; Dr Dhananjay Sagdeo, who has worked for more than 40 years for tribal communities in Wayanad, Kerala.Others feted included Dr Parshuram Khune, a veteran actor of Zhadipatti theatre movement; Dr Vilas Dangre, regarded as one of the homeopathy pioneers in Vidarbha; Satyanarayan Nuwal, founder of Solar Industries; and Janardan Bothe, a close associate and ex-PA of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj.
