Leaders from all political parties come together to pay tribute to Marathi Bhaasha

Maharashtra celebrated the birth anniversary of its most beloved poet Shri Kusumagraj as ‘Marathi Bhaasha Diwas’ on February 27, 2017. Extending the celebrations, prominent political leaders of the country hailing from Maharashtra came together today to express their love for Marathi Bhaasha and their beloved state Maharashtra. On this auspicious occasion, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Chairman - Essel Group, Dr. Subhash Chandra also released the ‘Marathi Edition’ of his best-selling autobiography 'The Z Factor - My Journey as the Wrong Man at the Right Time' as his small contribution towards the Marathi language. The glittering ceremony held at the ITC Grand Central Hotel in Mumbai was graced by eminent politicians including Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Govt. of India, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Sharad Pawar, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and Shri Prithviraj Chavan, Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Stalwarts from the Marathi Film & Television industry including Madhur Bhandarkar, Sonali Kulkarni, Manoj Joshi, Sai Tamhankar, Sunil Barve, Mahesh Kothare and Sidharth Jadhav, were also present at the function.

The English edition of Dr. Chandra’s best-selling autobiography was launched by Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in January 2016 followed by the launch of the Hindi edition by Shri Kailash Satyarthi, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, in September 2016. The book has greatly influenced the minds of students and aspiring entrepreneurs across the country, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and ambitions.

Paying a tribute to the city of Mumbai and Marathi culture, Dr. Subhash Chandra said, “While Haryana is my ‘janmabhoomi’ (homeland), Mumbai is my ‘karmabhoomi’ (land of work). After living and working in Mumbai for the last 35 years, I feel that I have been accepted as a Maharashtrian. Mumbai is the land of dreams, where like me, millions of people strive to make their dreams come true. At Essel Group, it has always been our endeavour to preserve and promote the true essence of Marathi culture through our various ventures such as Zee Marathi, Zee Talkies, Zee Yuva, Zee 24 Taas and our Marathi films like ‘Natarang’, ‘Fandry, ‘Killa’,‘Lay Bhari’, ‘Natsamrat’ and ‘Sairat’. I am extremely grateful and humbled by all the encouragement and support that this wonderful city has bestowed on me.”

“This week, on February 27^th, the birth anniversary of renowned Marathi poet, Kusumagraj, Maharashtra celebrated ‘Marathi Bhaasha Diwas’. The Marathi translation of my autobiography ‘The Z Factor’ is a small contribution from my side to Marathi ‘bhaasha’ (language), culture, identity and tradition,” Dr. Chandra further added.

While unveiling the Marathi edition of 'The Z Factor - My Journey as the Wrong Man at the Right Time',

Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Govt. of India said:

“My association with Subhashji has extended for over 30 years. His most striking feature is that he never hides behind his words. It was on my recommendation that he stepped into the infrastructure sector. However, for one road project, I felt that he would lose Rs. 250 crores, so I recommended him not to continue with that project. He then told me that once I have put my hand into a project, I will see it into completion, whether or not there is any loss. And with this resolve and determination, Dr. Chandra has completed more than 2000 kilometres of road projects in the country over the years. If the youth of our country take challenges like Subhashji, then our nation would touch new heights.”

Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra said:

“Subhash Chandra is a person who has shown us that a common man can do extraordinary work. It is a miracle that Subhashji came to Delhi with only Rs. 17 in his pocket and now he has established such a successful empire. He has accepted all the challenges in his life. Essel World is also a big example of his great vision. Subhashji has challenged established companies and has got success. He has referred to his failures in his autobiography with full honesty and without any hesitation.”

Shri Sharad Pawar, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra said:

“When I read his book, I got to know various aspects of his personality. The most important aspect of his life is that he is never scared of challenges, he faces all the problems with full determination. We are proud of such a great man. Overcoming all difficulties and obstacles, Subhashji has established ZEE as a successful brand. He also has been elected to the Rajya Sabha on his own strength.”

Shri Prithviraj Chavan, Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra said:

“Subhash Chandra’s life is a direct inspiration. Each youth and Marathi person must read his autobiography. Subhashji left his education mid-way but he never got defeated. Even today with his busy schedule, he manages to share his experiences with students and guide them for a better life.”