Sanghpriya Gautam’s 96th Birthday Celebrated at Constitution Club; Former President Ram Nath Kovind Attends
Veteran BJP leader and former Union Minister reflects on memories with Babasaheb Ambedkar, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L.K. Advani at ‘Jeevan Mela’ ceremony
The 96th birthday of Sanghpriya Gautam — former Union Minister of State, founding member and former Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Party and a contemporary of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar — was celebrated with great enthusiasm today at the Constitution Club here.
The chief guest on the occasion was India’s 14th President, Dr. Ram Nath Kovind. Distinguished guests on the dais included former Rajasthan Governor and former Union Minister Kalraj Mishra, Sunil Shastri (son of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri), Uttar Pradesh Minister Aseem Arun and Member of Parliament Anita Arya, who shared the stage with Sanghpriya Gautam. The ceremony was aptly titled “Jeevan Mela” (Festival of Life).
The event was conducted by senior Haryana BJP leader Surajbhan Kataria, while the welcome address was delivered by Gautam’s nephew and former MLA, Munshilal Gautam.
On this occasion, a book on the life of Sanghpriya Gautam written by Dr. Rahul Deepankar was formally released by former President Dr. Ram Nath Kovind. Sunil Shastri also presented his own book on Sanghpriya Gautam to the former President and other dignitaries.
Former President Kovind described Gautam’s sharp memory and simplicity as deeply inspiring and remarked warmly, " Tum Jio Hazaaron Saal " (May you live for thousands of years).
The most captivating moment of the ceremony came when the 95-year-old yet remarkably youthful Sanghpriya Gautam, in his resonant voice, shared his memories associated with Babasaheb Ambedkar, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani.
All the dignitaries on stage, along with hundreds of well-wishers present, extended heartfelt wishes to Sanghpriya Gautam for completing a century of life.
Gautam’s popularity remains undiminished. The Constitution Club proved too small to accommodate the crowd that had traveled from far and wide across Delhi. Seats fell short and many attendees stood throughout to witness and enjoy this unique birthday celebration.