r: In the modern world pen is mightier than the sword, and for the kshatriyas the time has come to wield the pen. The kshatriyas now need to rely on the pen to play a new role in modern India, said Digvijay Singh, the AICC general secretary. Speaking at the All India Kshatriya Federation (AIKF) meeting as a guest of honour here on Sunday, Singh said in a vibrant democracy like India, the new role for kshatriyas is to protect the weaker sections of society and act for their welfare.
Outlining the future course of action of the federation, the former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh announced that a coaching-cum-training centre for needy students will be opened in Bhubaneswar. Such centres are already in operation in Rajasthan. Stating that the federation presents ICON awards every year, Singh hoped that some outstanding names from Odisha would also be sponsored.
Earlier inaugurating the meet, Governor MC Bhandare advised the federation to come up with some concrete welfare activities for women and children.
Stating that the kshatriyas played an important role in the country for centuries, Bhandare said the era of physical power is gone and time of knowledge has come. Bhandare said education is vital for the growth of a country and kshatriyas should now concentrate on that. Recounting the contribution of kshatriyas of Odisha, the Governor mentioned about Kharavela in the past and Sriram Chandra Bhanjadeo in the modern times.
Chairman of the federation Narendra Singh Rajawat said the federation is apolitical and concerned with the spread of education among the kshatriyas, particularly women.
Members of royal families of erstwhile Patna, Nilgiri and Kanika from Odisha were among those who attended the meeting.
Congress Chief Whip in the Assembly Prasad Harichandan, vice-chairman of the federation Captain KS Solanki, Secretary P Raghava Raju, vice-chairman (south) Ramesh Datla, vice-chairman (central) Vinay Singh Bhaduri, vice-chairman (north) Hukum Singh Rana and DSN Raju addressed the gathering.
Senior BJD leader AU Singhdeo and Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Pratap Keshari Deb, scheduled to address as guests of honour, skipped the meeting. BJD MP Prasanna Patsani, however, addressed the meeting.