Mumbai: Veteran freedom fighter `Krantiveer`
Nagnath-anna Naikavdi passed away here on Thursday following a brief
illness. He was 92.
Naikwadi, recipient of Padmabhushan, passed away at a
private hospital in suburban Bandra, family sources said.
He was one of the last surviving links to the freedom
struggle and the Quit India movement in Maharashtra. He was
actively involved in the `Prati Sarkar` (an underground
government set up by freedom-fighters in 1942) in the western
Maharashtra. He carried a reward on his head in those days.
Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan condoled the
death. The Governor said, "Naikwadi was a leading
revolutionary from Maharashtra who risked his life to lead the
freedom struggle from the front. After independence, he
dedicated himself to the cause of service of society
through education and social work.
"He often lent his voice to raise the problems of the
people, especially the voiceless majority. I salute the memory
of this great freedom fighter. A truly inspiring life," the
Governor said.
Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and Deputy Chief
Minister Ajit Pawar also spoke about Naikwadi`s contribution
to the freedom struggle and his work later as a social
activist, in their condolence messages.
Naikwadi`s last rites would be conducted at Walva in his
native Sangli district tomorrow.
PTI
