Contribute generously to Bihar flood victims: Gavai

Sep. 9th, 2008

AMRAVATI: Kerala Governor R S Gavai described the flood situation in Bihar as a national calamity. “I’m depressed to see the havoc,” he said while addressing the newsmen at circuit house on Monday. “Bihar had seen floods in the past but they were not as devasting as the present one. It is our duty to help people in distress there,” said Gavai who was the Governor of Bihar for two years before being shifted to Kerala a month ago. “I know every town in Bihar which is in grip of flood fury. I had argued for Bihar before the planning commission too and told it that if Bihar is not developed, the nation will not develop. Maharashtra Chief Minister has contributed Rs 10 crore to the flood-hit. I request people to shell out as per their might,” appealed Gavai. The Kerala Governor announced to give his one month’s salary to Chief Minister’s Relief Fund as his contribution towards the rehabilitation of the flood-hit.

When asked whether the good projects he had launched in Bihar would continue after his shifting to Kerala, Gavai said, “ Let us hope, they will continue.” Speaking about the reasons why he was shifted to Kerala, Gavai replied, “There is no reason of my transfer. Perhaps, I may be required there. I’m happy.” Over the resumption of ancient Nalanda University, Gavai said, “The university will start from this year. He said that a two-member advisory committee of Amartya Sen and former President APJ Abdul Kalam has been formed for the purpose. He said the varsity will run present day courses but the theme will reolve round Buddha’s ideology.” He said that a Rs 1,200 crore Buddhist circuit tourism project covering Buddha Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali and Vikram Shilar was on the verge of completion and efforts were on to attach Lumbini in Uttar Pradesh to it. Gavai said he had started Rs 150 crore Buddha Smriti Park work in Bihar. About the issue of Buddhagaya Mukti Sangram, Gavai said, “It was a complex issue which could be resolved through understanding and not by resorting to any revolutionary steps. The issues in Bihar cannot be solved like we do in Maharashtra. When I was the Governor, for the first time I had deputed a retired IAS officer there to look after the administration. Gaya Mukti issue is 150 years’ old. A nine-member committee was appointed to work out a solution through co-ordination and understanding. No Governor can solve the problem. He can only advice the state government to resolve the issue. Governor will have to convince the government. I personally feel that there should be soft corner for the Buddhists. I will act as a mediator if needed. I have solved the issues through understanding only. I won’t mind if people felt angry after knowing my stance,” Gavai said. About his new assignment in Kerala, Gavai said the Communist and Congress cadre exist in equal measure there. With literacy rate of 97%, it is a well-disciplined state. On the issue of his son, Dr Rajendra Gawai, preparing to contest Lok Sabha polls from Amravati constituency, Gavai said, “It is his decision. I cannot come in his way. He has commitment in him and has left his job to serve the party (RPI-G).” RPI Vidarbha Secretary Rameshwar Abhyankar was present at the time of briefing.

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