Honored by Nasik

Nominations for the Nashik Bhooshan Rotary Award were invited from prominent persons in the town including social workers, journalists and office bearers of different organizations. "It is the most prestigious award of the Rotary Club of Nasik instituted in 1997 and is bestowed upon an outstanding personality of Nasik who has brought glory to it by his various achievements in social, cultural, literary and academic fields,” stated the invite. "After due consideration our Nashik Bhooshan Committee unanimously selected the name of eminent scholar, educationist and writer Bejon N. Desai,” former principal of the Boys’ Town School, notes a press release.

Desai (center, with shawl) receiving the award from Inamdar

The award ceremony, the flagship project of the Rotary Club of Nasik was held on April 13, 2004 at the Parshuram Saykhedkar Natyagriha which was packed to capacity by the students, colleagues and admirers of Desai who had come from places as far as Dahanu, mentions the report. After eminent educationist Bhavanatai Bhargave portrayed Desai’s multifaceted personality he was presented a shawl, coconut, scroll and trophy by the former director general of police Arvind Inamdar who was the chief guest on the occasion. In his forceful speech Inamdar commended Desai’s qualities while lashing out at the corrupt practices prevalent in the police force as well as the field of education. He blamed the entire social system and especially the politicians for the proliferation of such unwelcome practices.

As per his wont, Desai cited references from different sacred scriptures to stress on the holy status of Nasik and to express his gratitude to the city which had honored him.