Natwar Thakkar | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1932 (1932) |
| Died | 7 October 2018(2018-10-07) (aged 85–86) |
| Citizenship | Indian |
| Occupation(s) | Philanthropist, social activist |
| Organization | Nagaland Gandhi Ashram |
| Known for | Social work inNagaland |
| Movement | Gandhian movement |
| Spouse | Lentina Ao Thakkar |
| Awards |
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Natwar Thakkar (1932 – 7 October 2018), popularly known asNatwar Bhai, was an Indian social worker who worked inNagaland. He came fromMaharashtra but migrated to Nagaland for social work at the age of 23. He founded the Nagaland Gandhi Ashram atChuchuyimlang village in theMokokchung district of Nagaland. Because of his efforts to spread Gandhian philosophy in Nagaland and his social work, he was known as "Nagaland's Gandhi".[5][6][7][8][2][9]
Thakkar was born in 1932 to aGujarati-speaking family in the coastalDahanu town of the thenBombay Presidency ofBritish India (today part of thePalghar district ofMaharashtra state).[citation needed] Inspired by Gandhian social reformerKaka Kalelkar early in his life, Thakkar went to Nagaland, the North-Eastern state of India, at the age of 23 in 1955, desiring to foster "goodwill and emotional integration through voluntary social service" among the people of Nagaland, using Gandhian principles.[1][10][11]
Thakkar established the "Nagaland Gandhi Ashram" in theChuchuyimlang village in Nagaland in 1955. At that time, theNaga rebels and theIndian army were constantly at "war" and hence the militants considered any "Indian" as a "spy" and they warned villagers not to shelter or aid Thakkar.[10][5] Thakkar assisted residents in "various development and income generating activities", includingbeekeeping,gur production,oil ghanis, abiogas plant, a mechanised carpentry workshop, andKhadi sales outlets.[1] Apart from popularising Khadi, he has also started a vocational training centre for school drop-outs and physically disabled children.[12][13]
During his stay in Nagaland, he was attacked and threatened byinsurgents several times and warned to leave the state.[12]Jawaharlal Nehru, the thenPrime Minister of India, had encouraged Thakkar to stay in the village and to continue his work; Nehru also allotted funds to promote his initiatives. Thakkar acted as an intermediary between the army and villagers and tried to strengthen bonds by personal talks and discussions. Villagers also appealed to militants not to harm Thakkar.[10][14]
Due to Thakkar's efforts, an extension centre ofNational Institute of Electronics and Information Technology was started in Chuchuyimlang village in 2006. It is a government-funded institute equipped with the latest technology. Acknowledging the efforts of Thakkar, villagers donated 232 acres (94 ha) of land to the "Nagaland Gandhi Ashram" for construction of the "Mahatma Gandhi centre of Social Work (MGCSW)".[15][8][16] TheTata Institute of Social Sciences has shown interest in becoming associated with this institute.[10]
Thakkar marriedNaga Christian Lentina Ao in 1956.[17][7][10] They had two daughters and one son.[1] Thakkar was rushed into a private hospital on 19 September 2018 due to complications in recovering from a fever. He was admitted to an intensive care unit but his health later declined and he developed kidney failure and low blood pressure. Thakkar died at the hospital inGuwahati,Assam at 7:10 am on 7 October 2018.[18] He was survived by his wife and children, who were at his bedside when he died.[19][18]
Thakkar was honoured with numerous awards, including:[1]
