Do not compromise on your ideology: Pawar at 80

Mumbai, Dec. Dec 12 : Turning 80 here on Saturday, Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar said that it is necessary to relentlessly work hard and pursue the ideology or philosophy one believes in, even as a host of bigwigs such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wished the veteran politician on his special day.
The octogenarian leader called for inculcating the teachings and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Babasaheb Ambedkar in the new generation.
“I am happy to see the younger generation coming forward in the party. It gives me new energy. One should never compromise on ideology. It is not just enough to remember these great leaders, but it is also important to follow their path,” Pawar said while replying to a flood of tributes marking his birthday.
He said the need of the hour is to remain ever-alert and aware while doing public work, and ensure that the family is not ignored.
“When you take care of the needs of the last person in the society, you learn a lot on having clarity and direction of the road ahead of you,” said Pawar.
The NCP chief said he was “truly overwhelmed” and acknowledged the warm sentiments of the party leaders, workers and others on his birthday.