Glowing tributes to Pramod Mahajan on 1st death anniversary

New Delhi, May 3 (UNI) Enumerating on the 'dharma' and 'karma' of politics which keeps democracy vibrant and kicking -- qualities that characterised Pramod Mahajan -- Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat today led a spectrum of well-wishers, cutting across political lines and professions, to pay homage to the departed soul on his first death anniversary.

Calling upon people to emulate the virtues of Mahajan, endeared by all parties, Mr Shekhawat said dissolving differences in politics was the need of the hour to make the nation progress in leaps and strides -- just the way the young leader did.

''The void hurts, mainly because it takes ages to carve out such an allrounder.'' Pakistan Senator Mushahid Hussein, while reminding the people of Mahajan's dream of a ''new democratic culture'' in India and Pakistan which brings them together called for a ''vision for South Asia'', initiated by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and pushed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, which ushers in a better future for all.

''Today's challenge before us was that dream and vision which leaves a legacy for posterity, a happy neighbourhood and a future full of hope and prosperity.'' Among others who paid glowing verbal and floral tributes to the slain leader were George Fernandes (Samta Party), Yashwant Sinha, Jaswant Singh, Shatrughan Sinha, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, R K Malhotra (all BJP), Farooq Abdullah (National Conference), Manohar Joshi (Shiv Sena), Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa (Akali Dal), Ajay Chautala (INLD) and former National Minorities Commission Chairman Tarlochan Singh.

Conspicuous by their absence were members from the Congress Party, several of whom were said to be close to Mahajan.

UNI