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Kusumagraj is cremated

The mortal remains of India's leading revolutionary poet V V Shirwadkar alias 'Kusumagraj' were consigned to the sacred flames on the banks of the holy river Godavari in Nashik today at 11.35 hrs.

The antim yatra (last procession) was led police band. Kusumagraj's body was laid on a truck decorated with flowers, with president of the Kusumagraj Pratistan Dharmadhikari, former MP Vasant Pawar and others riding alongside.

Deputy Chief Minister Gopinath Munde and his cabinet colleagues, top Marathi writers, poets, artistes from all over the state, political leaders, social workers and citizens attended the cremation of the Jnanpith award winner which was held at the Yeshwant Maharaj ground amidst a 21-gun salute and full state honours.

The cortege began from Kusumagraj Pratistan headquarters, near Nashik Municipal Corporation's swimming pool and wended its way through Shagunpur road, Shivaji road, Dhumal Point, main road, Saraf bazar, Ganga Ghat, Roraram Mandir and wound up on the banks of the Godavari.

Kusumagraj was apparently distant from his blood relations. According to his will, the pyre was lit by city-based architects Shivaji Patil and Prof Vasant Patil. Earlier, the city's intellectuals converged at Kusumagraj's house to have a glimpse of the poet. The sarpanch and other villagers of Shirwadkar's native village Shirwada were also present at the funeral.

The entire city observed a spontaneous bandh as a mark of respect to the poet with shops, markets, schools, colleges remaining closed for the day.

UNI

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