Gandhian leader GP Pradhan passes away in Pune

Freedom fighter, veteran socialist leader and self-less politician Ganesh Prabhakar Pradhan (87) passed away on Saturday morning after prolonged illness at Sane Guruji Hospital in Hadapsar area of Pune. His body and eyes were donated as per his last wish to Sumatibai Shah College of Ayurveda in Hadapsar.

Pradhan was suffering from pneumonia for some time and was admitted to hospital. He was on saline since May 21 and due to dehydration his health deteriorated in the last two days. He was feeling breathless and died at 5.05 am on Saturday morning.
Pradhan had donated his house in Sadashiv Peth for Sadhana Trust and had shifted to Sane Guruji Hospital since June 23, 2004. Secretary of the hospital Anil Gujar informed that he used to reply to all the letters till October 2009 after which his health deteriorated. Pradhan wanted to visit Late Baba Amte’s Anandvan and stay there for some time but could not do so.

Pradhan was influenced by noted socialist leaders Late N G Gorey and Late S M Joshi which brought him to the socialist movement. After completing his graduation he participated in Quit India movement in 1942 and was jailed for 11 months when he was just 22 years old. After release from the jail, he completed his MA (English) and joined Fergusson College where he served for next 20 years.

Pradhan worked as University of Pune Senate member and Syndicate member. This propelled him to legislative council in the year 1966 and Pradhan set an example by resigning his job for contesting election. He was elected for three consecutive terms on the legislative council where he also worked as leader of opposition. Pradhan again set an example by refusing to contest for the fourth time from graduates constituency and devoting his life for working as editor of Weekly Sadhana, which was founded by Late Sane Guruji.

He served as president of Mahatma Gandhi Lokseva Sangh for 11 years between 1988 and 1999. He was president of Maharashtra Granthalaya Sangh for three terms between 1967 and 1971. He presided over Maharashtra Arogya Mandal between 1990 and 1999 which runs the Sane Guruji Hospital. Pradhan retired from active politics in 1985 and served as Sadhana editor for 13 years between 1985 and 1998.

Pradhan had penned more than 30 books including 6 books in English. He had delivered public lectures on Shakespere’s famous plays. He has written books highlighting contributions of leaders like Leo Tolstoy, Lokmanya Tilak, among others. He also reported from the battle-front during 1965 Indo-Pak war.