Dear friends I have never been a fan of Pramod Mahajan.I had never followed his speeches or even heard about finding out his ideologies.

However in the past 15 days after his fatal encounter, I began avidly watching the TV channels as they bit by bit recounted his political and personal journey of life.I suddenly realized his enormous stature in the BJP. The frail looking Atalji, in complete shock reminded me of my own grandfather.He considered Pramod as his son and successor. Pramod too had lost his father at a very young age and his reverence for Atalji is evident from various previous videos.To see his son's death at this juncture of life must fill Atalji with inconsolable sorrow.I could palpate his grief even as he stoically spoke extolling words for Pramod...

I was surprised to see many of the hardened and seasoned politicians from various parties softening up as they spoke about him.The affection of Mr.Sushil Kumar Shinde (congress) ,Mr.Amar Singh (Samajwadi party) and Mr. Manohar Joshi (Sena) was genuine and heartfelt.Mr .Bal Thackeray's second visit in spite of his ill-health confirmed the bond that he was known to share with Pramodji.The pictures of Raj Thackeray standing outside Hinduja hospital weeping silently and discreetly spoke volumes.

The presence of the CM Mr.Vilasrao Deshmukh at the hospital was in itself a proof that Pramod Mahajan was a man who forged deep and permanent friendships which transcended beyond the paltry barriers of party politics. Mr.Deshmukh has announced a state funeral for this son of Maharashtra .

This son of the soil rose literally from the soil-the village of Ambejogai in the Beed district.The eldest son of a school teacher he was forced to become head of the family at the vulnerable age of 16 after his father's death. Pramod not only completed his graduation but also raised his 2 brothers and 2 sisters.He worked to provide them education and livelihood and gave them the love only a father could give to his children.

Along with his family struggles, Pramodji with his tremendous political acumen,his powerful oratory and burning patriotism climbed the ranks in the BJP. His ready wit,his brilliant political strategies and his great ability to win friends and forge alliances made him the Chanakya of BJP. He was their chief organizer, trouble shooter and a tutor to the youth brigade.He had great foresight and was the first few to bring modernization and technology into Indian politics.

The funeral was a grand affair.All those people and the rifle salute and all.But still,I continue to feel sad for the family. Death is so final.All that has been achieved in a lifetime is destroyed.Only ashes remain.

But is it all destroyed? No,I think not. If it wasn't for Pramod Mahajan, the Mahajan family would still be in the village of Beed tending cattle living a life of anonymity. BJP would never have attained the status of a national party and would never have been at the center for a five year term.

Yes. Pramod Mahajan has left an indelible mark on the lives of people. He may be forgotten but his work will remain forever etched in the sands of time.