Socialist activist, writer Dr Kumar Saptarshi passes away in Pune

Pune, Jul 18 (PTI) Veteran socialist-Gandhian activist, writer and founder of the youth movement Yuvak Kranti Dal (Yukrand) Dr Kumar Saptarshi died here on Saturday. Saptarshi (85), a medical doctor by training, breathed his last at a private hospital. His last rites will be performed on Monday, said his younger brother Pravin Saptarshi. "I was with him since the Yuvak Kranti Dal was established back in 1967....He was always fearless in leading movements and believed that Satyagraha was a powerful weapon," Pravin said. His mortal remains will be kept at Gandhi Bhavan on Monday from 10 am to 12 noon for the public to pay their respects. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condoled Dr Saptarshi's death, saying the state has lost a selfless leader of the social transformation movement. In his message, Fadnavis described Saptarshi as a thinker who guided society, a Gandhian activist, and an inspiration for the movement for social change. Saptarshi consistently upheld the principles of truth, non-violence and democracy in his fight against social injustice, the chief minister added. PTI MR KRK