‘Everything feels empty’: Sunetra Pawar pens heartfelt tribute on Ajit Pawar’s birth anniversary

Baramati: In an emotional tribute on the birth anniversary of late former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, his wife and Dy CM Sunetra Pawar on Wednesday released a poignant message reflecting on her profound loss, enduring grief, and cherished memories. The birthday of the veteran leader, affectionately known across the state as ‘Dada’, is being observed officially on July 22.

Marking the solemn occasion for the first time as a ‘jayanti’, Sunetra Pawar visited the late leader’s memorial in Baramati alongside family members to offer floral tributes before sharing her moving statement on social media. Recalling past years filled with joy, warmth, and widespread celebrations, Sunetra Pawar expressed the pain of adjusting to life without her lifelong partner.

“For so many years, I celebrated your birthday with such joy, enthusiasm, and pride… The home and family would be filled with happiness, showers of blessings all around. But today, observing this very same day as your ‘jayanti,’ my heart breaks completely from within. Even today, my heart refuses to accept this bitter truth, Dada,” she said.

She described the sudden emptiness left in her life following his untimely demise, highlighting how Ajit Pawar stood as her pillar of strength through every stage of life. Addressing her late husband directly, Sunetra Pawar emphasised that while he may no longer be physically present, his political legacy, public service, and strict discipline will remain immortalised.

“At every turn of my life, you stood by me as my greatest strength… That solid support of yours, the reassuring pat on the back in tough times, and the companionship you gave me… Today, all of it has suddenly vanished; everything feels utterly empty,” she noted. “Dada, even if you’re no longer with me physically today, your thoughts, your memories, your spirit of service toward people, your discipline, and the love you gave will live on forever in every breath, every fibre of my being,” she said.

She concluded her statement with a respectful salute to the “companion of my life” and his sacred memories.

Sunetra Pawar’s heartfelt post sparked a wave of emotion among party workers, leaders, and citizens across Maharashtra. Tributes poured in from political leaders across party lines, honouring Ajit Pawar’s decades of public service, administrative acumen, and dedication to the state. Party supporters and local citizens held prayer meetings and community service drives across Baramati and various districts in the state to mark the occasion in alignment with his spirit of public service.

Meanwhile, the NCP will organise ‘Janseva Saptah’ (Public Service Week) across Maharashtra from July 22 to 28 to mark the birth anniversary of late Ajitdada Pawar. A tribute programme was held at the NCP State Headquarters in Mumbai on Wednesday, where party leaders and workers paid floral tributes to the late leader.

Describing Ajitdada Pawar as a leader known for his tireless work ethic, commitment to his word, decisive leadership and unwavering dedication to public welfare, the party said he left an indelible mark on Maharashtra’s development through his contributions to agriculture, cooperation, finance, industry, healthcare, education, sports, environment, infrastructure and social welfare. It said farmers, labourers, women, youth and students regarded him as a source of strength and inspiration. As part of Janseva Saptah, the party will organise a series of public service and welfare initiatives across the state.

Tree plantation drives will be conducted in villages, talukas, districts, schools and colleges under the themes ‘Harit Maharashtra’, ‘Vruksha Majhi Savali, Vruksha Majhi Mauli’ and ‘Dadanchi Drushti, Harit Srushti’. In memory of Ajitdada Pawar, veteran actor Sayaji Shinde will lead the ‘Devgiri to Deorai’ tree conservation campaign through the Sahyadri Deorai Foundation across all districts of Maharashtra. Present and former MPs and MLAs have been urged to establish one ‘Devgiri to Deorai’ project each in their respective constituencies.

Statewise blood donation camps will be organised to promote voluntary blood donation and strengthen blood reserves. Free health check-up and diagnostic camps will also be held in rural and urban areas, including screening for diabetes, hypertension and eye ailments. Screening for breast and cervical cancer for women, oral cancer screening and counselling for all citizens, and osteoporosis detection camps for women and senior citizens will also be organised.

Public cleanliness drives will be carried out at forts, memorials, public places and ST bus stations, reflecting Ajitdada Pawar’s emphasis on discipline and cleanliness. A special Warkari Seva initiative will also be undertaken during the Ashadhi Wari in his memory.

State-level conventions will focus on strengthening self-help groups, financial empowerment, education and self-employment for women. Guidance will also be provided on microfinance, skill development and leadership in local self-government institutions. The party’s Women’s Wing will present the Ajitdada Women’s Empowerment Award, while women farmers will also be felicitated.

AI-based agriculture workshops, agricultural exhibitions, farmer counselling camps and programmes on crop planning, market trends, horticulture and floriculture will be organised, reflecting Ajitdada Pawar’s emphasis on adopting modern technology in farming. Progressive and innovative women and men farmers will be honoured with the Ajitdada Agriculture Honour Award.

Youth camps will be organised in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Nashik to inspire young party workers and prepare future leaders. Workshops will focus on leadership development, campaign strategy, election management and voter outreach ahead of local body elections. Outstanding current and former sportspersons will also be felicitated, and various sporting events will be organised. Special service camps will be organised to help members of minority communities access various welfare schemes and government initiatives introduced for their benefit, the NCP said in a release.

IANS