Bal Keshav Thackeray: "Shivsena Pramukh"

Bal Keshav Thackeray
BAL THACKERAY, LEADER OF the rightist Shiv Sena party, is called Hindu Hriday Samrat by his followers, which means "Emperor of the Hindu Heart."
Born on 23rd January 1927, Shri Thackeray, a hard-core Nationalist, formed SHIVSENA on 19th June 1966, an organisation striving for giving justice to the youth. In a passage of little more than three decades, it has built itself into a formidable force of millions of young men and women, the Shivsainiks, who gathered under the saffron flag.

He was awarded the prestigious Bharat Ratna award for the Year 1998-99. Thackeray is one of Bombay's most powerful leaders
Being the foremost among Patriots and Peace activists, Mr Thackeray has for decades fought in the Nations interest. He is a true Patriot and one who has spent his entire life promoting peace, friendship and harmony in society and between India and its Neighbours. He has served as an inspiration to his movement The Shiv Sena, His party's goverment, the Brave People of Maharashtra and the Rest of India.

Bal Thackeray Started his career as a cartoonist in the Free Press Journal,Mumbai,one of the reputed Newspapers. His Cartoons were also published in world famous dailies like Asahi Shimboon, Tokyo and Sunday edition of The New York Times. He was the only Cartoonist from Hindusthan whose works were included in the book published by the world famous publishers M/s Kessels & Co., London. He took to cartooning in early fifties inspired by the greats in the field such as David Low and Walt Disney . And acquired leading position as a political cartoonist in the National media of Hindusthan (India).
Realising the need for a daily newspaper, his own Marathi morning daily 'Saamana',was launched on 23rd Jan, 1989 and continues to hit the stands every day throughout the state of Maharashtra with its Clarion call for the unity of this country and seeking justice to the cause of Hindutva, the true nationalism, in the land of Hindusthan.

Bal Thackeray on Ayodhya

It's a very clear-cut statement. In '92 when Babri was demolished, the Muslims got up and said it was theirs. There were riots in Mumbai. It's a religious and political problem. It was religious-it became political atferward. It was the government's responsibility to solve it. But it passed the buck to the Supreme Court which has been scratching the Babri bite for five years. How long can riots, bloodshed continue? If Vajpayee is building the Ram mandir - go ahead. But if no one can do anything, turn it into a national monument. Build a mandir, masjid and a martyr's plot-not for India or Rajiv, we're fed up of them-but for Mangal Pandey who fired the first shot for freedom against the British.

Achievements

The employment cell of the Shivsena under the banner of Shiv Udyog Sena and Sthaniya Lokadhikar Samiti provide employment opportunities to lakhs of youth.
Soon after the formation, Shivsena inaugurated a unique ambulance service in the capital of Maharashtra. Today, the Shivsena is the only of its kind to run 300 ambulances all over the country. Shivsena has also formed a unique center for old and aged people called Ramadham Ashram, in Raigad district.
He enjoys the distinction of addressing gigantic public meetings, drawing not less than 1 lakh audience, comprising mostly youngsters.
He has promised to build houses for 40 lakhs slum dwellers,of Mumbai free of cost with a view to make the city free from slums.
He is the only leader in the country, who gets 100 per cent loyalty from both the leaders and the workers.
There are people from all castes and religions in the Shivsena, including Muslims, Christians and others.
He has not taken a single step against the national interest. He has made himself clear, time and again that he is a champion of Motherland and enemy of anti-nationals.
All the top leaders of the country, espousing the cause of Hindutva, adore him for his frank and forthright views on national issues.
He has shunned power all these years. He is perhaps the only political leader, who never aspired for political office. He believes in guiding his followers for the bright future of the great nation - Hindusthan.
He is committed to protect the glorious culture and heritage of Hindusthan.
Spectrum of organisations and institutions founded by Shivsena are working creatively under the guidance of Shri Balasaheb Thackeray.

Balasaheb Thackeray's vision

As I see it, there are only two sects of peoples in our country. One has sworn allegiance to the country. The other is clearly against the country.
And as far as I can see it, there has never been any other sect.....For being an Indian, it is not only important to abide by our laws, but it is also important to live as we do, to accept our culture and to respect our traditions. And not only that, one must accept that Hinduism has by far the largest following in this country. This must be remembered. Always.
Those who refuse to accept this have no right to live in this country. Those who have all their lives spoken ill of Hindutva are not going to be spared. Embrace this country in its entirety, as Hindustan. Else leave.