Representative image of a 'Rest in Peace' card.
Credit: iStock Photo
Thane: Vasant Nachane, a veteran freedom fighter and senior Rashtra Seva Dal leader, passed away at his residence in Maharashtra's Thane on Tuesday due to old age, his family members said.
He was 99.
Born in an era of struggle, he devoted his youth to India's freedom movement. He worked alongside stalwarts like Achyutrao Patwardhan, S M Joshi, Nanasaheb Gore and Dattaji Tamhane. Deeply influenced by the ideals of socialism and patriotism, he was actively involved in mobilising youth in civic and national service even during the final years of British rule.
One of his most notable contributions to public life was his initiative to clean Thane's Masunda Lake between 1943 and 1945. Nachane mobilised youth from various organisations to voluntarily clean and restore the lake, which has since remained a symbolic and central water body in Thane city.
After independence, Nachane started working at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), serving with diligence while continuing his political and social activism. He also looked after the Mumbai office of the Rashtra Seva Dal, a volunteer socialist organization closely aligned with the values of the freedom struggle.
His funeral was conducted in Thane, where local police officers, attending on behalf of the state government, paid their last respects. Several members of the Thane Seva Dal, along with prominent citizens and long-time associates.