Amravati (Maha), Oct 30 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Tuesday described Dalit leader and former Bihar Governor the late R S Gavai as a man of knowledge who promoted social equality.

He said Gavai, a former chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, commanded respect across political spectrum.

Fadnavis was speaking after laying the foundation stone of the Late R S Gavai Memorial and Convention Centre at the Sant Gadgebaba Amravati University here.

"Gavais memorial would be befitting to his towering personality and promote his thought of equality," he said.

The memorial would serve as a source of inspiration to masses and satiate students' quest for knowledge, the CM said.

Fadnavis paid tributes to Gavai on the occasion of his 89th birth anniversary.

The memorial,coming up on 3.96 hectares of land at Mouje Mhasala near the Sant Gadgebaba Amravati University campus, is to have a full size statue of Gavai and a gallery devoted to his life and works.

The complex will also have a convention centre for academic, industrial and professional purposes, two auditoriums, a conference hall, an open theatre and a guest house.

"He was an encyclopedia in true sense and enhanced the esteem of all the posts he held in politics and social life," said Fadnavis.

"He was always a gem in the Maharashtra legislature and is known for his relations across parties. As Bihar Governor his contribution in education sector is still remembered," the chief minister said.

Meanwhile, Fadnavis also participated in the concluding ceremony of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj's 50th death anniversary event at Gurukunj Mozari in Amravati district this afternoon.

Fadnavis offered tributes at the samadhi of Tukdoji Maharaj.

"Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj gave us mantra of equality and he always opposed ill-practices. It is great to see that even after 50 years of his nirvan, his disciples are spreading his thoughts and teachings with dedication," he said.

"Our saint tradition is our biggest strength. It gives us power to face and fight against difficult times," Fadnavis said.

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