MUMBAI, NOV 6: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today stressed that constructive work is the need of the hour for national reconstruction. He said that it was unfortunate that the contribution made in the field of productive work, is not getting the publicity it rightfully deserves, whereas politics and even those from the underworld attached with politicians, are always in the limelight.He further stated that there are hurdles along the way and lamented that sometimes, law comes in the way of good work, or at least delays it. He commented on how our nation is full of unlimited resources including manpower, yet even 50 years after Independence, we have not achieved a satisfactory stage.The Prime Minister was speaking during the 20th annual Jamnalal Bajaj Awards presentation function at Y B Chavan Centre this evening. He gave away awards to four recipients: Acharaya Ramamurti from Bihar for his outstanding contribution in the filed of constructive work, D Devendra Kumar from Maharashtra forapplication of science and technology for rural development, Dr Rajammal P Devadas from Tamil Nadu for outstanding contribution to the welfare and upliftment of women and children and Jharna Dhara Chowdhury from Bangladesh for promoting Gandhian values abroad.Ramamurti, in his acceptance speech, remarked that Gandhian values of peace should be recognised in these times of soaring crime. Commenting on the recent shootout at the Bandra station platform, he said, `` I will think twice about coming to Mumbai again.''Vajpayee warned that the government cannot be solely relied upon for national awakening and reconstruction. ``The government is the means to attain it, while the society should endeavour,'' he noted, and candidly added that even the government is ``failing to maintain law and order''. He said,``But law and order is not enough; economic growth, prosperity and social justice should be our aim.''He pointed out that the developments in the last seven months, since he came to power, have been``worrisome'' for him and that he was ``better off while in the Opposition. At least then, there was no responsibility to show results.''Vajpayee asked each village to fight for the decentralisation of power. He also exhorted large business houses to follow the Gandhian idea of forming trusteeship and share their wealth for the well-being of the nation, as the late Jamnalal Bajaj had started and which his group was keeping alive.Rahul Bajaj, chairman of the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, thanked the Prime Minister for his presence and said that the awards have been instituted in the memory of his late grandfather, who was ``totally dedicated to the Constructive Movement under the inspiration of Gandhiji''.
