Junagadh: A book on former member of parliament(Rajya Sabha) and one of the persons very much in the foundation of Gujarat BJP Suryakant Acharya was released today by Governor of Karnataka Vajubhai Vala and former chief minister Keshubhai Patel. Former Health Minister Hemaben Acharya, former Gujarat BJP president Rajendrasinh Rana, folk artist Bhikhudan Gadhvi, former Gujarat Congress president Arjun Modhwadia, Manavadar Congress MLA Jawahar Chavda, Bharatbhai Gajipara among others were present on this occasion. The book has been compiled by veteran journalist Vishnubhai Pandya and Hareshbhai Dave.

Acharya passed away in December 2009 at the age of 80. He died of ailiment within 24 hours after then Chief Minister Narendra Modi special flew to Junagadh to meet him.

Born on 9 December 1929 in Junagadh, Acharya was Ba, B Com, LLB. Acharya left law practice and joined Jan Sangh in 1975 as full time worker. He actively worked for Jan Sangh in remotest parts of tribal Gujarat in areas like Dang, Valsad, Chhota Udepur, Panchamahal and Sabarkantha. His wife Hemaben was minister of Health in government of Gujarat between 1975-80. Acharya was text consultant by profession. He was Vice President of state planning commission in Keshubhai Patel’s government. He was elected to Rajyasabha in August 2005. In March 2006 he was appointed in Science and Technology, Environment and Forest committee of Rajya Sabha. He was also a member of Urban Development parliamentary committee.

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