Bilal Bashir Bhat
In a first, the people of Kashmir participated in large in a series of events and functions conducted in the length and breadth of Valley on 153th Gandhi Jayanti- an event to mark the birthday of “Father of Nation” Mahatma Gandhi. Pertinently, the UN General Assembly in 2007 declared that 2 October would be celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence as he (Gandhi) was a non-violent freedom fighter.
To mark the 153rd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the main function was held in SKICC Srinagar, where Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the finale of month-long celebrations held in schools across the J&K to mark the 153rd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, organized by the Department of School Education.
Speaking at the jam-packed gathering on the occasion, LG said that Mahatma Gandhi has shown a way to change the world. In addition, this change has to start with every individual, the Lt Governor observed.
When the country was in a state of gloom in 1947, Pujya Bapu ji saw a ray of hope in Kashmir. We are determined to build the J&K of Bapu’s dreams empowering every section of the society without discrimination, said the Lt Governor.
Violence has no place in a civilized society. Truth and Non-Violence were the true powerful instruments of Bapu. I urge people to imbibe the timeless teachings of Bapu and contribute to nation building. Misguided youth must shun the path of violence and join the mainstream, the Lt Governor said.
“Let us ensure that Gandhiji’s thoughts and wisdom of one nation one people enriches our diversity and strengthen our plural culture. We must follow his ideals to achieve the dream of Gram Swaraj and modern education rooted in our ancient values”, said the Lt Governor.
The country under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is working on the mantra on ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas’ and spreading the message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ & ‘Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti’ to the world, said the Lt Governor.
Following the ideals of Bapu, we are strengthening three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions to make the villages Aatm-Nirbhar. Far-flung areas are witnessing unprecedented development, he added.
Sh Rajiv Vora, noted Gandhian and Chairperson Swaraj Peeth Trust, spoke on the movements led by Mahatma Gandhi against the evils of society.
Sh Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lt Governor lauded the efforts of students and teachers of School Education and Higher Education Departments for the successful conduct of month-long celebrations of Gandhi Jayanti.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary said, Mahatma Gandhi is a living ideology of truth & non-violence and inspired the goal of making J&K: 2.0 which will have no place for fear, corruption, drug abuse and violence of any kind.
The Lt Governor also released eminent Scientist Prof Gautam Desiraju’s Book titled “Bharat: India 2.0” and appreciated the author for throwing light on the Constitution and the civilizational vision of India.
NAAC grading Awards were presented to the Colleges from across the UT, besides Swachh Vidyalaya Awards were conferred to the best performing schools.
Documentary on month-long celebrations of 153rd Gandhi Jayanti in educational institutions of the UT was also showcased.
Padam Shri SP Varma; Sh Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department; Sh RK Goyal, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department; Sh Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department; Sh Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary, School Education Department; Sh Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sh Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Vice Chancellors of various Universities, besides senior officials; Principals of schools & colleges; students, teachers, youth and prominent citizens from all walks of life were present on the occasion. Educational Institutions from across the UT were connected through virtual mode.
Meanwhile, Swachhta Abhiyan’s, pledge taking ceremonies, starting of campaigns and series of events today marked the celebration of the 153rd birth anniversary of Father of the Nation, M K Gandhi across all the districts of Kashmir.
