Rich tributes paid to Mahatma Gandhi

Cong leaders paying floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi in Jammu on Saturday.
Cong leaders paying floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi in Jammu on Saturday.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 30: Various organizations including Pradesh Congress and its frontal bodies paid rich tributes to the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi in different programs organised across the State today.
In Jammu, rich tributes were paid to father of the nation on  his martyrdom in a function held at PCC headquarters Shaheedi Chowk here today. PCC vice president  Sham Lal Sharma (former minister) presided over the function. While paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Sham Lal recalled the great contribution of father of nation who led the freedom movement of the country and achieved it through non- violence means. His philosophy of non- violence, peace and brotherhood is becoming more relevant with every passing day as the entire world looks towards Mahatma Gandhi for guidance. He cautioned the people against the communal and divisive forces which are bent upon to divide the society for their vested interest.
Raman Bhalla in his address said that the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi is becoming more relevant with every passing day. The entire world tries to learn a lesson from his life and principles. His philosophy holds the key to peace and religious harmony in the world. He taught non-violence and tolerance to deal with all issues confronting the humanity.
Mr Niaz, Ravinder Sharma and Indu Pawar while paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi cautioned people and the party  workers  about the attempt  to torpedo the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi  by certain forces which glorify his killer and said that  such a path is a threat to the secular fabric of this nation.
Prominent among those who attended the function included Vikram Malhotra, Manmohan Singh, Mahila Congress President Indu Pawar; Th Shiv Dev Singh (Ex-MLA); Anil Chopra- president District Congress Committee Jammu (Urban), Shamsher Singh Chib, Shashi Sharma, Neeraj Gupta, Thomas Khokhar,  Nirdosh Sharma, Sobha Singh, Surinder Gupta (all Secretaries), KL Gupta, BB Gupta, Sukhdev Singh, Mian Nazir Ahmed,  M L Malagar, Mansa Ram, Dr RK Khajuria, Ashwani Handa, J L Kaul,   Chanchal Popli, Padamni Langeh and Ram Prakash Magotra.
DCC Kathua organised a function at Hiranagar to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi today. Former MLC Subash Chander Gupta, DCC chief  presided over the function whereas, a large number of Congress activists present on the occasion paid floral tributes to the great leader of the nation.
Mr Gupta paying while paying tributes  described Mahatma Gandhi as real saint who earned name in the entire world by showing his tolerance against violence. Throwing light on the philosophy and life of Mahatma Gandhi, he said that his life was full of devotion, dedication and truthfulness.  Mahatma told the world the lesson of truth and non-violence. Gandhi ji worked not only for India but for the world community also.  His ideas are very much relevant even today and world needs to adopt these ideas, he added.
Prominent among those who paid tributes included Bishan Singh Jasrotia, Parveena Devi, KC Bhagat, Capt Raj Singh, Ruldu Ram, Yugal Kishore Bali, Anant Ram Dogra, Narinder Rathore, Master Satpal Sharma, Ramesh Kundal  and Ashok Kumar.
Pradesh Mahila Conbgress led by Indu Pawar observed this day as `Sadbhavna Diwas and organised a procession in this connection. The Mahila Congress workers were carrying banners and placards in hands. The workers pledged to maintain communal harmony and brotherhood.
Divisional Commissioner, Jammu Dr Pawan Kotwal paid rich floral tributes to Father of the Nation  on his martyrdom at a function organized by the Gandhi Global Family (GGF) here today.
Additional Director General Police, SM Sahai was also present on the occasion. Remembering the supreme sacrifice and extra-ordinary contribution of Father of the Nation, Dr Kotwal said that it was the vision and high principles of non-violence, secularism, amity and peace that everyone rallied behind Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom movement to  free the country from colonial rule. Gandhiji’s teachings, especially the non-violence shall remain ever relevant globally and continue to inspire millions of people in future.
While speaking on the occasion Mr Sahai exhorted upon the people to vow for development, unity and integrity of the State and follow the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi in real spirit.
Vice president SP Verma and other members of GGF, senior citizens, teachers, students from various schools of Jammu district also participated in the function and paid tributes to Gandhiji.
State unit of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) organised `Shardhanjli Samaroh’ to observe martyrdom of Mahatma Gandhi. Th Randhir Singh, state president presided over the programme. Mr Singh and several other NCP activists paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and recalled his contributions.
A special morning assembly was held by the students of  GD Goenka Public School, Jammu, under the banner of Gandhi Peace Foundation. This day is observed as ‘Martyr’s Day’, throughout the country. The assembly  helped in inculcating values of patriotism amongst the students.
The assembly began with the morning prayer followed by events like  a dance-depicting the spirit of ‘Vande Matram’, followed by songs that kindled the flame of Nationalism and love for the country. The Principal of the school, Dr  RP Singh spoke about the meaning and importance of the word -‘Patriot’. This assembly paved way for respect for our Matryrs .The essence of the Assembly was to create awareness amongst the budding patriots and leaders of the future nation.
NSS Unit and Department of EVS of Govt College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu organized ‘Tree Talk’ to promote usefulness of plants in day-today’s life. On this occasion OP Sharma Vidyarthi (IFS) was the resource person and Dr Kiran Bakshi, Principal of this College was the chief guest. The programme began by paying floral tributes to the father of the Nation Mahatama Gandhi who attained martyrdom on this day. The resource person acquainted students with the different species of plants and their uses.
Dr Bakshi also stressed upon the need of preserving and cultivating plants for betterment of society. On the occasion Dr Suman Bala, HOD Botany, Dr Ashaq Malik, Dr Deepak Pathania, Ms Preetika Jamwal, Ms Prerna Samyal and Ms Anisha were also present.
JK Against Corruption, an NGO  today remembered Mahatma Gandhi  on his death anniversary in a program organized at  Kacchi Chawani under the leadership of  Vikram Singh- chairman. A two-minute silence in memory of Gandhi Ji was observed by the participants.