BADNORE PAYS TRIBUTES TO GANDHI ON HIS 150TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY AT GANDHI SAMARAK BHAWAN CALLS FOR EVOLVING INDIA OF BAPU’S DREAMS

Chandigarh October 2: To mark the 150TH Birth Anniversary celebrations of Mahatama Gandhi, Punjab Governor and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh, Sh. V.P. Singh Badnore today called upon the people to renew their pledge and work for creating a strong and vibrant nation with social equality, peace, harmony and free from the evils of untouchability and intoxicants, of Bapu’s dreams.

Addressing the people at a function in Gandhi Samarak Bhawan Chandigarh, Sh. Badnore said Nation owes a great debt to Mahatma Gandhi who led the Nation’s freedom movement, following a peaceful and non-violent path. The world has recognized his philosophy and the United Nations has declared his birth anniversary as the “International Day of Non-Violence” being observed throughout the length and breadth of globe.

He urged the people to move beyond usual events and take the shape of a mass movement – or ‘Jan Bhagidaari’, as rightly pointed out by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Sh. Narender Modi.

He said Bapu was an icon of peace and the pride of the entire world. He had influenced World leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and many others who followed Gandhi ji’s principles and became the icons of equality and peace in their own countries.

Referring to the sudden change in Gandhi Ji’s soft stand for the British, he said Gandhiji never visited Punjab before the 1919 Amritsar Massacre in which thousands of innocent people, gathered for a peaceful protest against the British, were killed in an indiscriminate firing which was ordered by General Dyer. This whole incident had left an indelible mark on the mind of Gandhiji that he changed his stand for the British ruling over India and reinforced his resolve to get India free from the British Raj.

Sh. Badnore appreciated the dedication and the commitment of the Chairman and the staff of the Gandhi Samarak Bhawan in highlighting the works and life of Gandhi Ji at the Gandhi Samarak Bhawan.

Assuring the Management of the Gandhi Samarak Bhawan, the Governor said that Chandigarh Administration would work out the modalities of the storey wise extension of the Bhawan, in keeping with the laid down rules for such extensions. He himself was ready to do anything for the Gandhi Bhawan which keeps Gandhi Ji alive through his principles and ideals, added Sh. Badnore.

Two manuals on Jal Shakti Campus – Jal Shakti Village and Swachh Campus published by Mahatma Gandhi National Council of Rural Education (MGNCRE) Hyderabad were also released by the Governor in the presence of Ms. Divya Chhabra and Mr. Priyavrt Sharma OSDs of Mahatma Gandhi National Council of Rural Education. These Manuals are the Action and implementation plans for Higher Education Institutions for development of a Water Conservation plan.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included former MP Mr. Satya Pal Jain, President of the Gandhi Samarak Bhawan Mr. K.K Sharda, Deputy Commissioner Chandigarh, Sh. Mandeep Singh Brar, Director Mr. Devraj Tayagi, Sh. Prem Vij, Sh. V. K. Kapoor , former IPS, Mrs. Poonam Sharma, former Mayor, besides Senior Citizens, Academicians, Research Scholars, School Students, authors, writers and other prominent persons Chandigarh.

Awards were also given to the school students for their spectacular performance on the occasion.