DIPR
Imphal, October 3,
Commemorating the 149th Birth Anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, a one day seminar was held at the Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Imphal yesterday. The seminar entitled ‘The Relevance of Gandhiji’s Non-Violence Today’ was organised by Raj Bhavan, Imphal in collaboration with Department of Education (S), Government of Manipur.
Speaking as the Chief Guest of function, Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla said, 149 years ago, the parents of Mahatma Gandhi may not have realised that one day he will become the Father of the Nation and a ‘Mahan Atma’, Mahatma Gandhi. She stated that students must have come across the vital role played by Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom struggle. Although there were many brave freedom fighters that fought against the British in their own way, Mahatma Gandhi devise a unique way in his fight against the British in a non-violent manner which achieved success. His Salt Satyagraha was a unique and non violent movement which shook the mighty British Empire. The path taken by Mahatma Gandhi was not an easy path and many a times he and his associates were brutally beaten by the British soldiers but he continued his agitation without retaliating with Himsa (violence). Mahatma Gandhi used his very strong weapon of non-violence and taught us the path of Truth, Peace and Swadeshi. He launched Swadeshi movement across the then India boycotting foreign made clothes and gave a new vision to the people using cotton weaving with the Charkha, she added.
Recounting her recent participation in khadi movement in Delhi in connection with Birth Celebration of Mahatma Gandhi, the Governor stated that the khadi movement is not only symbolic but has its own significance. By getting everyone involved in weaving their own clothes, he united the different section of the society like the tana- bana of khadi. Stating that every thing, every action of Mahatma Gandhi has its significance she said today we breathe in a free India. Everytime we relook and revisit Gandhiji’s movement, his teachings, we find a new message each time.
She further said that today there are different kinds of challenges and still have certain menaces within our societies. They are not foreign enemies, but are enemies within ourselves. There are people trying to create differences on the basis of caste, creed, religion and language.
Gandhiji brought everybody under one flag, our Tiranga (tricolour flag). He removed the most heinous practice of untouchability and went to live in the Dalit colonies. His contribution towards women is immense as he brought women into the forefront during freedom struggle. In today’s India, women have equal right with the men. There are many legislations passed against atrocities against women and children but still we come across atrocities against women and children, so we have to go back to look at Gandhiji’s teachings and try to see if Gandhiji was alive today, what he would have taught us to do.
She added that Gandhiji was against the use of alchohol and other intoxicants. Today people not only drink but drugs are also becoming common, especially among the youths. We need awareness among the youths to the harm it brings to human health as well in the family. The menace of drugs and psychotropic drugs is another menace to the life and health of the people.
Expressing her happiness on learning that Manipur has got the Open Defecation Free status, she said that we should be proud of this achievement. She said that as the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi in his first address to the nation, spoke on Swachhta, cleanliness, for everyone and those who suffered would have solely appreciated his words. She further added that Swachhta does not confine not only to the environment but also within ourselves, it is in our thinking and how we think about other people.
Governor further added that Gandhiji was against poverty. Taking advantage of the interaction and discussion of the seminar, she said, the young minds can also question and put forward their views and say what kind of India they want for them and for their future tradition. She added that from the seminar the students should try to understand and to see how relevant Mahatma Gandhi to the people of the country. Today Mahatma Gandhi stands among the top leaders of the world. We should not only be proud that he was an Indian but also be proud that we are following the path that Mahatma Gandhi has shown to all of us, she said.
Dr. N. Nalini Devi, Associate Professor, Department of History, GP Women College, Dr. K. Indrakumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, GP Women College, Dr. Homen Thangjam, and students spoke in lenght at the seminar. Professor S. Mangi, Department of Political Science, Manipur University was the moderator of the seminar.
Officials of Department of Education(S), Headmasters, Headmistress and students of different schools took part in the seminar. After the technical session, the film ‘Making of the Mahatma’ directed Shyam Benegal was also screened.
