Gandhi Jayanthi Celebrations in MGM College Udupi

By Snehalatha, Udupi
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 03 October 2012: The only way to save the democracy in our country is the non violence movement of Gandhi. Until we find another way, it is inevitable to take our country through the route of Gandhi, said Udupi Government Women’s College Principal Dr. Ramadas Prabhu. He was speaking during his special lecture on the principles of Gandhiji in the current situation on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi celebrations in Mahatma Gandhi Memorial College Udupi.

 

Leaders such as Mussolini, Stalin and Mao had established democracy through violence, but all of it came to an end in violence within years. But Gandhiji succeeded in establishing democracy through non violence and it has remained successful until today, he explained.

 

But still in India the communal violence has began to grow and this is a setback for the democracy, but even this communal violence can be eliminated through Gandhi’s non violence movement, opinioned Dr. Ramadas Prabhu.

 

 

 

All the famous freedom fighter of the world fought with just one intention such as nationalization or democracy. But Gandhiji is the only person who fought with multiple intentions such as democracy, women’s issues, village self administration, developments of Dalits, opposition to alcoholism and so on and succeeded in them, he said.

 

In the path of Gandhiji recently Anna Hajare began his fight against the corruption. But he expects quick results in hurry. Gandhiji succeeded in his fight through non violence which took him decades to do that. But Anna has not properly adopted the fight, so he is not getting the desired results, opinioned Dr. Ramadas Prabhu.

 

Gandhi Jayanthi is observed every year as a national holiday to commemorate the birth of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (October 2, 1869 - January 30, 1948). His non-violence or satyagraha continues to influence political leaders and movements till date. The celebration and essence of Gandhi Jayanti is not restricted within India and also observed by the United Nations as the International Day of non-violence that aims to disseminate his philosophy, principle and believe in non-violence through proper education and public awareness.

 

Celebration of Gandhi Jayanti is also a moment to relive Mohandas Gandhi’s life and contribution in India’s Independence. Born in a small coastal town Porbandar in Gujarat, Gandhi married Kasturbai Makhanji at the age of 13. His childhood memories and experiences are vividly depicted by him in his autobiography My experiments with truth.

 

Gandhi at the age of 18 went to England to study law and returned to India in 1915. After his homecoming, he led nationwide stir for achieving Sawaraj, abolition of social evils, empowering women rights and improving economic conditions of peasants and farmers. He further strengthened his movement against the British Raj and led Indians in protesting Dandi March Salt in 1930 that was later followed by the popular Quit India in 1942 calling British to leave India.

 

At Raj Ghat, New Delhi, and across India, people gather to observe Gandhi Jayanti in innovative ways that includes offering flowers on Gandhi’s pictures, statues and singing his favourite devotional song Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram.

 

The government offices, banks, schools and post offices remain closed on Gandhi Jayanti to pay homage to ’Father of the Nation’. Additionally, as a tribute to this great soul, the Indian government mint rupee notes and also issue postage stamp depicting Mahatma Gandhi’s photo. In May 19, 2011 at Geneva, a 1948 10 Rupee Mahatma Gandhi stamp was auctioned for a whopping price of US $205,000 making it a world record as the most pricey modern postal stamp from any country.

 

Many ardent followers make effort to preserve Gandhi’s belongings, works and writings through various means with the support of governments and non-profit organizations. Online portals are also acting as major contributors in preserving and providing information on Mahatma Gandhi and about Gandhi Jayanti celebration.

 

The significance of Gandhi Jayanti celebration transcends beyond commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s birth and his life as followers renounce violence and entirely devote themselves to Gandhi’s philosophy and principles of Ahimsa i.e living a life by following non-violence.

 

The celebration of Gandhi Jayanti conventionally kicks off by singing prayers, offering flowers, lighting candles and garlanding Gandhiji’s photo or statue. Mahatma Gandhi’s life and principles has inspired lives of all ages. And if you are enthusiastic to explore more about him and Gandhi Jayanti, then Gandhi Jayanti 2012 is the right time to become familiar with his perpetual and valuable philosophy, and also his role as an architect of Indian Independence.

 

In the celebration program held at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial College, Principal Dr. P. Venkataramana Gowda, PU College Principal Malatidevi and Student Sonal Nayak were present on the dias. Lecturer Vasanth Kumar welcomed the guests and the gathering. Surendranatha Shetty compeered the program.

 

As part of this program essay competition was conducted and the winners were given prizes. Also on this occasion exhibition of rare photographs of Gandhiji were conducted.